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The importance of registering for properties At Bennet Samways, we love matching our clients to their perfect property, and all-around Ashbourne and Derbyshire we have a selection of exclusive cottages, family homes, country retreats, town houses and character properties. Our team of local experts know the area well, especially as we live here within the community. This knowledge enables us to help understand specific requirements, as well as saving you time looking for your next home.  Just for background – the office at Ednaston Park is located centrally to our area, thus enabling us to access our area with ease.  We encompass the area from the west of Derby, including Allestree, Quarndon Duffield, Belper, Ambergate, Kniveton, Carsington, and Wirksworth across Ashbourne to The Peak District National Park. This includes some beautiful villages set in outstanding conservation areas including Alstonefield, Thorpe, Hartington , Parwich, Butterton and Tissington.  South of Ashbourne there is a plethora of stunning Derbyshire Dales villages handy for the A50 including Marston Montgomery, Snelston, Roston, Longford, Yeaveley and Shirley to name a few. We are different as we listen and take the time to really understand your specific requirements for your property search. Everyone has different needs and aspirations, so understanding your criteria, however long your list may be, is important to us in finding your next dream home. Sometimes you may have a long list, and it’s in these moments when we need to find out the most important requirements, so we can prioritise these in your search. It’s all about talking to you and listening when registering you as an applicant. Registering with Bennet Samways is really important, as we will inform you of the latest new instruction as it is launched, 24– 48 hours before any Rightmove alert.  Also, our area is populated with many unique, and rural properties which often can be snapped up, so being the first to find the latest new instructions has never been so vital.

Septic tanks and sewage treatment plants   Septic tanks in England can no longer discharge untreated sewage into a watercourse. If your discharge causes pollution it may be considered an offence and can result in the Environment Agency taking enforcement action against you. The Regulations In 2015, the General binding rules for small sewage discharges were announced, aimed at those who discharge their sewage either into the ground or to surface water. The ‘General binding rules: small sewage discharge to a surface water’ regulations were also announced, giving owners of septic tanks that release liquid into surface water until 1 January 2020 to make the necessary changes to comply. The reason for the regulations is to prevent pollution and ensure that sewage is properly disposed of. Who is affected? If you own a septic tank to get rid of your sewage, then the regulations apply to you. Rural properties are more likely to have septic tanks as they are sometimes unable to connect to a public sewer. If your septic tank discharges into a watercourse, then it must also follow the new regulations. What are the changes? If your septic tank currently releases untreated sewage into a watercourse, then you must change your sewage management to prevent this. You can do so in three ways: Connect to a public/mains sewer (if possible). Install a drainage field/soakaway to discharge the wastewater into the ground instead. Install a sewage treatment plant instead of a septic tank to allow the water to be treated before being discharged into a watercourse. Watercourses and surface water You can discharge into a watercourse, but only if you are using a sewage treatment plant to do so. The following are all considered to be watercourses: River Brook Beck Ditch Stream Leat Goyle Rhyne Culvert New discharges (systems that are installed after 1 January 2015) cannot be installed on surface water that doesn’t contain flowing water throughout the year, or watercourses that seasonally/regularly dry up, unless there happens to be a drought or an unusually long period of dry weather. Discharges are also not allowed into enclosed lakes or ponds; there must be flowing water throughout the year. Connecting to a sewer If you wish to connect to a public sewer, you must first check with your local water company to see if there is one nearby. You must then apply and pay for your property to be connected to the sewer system through your local water company. If a public sewer is within 30 metres of the part of your property that is served by your current treatment system, then you will not be able to start a new discharge and may have to opt to connect to the public sewer instead.   Installing a drainage system If you are planning on keeping or installing a septic tank, then you will have to install a drainage system. This allows the wastewater to be safely dispersed into the ground and prevent pollution. You must ensure you install a system that meets the British standard of BS 6297:2007 and be sure to use professionals who will install the correct system. If you plan on using a partial drainage field or seasonal soakaway (which discharges water into the ground when the watercourse levels are low) then this must be used in conjunction with a sewage treatment plant, not a septic tank.   Installing a sewage treatment plant If you intend to discharge your wastewater into a watercourse, then you must install a sewage treatment plant. They treat sewage and wastewater to a higher standard than a septic tank and will allow less pollution to occur in the watercourse. It is recommended that you use an accredited service engineer to advise you on what treatment plant to install and ensure that you are following the general binding rules outlined in the regulations. You will also need building regulation approval and/or planning permission to install a new sewage treatment plant.   Buying a property with a sewage treatment system If a property you wish to buy still has a sewage treatment system that is non-compliant, then discuss with the seller whether they intend to replace or upgrade their waste management system before the sale is complete, so that the property follows the General Binding Rules. You will need to agree with the seller who will be responsible for the replacement or upgrade of the existing treatment system as a condition of sale. The seller must supply all the necessary information of the sewage treatment system to the buyer (see below). Be sure to ask the seller to supply this if they haven’t already. If the seller is unwilling to improve or upgrade their system and would prefer you, the buyer, to be responsible instead, then consider talking to your agent to make up for the future costs of improving it yourself.   Selling a property with sewage treatment system First, you must ensure you have installed a sewage treatment system that is compliant with the new rules before you sell the property. Being non-compliant will not only detract potential buyers, but you may be subject to enforcement and sanctions by the Environment Agency. You must also provide the following information to the buyer: A description of the treatment plant and drainage system The location of the main parts of the treatment plant, drainage system and discharge point Details of any changes made to the treatment plant and drainage system Details of how the treatment plant should be maintained, and the maintenance manual if you have one Maintenance records if you have them Get a permit If, for any reason, you believe you are unable to follow any of the General Binding Rules, then you will have to apply for a permit. You can get help from the Environment Agency for your application or alternatively, contact them directly to discuss your circumstances. It is recommended you contact the Environment Agency before you start any changes to your discharge system, to ensure you are installing the most appropriate system and correctly following the General Binding Rules.   Talk to your estate agent An estate that specialises in rural properties such as ours will be able to advise you further on what to be aware of when buying or selling a property with a sewage management system. We always recommend using a NAEA Propertymark Protected Agent, who are qualified, trained professionals who are up to date with the latest regulations like we do.  

Egginton Mews Development We are delighted that Radbourne Homes have chosen Bennet Samways to act as sole selling agents. A brand new and exciting development coming to market in the sought after and idyllic village of Egginton. Egginton Mews consists of eight individually designed mews style homes in a stylish exclusive development. Starting from £525,000, offering attached, and detached range of luxurious high specification homes. Egginton is a sought after village, which is strategically positioned within a few miles of the A38, giving quick access to Burton On Trent, Derby and Lichfield train stations. There is also great access via A50 link to East Midlands airport. Register your interest now, before the first phase is released on 01335 818550, or visit our website www.bennetsamways.co.uk

Independent Mortgage Advice We have teamed up with an established, local independent mortgage advice company, who provide first class advice in helping you choose the right mortgage for your particular circumstances. They have the advantage of being able to search the whole of market, without being tied to just a few providers.  They have access to 100’s of lenders, from large mainstream to the smaller individual ones, for more complex bespoke financing options. With fixed and variable rates available, and with so much to discuss, it’s really important to be able get sound advice from a company you can trust. You could be at the beginning of your journey searching for a new property, and it’s crucial to get the correct advice to help you budget for the right properties. Another crucial advantage is to be able to act quickly in providing an Agreement in Principle (AIP), or a Decision in Principle (DIP) to demonstrate you can afford a property when making offers. We also highly recommend that after you have had your valuation you book a mortgage review, to see what you can comfortably afford with regard to your onward move. Finally, our independent mortgage advisers will not normally charge* for any advice, or for the service of sourcing, and processing your mortgage application up to completion, when you move in. * there may be a charge in some circumstances due to the complexity of the application, but this will be advised at the earliest opportunity Exclusive Benefits Independent Mortgage Advice Free Appointments Free Advice With No Charge* Whole Of The Market Choice of Lenders Expert Advice Support all the way through to completion

Estate Agents Fees Explained Estate agent costs can vary enormously, so when it comes to fees, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying for when you're selling your house or property. To help you find what works best for you, we’ve set out everything you need to know about estate agent fees, and factors to consider that may affect how much you will end up having to pay. How much are estate agent fees? In today’s market, price is a big factor for many property sellers, especially because of the other costs you have to pay out for moving home. So first, let us explain the difference between a commission based and fixed fee agent. Commission fees Some agents will charge a commission for their services, which is a percentage value of the final agreed sale price, and as it is wholly dependent on the price of property for sale, costs can really vary. This fee typically covers: a realistic property valuation based on local market research, trends and past sales data; accurate floorplans and measurements; quality e-brochure to maximise presentation; professional photographs; social media marketing the installation and removal of a ‘for sale’/’sold’ sign; assisted accompanied viewings; website marketing of your property; and negotiation costs. Fixed Fees A fixed fee, however, does what it says on the tin - it is a set price for an estate agent's specific service. But it’s important to remember that with this model, there could be a choice of packages available with varying levels of service, aimed at different price points. Prices usually start from around £1,200 but costs can escalate if you opt for added extras – like a floor plan or assisted viewings – so be sure to check what's included in the bundle before you sign on the dotted line. Some estate agents offering a fixed fee option will also give you the choice to pay upfront or defer the payment and pay at a later date. Now, whilst the latter may seem attractive, it’s not without conditions. If you choose to defer, a loan agreement will be created with a third-party financial advisor and you may incur additional costs (such as interest) so make sure you understand exactly what you are signing up to. Whatever type of estate agent you choose to use, always make sure they are NAEA Propertymark Protected. When do you pay estate agent fees? Estate agent fees are normally due upon completion (when the property has been sold and contracts exchanged), however, some estate agents may require you to pay upfront. Be sure to check the estate agency agreement, as this will stipulate when fees will need to be paid. Usually, your agent will send their invoice to your solicitor and upon completion of the sale, your solicitor will settle the agent’s bill directly out of your sale proceeds before transferring the balance to you. Be aware of the terms of payment, and make sure your agency allows a few days for the money to be transferred before they start charging interest. Many estate agents will give you a five to 10-day grace period in which to make payment before charging you a daily interest rate, however, the number of days in which to pay will be stated in your contract. So, what should you be asking your estate agent? There are a lot of questions you should be asking your agent, particularly if you’re a first-time seller, but when it comes to costs, the below should cover the basics: What is included in your estate agency fee? Does your quote include VAT? Will you provide floor plans and professional photos of my house, and is this at an extra cost? Will you provide and install a ‘for sale’ board, and will I be charged extra for this? Do I have to pay an additional fee for marketing? Where will you advertise my property? How many websites will my property listing feature on? Will you market my property on any of the social media platforms? Do you charge extra for ‘enhanced’ listings or being a ‘featured property’ on the main property websites etc? Are there any other costs I might incur? Whilst it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, you should pick an estate agent that is right for you. For peace of mind, you may want to get quotes from a couple of local trusted agents. Visit the NAEA Propertymark website to find a local expert.

Tiny Tim Trust Charity Golf Day The Tiny Tim Trust supports children living with special needs in Derbyshire. They provide specialised equipment, early learning aids, safety equipment, educational toys and IT equipment. We were incredibly proud to support this fantastic charity at Chevin Golf Course in Duffield last Friday. The day finished with a lovely meal, and a fantastic auction. On the day they raised the magnificent sum of £10,250 from the various activities, both on the golf course, and in the clubhouse. Of note, was the Auction held in the evening after the dinner - Charles Hanson was our host and auctioneer, sharing stories of his life as an Auctioneer.

WHY YOU WILL BE CHECKED FOR MONEY LAUNDERING WHEN BUYING A PROPERTY When you think of money laundering, your mind may turn to the world of Hollywood movies and gangsters, however, in reality, it is a genuine problem here in the UK, with the property industry particularly vulnerable. Every year billions of pounds are laundered, and the recent release of the Government Russia Report further demonstrates the opportunity there is for illicit money to be used in large property transactions. As a result, when you buy a property in the UK your estate agent, solicitor and mortgage lender are required to carry out important checks to confirm your identity and to ensure that your finances are all above board. This guide explains why these checks exist, how they are carried out and all the documents you will need to satisfy them. Money Laundering and The Law Purchasing property in the UK is a common method used by serious organised criminals to launder the proceeds of criminal activity. The sheer size of the property market and the high value of property assets means that extremely large amounts of criminal funds can be ‘cleaned’ in a single transaction, making it appear that it has been acquired legitimately. For this reason, anyone buying a property must adhere to Money Laundering Regulations and provide proof of their identity and their funds to make sure their money is coming from legal sources. As purchasing property can be expensive, it means that criminals can potentially clean a lot of money at once. For this reason, estate agents must do these checks on everyone buying a property through them, to make sure their money is coming from legal sources. Who carries out the checks? The selling estate agent, your mortgage lender, and your solicitor or conveyancer will all carry out money laundering checks at some point during the house buying process. If you get asked for proof more than once, do not be put off; it is a legal requirement for everyone to check where your money has come from. The estate agent, lender or solicitor could be fined or imprisoned if they don’t undertake these checks. Remember, your agent, lender and solicitor are all separate; just because you’ve shown proof to one, doesn’t mean the others will have seen it. Make sure you keep all your evidence together so that you can easily show it to everyone who will need to see it. What documents will I be asked for? Proof of Identity To make sure you are who you say you are, you will be asked for proof of your current address and your name. You will be asked for a copy of at least two of the following documents, which you should have on hand to speed up the process. Proof of Name Current passport Residence permit Current UK/EU photo driving license HMRC (Inland Revenue) Tax Notification State pension or benefits book/notification letter Proof of Address Current tax bill from your local authority Current UK/EU photo driving license (if not used as proof of name) Rent card or tenancy agreement from your local authority Recent mortgage statement (within the last 3 months) Bank statement (within the last 3 months) Utility bill (not mobile & within the last 3 months) Proof of Funds To check that you have legally acquired the money you are using to buy the property, you will be asked to supply a proof of funds. You may find that that you are asked for proof of funds initially by some estate agent because they want to make sure you are a genuine buyer who is interested in the property. However, you don’t have to provide proof of funds before putting an offer in if you don’t want to. We will ask for proof of funds after you put an offer in, as we are not only checking that you have the money to actually pay for the property, but also carrying out our money laundering checks. You must provide proof of funds if asked for it at this stage. Similarly, you will also be asked by your solicitor or conveyancer and your mortgage provider once the ball is rolling on your property purchase. Examples of Proof Proof of funds can be shown with: An agreement in principle/mortgage in principle Bank statements of your deposit amount (for mortgage buyers) Bank statements of your cash amount (for cash buyers) Evidence of you selling a property (if using the funds to buy the new property) Evidence if the money has been gifted We can ask you to provide more details of where your money has come from. This is normal practice as all estate agents must conform to the Money Laundering Regulations, and doing thorough checks is standard practice. Further Proof Depending on where you got the money for your deposit or the property’s price (if you are a cash buyer), you may be asked for further proof to show that the money has come from where you have claimed. We may require, for example: A letter from whoever gifted your money (e.g. your parents have given money towards your deposit, won the lottery, left money in a will) Further bank statements from the past months/years (to show how your money has built up over time) Evidence or receipts for gambling winnings, sale of shares or other large amounts of money in your bank account Best practice is to keep evidence of where all the funds going towards your property purchase have come from; that way you can be prepared if anyone asks for it. Use an NAEA Propertymark Protected Agent Agents who display our logo are well-informed on the checks they must undertake on their customers and abide to the Government regulations. They will guide you through what proof is required. Different agents may have different procedures in place to check your identity and your source of funds.

7 THINGS WHICH WILL DEVALUE YOUR HOME Moving home is an exciting time, however, the process can be, undoubtedly, stressful. The first step is to get your property valued, but it’s important to know what could add value to your home and what might put potential buyers off. Sometimes the improvements and changes you have made might make the property less attractive to buyers, so before you start thinking about putting your house on the market, it’s worth taking stock and making any necessary alterations to give you the best chance of getting your asking price. We would be glad to advise you on any small changes you may want to make before placing your home on the market. There are several things which homeowners are sometimes surprised to hear can devalue their home, here are some key things which could have a negative impact on your property's value. 1 - Over Personalisation Of course, when it comes to decorating your house, you should design it to suit your personal taste. However, if your taste is particularly colourful or bold, it might be worth redecorating before you start to market your home. Typically, modestly decorated homes are most desirable, as homeowners can easily see how their own belongings would fit into the space, and how they could make it their home. 2 - Condition Of Property It might sound obvious, but the condition of the property is an important factor for buyers, particularly those who want a property that’s ready to move into without having to spend too much money doing it up. Issues such as evidence of damp, cracks in the walls, poor roof condition, an old boiler, and single-glazed windows can all have an impact on the value of your property and interest from buyers. 3 - Bad Presentation If you’re looking to sell your home, make sure it’s presented in the best way possible. Everything should be clean, clutter tidied away, and any outstanding DIY jobs should be finished. If a home smells fresh and clean it has a much greater chance of selling quickly. 4 - Swimming Pools Although great fun for a weekend or two in the summer, swimming pools in Britain aren’t usually considered an attractive house feature. They’re expensive to maintain, use up a lot of space, and the great British weather means you can’t use them very often – making them a lot more fuss than they’re worth and a turn-off to potential buyers. If your property has an outside swimming pool that is run down, you might want to consider filling it in. If it is in great condition, then think about selling your home in the summer when your pool is up and running and looking its best. 5 - Planning Permission & Building Regulations If you have had any work carried out whilst you’ve been living in the property, such as extensions or conversions, make sure you obtained appropriate planning permission and building regulations, and have access to these documents. If you haven’t got the right documents, you may find that you must pay for them retrospectively before agreeing a sale. 6 - Darkened Rooms If you have two identical properties, but one is bright and airy while the other is dark and dingy, nine times out of 10, the brighter one will be worth more because it’s more desirable. If you’ve planted lots of bushes and trees close to the windows, these may affect what buyers think, and frosted glass windows or netted curtains can also sometimes have the same effect. 7 - Japanese Knotweed The invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed, is more common than you think, and it can damage the foundations of your home and significantly devalue it if it’s at risk of subsidence as a result. If you think you can see any in your garden, call a professional to excavate is as soon as possible. Information provided by NAEA Propertymark