White interiors and décor have long been associated with formality and immaculate surroundings. In home design, the front formal room that special guests sat in seemed to be the one room that no one was aloud in! Today, white has taken on a new look, from casual interiors to soft fabrics, tones of white are gorgeous and are for everyday living. By adding pops of color to white, or adding dark, rich colors, white seems to have taken on a new persona in modern home décor. Here are 10 ways to beautify your home with white, the most versatile color in the spectrum! 1.) Vary tones of … [Read more...]
UK residential property letting agents urged to check terms and conditions
July 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The Office of Fair Trading in the UK is warning the letting agents sector to check that their terms and conditions are fair and transparent as it publishes an evaluation of its consumer enforcement case against Foxtons for breaching the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999 (UTCCRs). In February 2010, the OFT secured an enforcement order from the High Court when it ruled that Foxtons' renewal commission terms were not transparent, which led to Foxtons amending some of their letting agreement terms. The evaluation finds that the OFT intervention has resulted in positive … [Read more...]
Original plans for Edinburgh New Town back on display following conservation
July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Original plans for Edinburgh's New Town are going back on display at the Museum of Edinburgh in the Canongate having been painstakingly conserved by a specialist paper conservator. The plans, drawn by architect James Craig, provided a vision for the New Town which still exists today, and is key to Edinburgh's World Heritage status. Two drawings by James Craig have been conserved, one known as the 'Adopted Plan' signed by the Lord Provost in 1767, and the 'Circus Plan' showing an alternative vision for the New Town. The conservator lifted a paper patch covering part of Charlotte … [Read more...]
Homes and offices plan for Edinburgh’s Powderhall
July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A MAJOR new housing and office development is being planned in Powderhall. Springfield Properties is preparing to lodge an application for consent to build up to 100 new homes in Beaverhall Road. The development would also include up to 300 square metres of office space, as well as roads and other infrastructure. The residential and office space would be created within five blocks of six storey-tall buildings, as well as two separate 2.5-storey high townhouses. A community consultation event takes place later this month. Have your say in the comment section below. Source: … [Read more...]
Secure your place at Anderson Strathern Property 2011 – Book Today!
July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Property 2011, Realising Development in the New Economy, brings together an impressive line up of speakers to examine some of the key issues facing the property industry including the economy, regeneration and mixed use projects, funding models for property projects, environmental opportunites and planning. Take advantage of the 'early bird' discounted rate, available for those who book before 1 August, for our Property Conference taking place on Wednesday 7 September at the EICC, Edinburgh. Property 2011, Click here for more details and to register. Speakers Nick Berry, Partner - … [Read more...]
Scottish economy escapes recession
July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Scotland's economy came close to a double dip recession last winter, according to official figures. The latest GDP figures showed that the economy barely grew in the first three months of this year, after a sharp fall at the end of 2010. It rose by only 0.1%, compared with the UK figure of 0.5% in the same period. The construction sector suffered particularly badly with output falling by 3.6% while the production and service sectors both grew. The production sector increased by 0.9% while the rise in the service sector was 0.3%. Finance Secretary John Swinney said: "The Scottish … [Read more...]
Rental levels are surging as people put off buying
July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
TENANTS in Scotland face rising costs as demand for private rented homes continues to soar. The average rent in Scotland has reached its highest level since the banking crisis began in autumn 2008, according to the latest quarterly update from Citylets, the lettings website. And with no sign of tenant demand easing, with many still frozen out of the housing market, costs are set to carry on climbing. Rents in Scotland have gone up by 1.4 per cent in the past year to an average of £663, the highest since the third quarter of 2008, the lettings portal reveals today. Its report, covering the … [Read more...]
Land Securities’ positive outlook
July 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment
LAND Securities, the real estate investment trust, said the outlook for Scotland remained good, despite the bleak economic conditions in many parts of the UK. “We are making good progress with the 185-221 Buchanan Street development in Glasgow which is now 68.7% pre-let by income, and we are continuing to see a steady flow of lettings across our Scottish centres,” said Katherine Armstead, Land Securities’ portfolio manager for Scotland. “Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow has attracted a host of new fashion brands this year, including Boux Avenue which chose the centre for its first … [Read more...]
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