Let's Talk Property

Chatting to property people is so enjoyable when you hear the passion in their voices about what they do, their dreams and goals.

Carolyn and Steven Sparks are such people.  They share their property passion, business ethos and how a Channel 5 programme, 'The Hotel Inspector' inspired their latest conversion in Lewes, East Sussex.

The last 2 years have been particularly difficult for people in all industries.  Yet I get the impression that there's nothing that gets in the way of this couple who live and work together to deliver properties of which they are immensely proud.

October 2021

In today's show, I chat with Alex O'Connor of Sussex Drone Surveys.  

Alex shares how his desire for a lifestyle change led him to reassess his career journey.  

Sussex Drone Surveys was created about 3 months ago, following 12 years in leasehold management.  Alex combined his experience within the building management sector with his growing interest in flying drones - which he'd done whilst on holiday, creating amazing videos.

Alex explains how domestic home-owners or management companies can benefit from his services as part of planned preventative maintenance on blocks of flats.

This episode is another fascinating insight into people, passionate about property!

October 2021 

As Gas Safety Week (13 - 19 September 2021) draws to an end, I chat to Martyn Bridges as Brits say 'Hello to Hydrogen Boilers'.

Research by Worcester Bosch reveals:

1. nearly half of Brits (42%) have fears of safety

2. 9 in 10 Brits think that hydrogen boilers could be more sustainable

3. 51% of Brits would prefer to have a hydrogen boiler installed than an electric heat pump due to cost efficiencies

If you're one of the 59% who wouldn't get a hydrogen boiler due to lack of knowledge, read the Future of Fuel. Martyn provides information to help with your decision.

Heather Hilder-Darling

16 September 2021

Are beach hutters born and bred?

I chat to Veronica Henry, Author of 'The Beach Hut', 'A Day at the Beach Hut', 'Christmas at the Beach Hut' and 'A Wedding at the Beach Hut' and 'The Beach Hut Next Door'.

What is so appealing about beach huts and the seaside that makes us Brits go wild for these properties on the prom?  Veronica shares what she would do if she were appointed the UK's first ever 'Beach Hut Minister'.  

First-time beach-hutter, Chris Nash from Hove, excitedly tells me how owning a beach hut has changed his life.

26 July 2021

All kinds of issues can crop up when it comes to property matters.  Disputes about ownership, problems between commercial landlords and their tenant and controversy between landlords and tenants.  

Such issues are typically solved through dispute resolution or property litigation processes.  You will need a qualified Solicitor to guide you.

Alex Cook, Partner at Helix Law, offers his three top recommendations for anyone when considering going into litigation:

1. Be clear on your facts

2. Clarify what you want to achieve

3. Be a good client (solicitors charge by the hour)

Hear what Alex has to say about why mediation can resolve certain issues.  Find out what his first 3 steps would be to make property litigation more straightforward and accessible for everyone.

23 July 2021

There's a first time for everything.  

In today's show First Time Seller Josh Sharples chats about the emotional highs and lows of putting his property on the market after 20 years.

Graham Sellar, Head of Mortgages at Santander UK, explains the difficulties of getting onto the housing ladder for first time buyers.  Raising a deposit, falling incomes, pressures on the Bank of Mum & Dad and house prices across the country are the biggest barriers.

Join me, Heather Hilder-Darling, and James Duffy as we 'talk property'.

June 2021

A major new study by Santander - Life after Lockdown; The Future of UK Homeownership - exposes how pandemic pressures risk locking first time buyers out of their homeownership dream.

Feeling the effects of furlough, unemployment and reduced income, young buyers continue to grapple with the cost of renting, whilst trying to save for a deposit.  Raising a deposit is the biggest issue facing FTBs today.

I speak to Graham Sellar who tells me that the pandemic has made many people reassess what they want from their homes.  I'm keen to hear what Santander can do to support first time buyers.

18 June 2021

More than ever it seems, property is a hot topic.  

As temperatures rise, so are prices as buyers are making hay (or are they?) whilst the Stamp Duty Holiday continues until 30 June 2021.  A supply shortage of new homes and beach huts creates the perfect 'demand' scenario, sending prices rocketing.

Heather Hilder-Darling catches up with James Duffy to talk sales, lettings and beach huts on Radio Reverb 97.2FM & DAB+.  

15 June 2021  

TOP TIPS for our feline friends during Sun Awareness Week - 3 to 9 May!

Cats Protection are highlighting the dangers and providing tips on how to protect our feline friends during Sun Awareness Week, 3 - 9 May 2021.

Dr Sarah Elliott, Cats Protection Central Veterinary Officer, provides TOP TIPS on protecting your cat and avoiding huge health risks.  Cats can suffer from severe skin damage due to over-exposure to the sun.  

Simple remedies include:

Says Sarah, "Cats are notorious for their love of lounging around in the sun but, just as with humans, this can be a very dangerous activity when the sun is at its hottest."

Pale-coloured cats are particularly at risk.  Damage may take a few years to become visible.  Once early stages of cancer set in, cats require urgent veterinary treatment to prevent spreading.  

Follow Cats Protection simple steps to protect your pets from the sun.  We think they're the cat's whiskers!

May 2021

Is saying 'YES to Pets' a NO-NO? 

If there's one HOT TOPIC at the moment, it's the one about property and pets.

In a fanfare, in January 2021, the Government introduced a new standard tenancy agreement to help renters with well-behaved pets. This has led to  numerous discussions around the country.

Join me, James Duffy and Sandy Bastin (all animal-lovers!) as we discuss the implications and repercussions of a 'one pet size doesn't fit all' in rental properties.

April 2021