Country houses for sale
Guides and advice
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Is this the end of the Forever Home?
The classic dream of finding a family house in which you can settle down, raise a family and grow old has never been harder to obtain. So has the concept of the 'Forever Home' had its day? Annabel Dixon reports.
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The abolition of Stamp Duty: Will it happen? Could it happen? What would replace it? And what would be the impact?
The Conservative Party promises to abolish Stamp Duty on primary residences if it wins the next election. We canvassed property experts from across the housing industry to see what the impact would be.
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'You simply would not move unless you had to': All the rumours about what The Budget could do to the property market in Britain — and what they'd mean for buyers and sellers
Months of speculation about a shake-up for property taxes has been taking its toll on the housing market in Britain. Annabel Dixon outlines the proposals which have been doing the rounds, and asks experts for their analysis.
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The eight places touted as the 'New Cotswolds' — and how they match up to the real thing
You can scarcely go a week without reading about how this or that place is the 'New Cotswolds'. But what's wrong with the old Cotswolds in the first place? And are the pretenders to the crown worth considering for those seeking to move away from London? Anna White investigates.
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How to buy a house at auction
Buying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
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So you want to buy a ruined castle? Here's what you need to know
Buying a property that includes a ruin — whether it be a castle, ancient priory or a crumbling Roman villa — carries undoubted romance, but there are caveats.
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The catch-22 holding back the property market in Britain — and the clever idea that could take the handbrake off
There's a growing swell of opinion that a Stamp Duty tax break for downsizers could unblock the impasse in the property market. Annabel Dixon explains.
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60 simple sustainability tips to make your home, garden and life better
We spoke to experts to get their tips on practical steps we can all make to live a more sustainable life in all areas of our homes and gardens.
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Curious Questions: Does a blue plaque make your house more valuable?
London’s multiplying Blue Plaques certainly add interest, but do they affect property values? Eleanor Doughty investigates.
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The best things to add to to your house to increase its value, from party barns to dressing rooms
Which does more for your house’s value – a conservatory, dressing room, gym, media room or party barn? Annunciata Elwes calls on the experts.
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The perfect shopping list for a 'forever home'? Detached, in the country, and close to a decent pub
The ideal 'forever home' has four bedroroms, two bathrooms and a garden that's not too big and not too small, according to new research.
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Northamptonshire: Why this county of spires and squires is more than just a backdrop to the M1
There’s much more to Northamptonshire – including the great houses of Althorp, Boughton and Easton Neston – than meets the eye of drivers on the M1, discovers Rupert Uloth.
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How to dress a property to rent quickly, and at the best possible price
A bit of time and effort spent presenting your rental property can pay huge dividends, as Molly Biddell explains.
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Property guide to Elstead
Freddie Mack shares the secrets of Elstead in Surrey, a prime spot for young families looking for properties outside London near good schools
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The best of culture in the countryside
These days, there's so much more than duck-racing and cricket going on across the countryside. Tessa Waugh picks out some of our most culturally inclined village communities
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Property guide to Cheriton
If you're considering buying property in or around Cheriton this year, take a look at our property guide which covers where to buy, what prices to expect and where to have fun in the area
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Restoring Georgian period property
Top tips for restoring Georgian properties, from kitchens to staircases to woodcarving and exteriors
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Improve your period windows
Instead of replacing draughty period windows with double glazing, choosing secondary glazing can improve heat retention and aesthetics
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Save money on your restoration project
How can you economise on a big country-house restoration project? By not moving in for two years, finds Arabella Youens
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Top ten things to look for when buying a period house
Buying and renovating a period property is many people's dream but there are issues to take into consideration even when commissioning the survey which will save time and money down the line
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How to prepare your house for winter
As winter approaches, experts advise that preventative measures are crucial for our houses to weather hard winters
