Blog Archives

Top tips for house hunting in Aberdeenshire

House hunting can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local property market. With lots of factors to consider, from the location and local amenities to the price and condition of the property, it’s essential that you’re equipped with the relevant knowledge and advice to make informed decisions. 

In this blog post, we’ve shared some top tips for house hunting in Aberdeenshire to help you find your dream home with confidence and ease. Whether you’re a first time buyer or retiree, these tips are designed to help you navigate the local property market and secure the perfect property for you…

Set a budget

Before you begin your house hunting journey, it’s important to know how much money you can afford to spend. The first step in the house hunting process is to carefully analyse your finances and decide on a realistic budget that will help you narrow down your search. Part of this process may involve speaking to a mortgage advisor who will be able to provide valuable advice and guidance on obtaining a suitable mortgage, depending on your needs and finances.  

Local to Chapelton, many of our housebuilders suggest speaking with financial adviser, David Butler, who supports buyers by providing impartial advice on their finances. With access to a comprehensive range of lenders, David can recommend the best option specifically for your financial situation, based on your preferences and goals. 

Additionally, at Chapelton, we have a range of homes for sale in Aberdeenshire that accommodate various different budgets, from affordable one and two bedroom homes – ideal for retirees – to luxurious five bedroom family homes appealing to growing families – there is sure to be something to suit everyone’s style and budget.

Do your research

After researching different locations, you should now have a rough idea of what areas pique your interest. It’s always worth exploring these areas to help you get a better feel for the surroundings. For example, you might want to consider taking a gentle stroll around the streets or browsing the nearby amenities such as coffee shops, play parks or restaurants. 

If you think that Chapelton could be the perfect place for you, then why not come and visit our growing community? From the beautiful Patey Park providing endless fun for your little ones to the impressive ‘Boxes’ which are filled with lots of local businesses, you’re never short of things to see or do.

Speak to your local estate agent, friends and family

For those who want to discover a little bit more about what Aberdeenshire has to offer in terms of the housing market, speaking to a local estate agent can be very valuable. Estate agents can help you find properties that match your criteria while also giving you information and background on different locations.

Finding a new home in an area that boasts a strong sense of community is often at the top of the priority list for many prospective buyers. Friends and family are very valuable resources when it comes to house hunting as they can recommend local areas or help point you in the right direction. Community spirit is something that has always been important to the town of Chapelton which is why we encourage residents to get involved in our local events such as the Chapelton 10k, various farmers markets and even the scarecrow festival. The Chapelton Community Association has played an integral role in building a sense of community throughout the town, bringing lots of exciting events to the community.

50245_chapelton_showhome_interior-006-1024x683 <strong>Top tips for house hunting in Aberdeenshire</strong>
Photo by Places for People

Consider the layout of the home

The end goal of buying a house is to find a property that best fits your lifestyle. From large open-plan kitchen/dining rooms designed for entertaining to spacious rear gardens that provide plenty of room for your four-legged friends to roam, it’s key to prioritise the features that are most important to you. 

If you’re set on purchasing a new build home, it can be useful to compare various styles and layouts offered by different housebuilders to get a feel for what you like and dislike. At Chapelton, we currently work alongside five incredible housebuilders who have helped bring the community to life, including AJC Homes, Brio Retirement Living, Stephen, Snowdrop Developments and Places for People.

Be aware of what to look for when viewing

When viewing a property, there are a couple of things you should look out for such as dampness, cracks or plumbing issues – all of which may indicate potential concerns. If you decide to go for a second or third viewing, it’s always worth taking an expert, friend or family member with you for a second opinion. With a fresh pair of eyes, they may be able to spot things with the property that you might have overlooked or not seen. 

Additionally, viewing a property at different times of the day is a valuable piece of advice as you’re able to gauge factors such as the amount of natural light that hits the home and noise levels.

Looking to call Aberdeenshire home? Discover more about our incredible new houses for sale in Aberdeenshire. 

Learn more

A guide to selling a house or property in Scotland

Do you find yourself spending more and more time browsing for houses on Zoopla and feel the time has come to move on? If you are wondering where on earth to start with selling your home and what the process of selling a property involves, then you’ve come to the right place.

It can be a complicated process, especially if it’s the first time you have sold a property, so we’ve outlined all the steps you need to take to make your transition from your current property to your next home as smooth as possible.

Get in touch with your solicitor

The first thing you should do when selling your home is contact your solicitor to discuss the plans you have. They will look at your title deeds and ensure they are ready to be supplied to the buyer’s solicitor. Try to ensure that you are organised and have any documents such as warranties available.

Get your home valued

The next step to selling your current property is to find out how much it is worth. Book an appointment and arrange a property valuation with a local estate agent to begin the selling journey. By asking different agents to value your home, you can also find out what other benefits they might offer, such as marketing of the property once your home is up for sale.

Some local agents include (insert preferred local agents chosen by Chapelton). Most agents can now visit your property physically in order to value it, but some are available virtually too if you feel more comfortable having your home valued this way.

 

chapelton1 A guide to selling a house or property in Scotland

Chapelton is an exciting new town just 5 miles south of Aberdeen which is breaking the traditional mould for new housing developments.

 

Have a surveyor complete a home report

You can’t put your house or flat on the market until you have a Home Report. Some of the Home Reports will be completed by a surveyor. You can find a surveyor yourself, or you can ask a local agent to help you find one.

A Home Report contains information about the property you intend to sell, such as the condition of the home, the single survey and the Energy Report.

A surveyor will need to access your home to create the Home Report and it is common for them to get in touch before the visit to ask you some questions about the property that is being surveyed.

Be aware that if a potential buyer is interested in purchasing your property and you don’t supply them with a Home Report within 9 days, you may receive a fine of £500 by your local council. There are very few exceptions to needing a Home Report when selling and these can be found on the Scottish Government website.

Find an agent to sell your home for you

You may wish to sell your home yourself, however most people will find an agent to do this on their behalf. The agent will take you through the rest of the selling process and charges a fee for doing so.

Make sure you entrust a reliable company that will take care of the selling process, marketing the property and assist with the legal process.

Evaluation your mortgage options

Once you’ve decided you are going to sell your current property, it is a good idea to evaluate your financial situation. Find a mortgage adviser that will guide you and tell you what the best options are.

It’s almost time to put your home on the market, but first…

Think about any repairs or maintenance work that needs to be carried out before you put your home on the market. Think of yourself as a buyer when determining what needs to be completed in your home. This is also something you should discuss with the agent you have chosen to sell your home – they will be able to guide you.

Putting your home on the market

It’s time to put your home on the market and find potential buyers. Physical property viewings are now permitted but remember to check the Scottish Government guidelines before you arrange visits into your home.

Once your home is on the market and people have viewed the property or put in a note of interest, you can set a closing date by which the offers need to submitted. This is not a legal requirement and your solicitor should give you advice on whether you should set a closing date.

 

chapelton2 A guide to selling a house or property in Scotland

For those looking for new build homes near Aberdeen, Chapelton community offers countryside dwelling within the outskirts of the city of Aberdeen.

 

Accepting an offer

If a potential buyer wants to make an offer to buy your home, they can do this by submitting an offer via their solicitor. You can choose which offer you’d like to accept or alternatively, you can negotiate the price with the seller.

Once you have accepted an offer to purchase your property, your agent will be responsible for arranging a date of entry for the new buyers to take ownership of the house or flat.

Completing the sale

After you have accepted an offer on your home, your solicitor will work on the legal process. Once the contract between the buyer and seller (missives) is complete, neither party can withdraw from the sale without receiving a penalty.

You do not need to pay tax on selling a home but if you are buying another property in Scotland then you might need to pay Stamp Duty (Land and Buildings Transaction Tax). Read our LBTT guide to find out more information.

There are a wide range of desirable homes available at Chapelton, including 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 bedroom homes. Whatever stage you might be at, we are sure that we have a property that is perfect for you. View our new build homes for sale or get in touch to find out more.

Step by Step Guide to Buying a New Home

Buying a new home can be the most exciting purchase you’ll ever make, but it can often be a daunting process with unfamiliar legal steps you must follow.

There are countless advantages of purchasing a new-build over an older home: top-spec new build homes like Stephen homes at Chapelton have the latest technology, lower bills and beautiful cottage style interior design.

You might be wondering what process you need to follow, from deciding if buying a home is right for now, all the way through to settling up with your solicitor and conveyancer. This handy guide will explain the steps involved in buying a new-build home, all in one place.

 

Step 1: Determine your budget and get funds in place

How much do you want to spend and how much deposit can you afford? The first step in the process is getting all of your funds in place. You should speak to a mortgage adviser to you know how much you will be able to borrow from a lender for your new build home. There are also various online mortgage calculators that will guide you and they take less than ten minutes to complete.

It can be a good idea to get a mortgage agreement in principle from a lender before you progress any further. A mortgage in principle from a lender will show how much you will be able to borrow based on your income. Once completed, you can take it with you to the developer to show that you are able to afford that property.

 

Step 2: Location, location, location

The most exciting part is here – finding the perfect location and new-build home for you and your family. The first step is to search for a development that you can see yourself feeling at home in. When you are doing this, you can research the facilities and local area to make sure it’s perfect for you.

It’s also important to find the right style of new home for you. Buying a new build home doesn’t mean all white walls and no room for personalisation. Just take the beautiful Places for People homes at Chapelton as an example, character homes with period features and wood burning stoves as standard.

Picture1 Step by Step Guide to Buying a New Home

Places for People at Chapelton

If you enjoy stretching your legs and going for local walks, be sure to ask about the landscape plan so you know there’ll be enough green space for you. This is something we don’t run short of in Chapelton with our very own trail – tracks along the Causeymounth and Elsick House are on offer to those who like countryside walks.

Picture2 Step by Step Guide to Buying a New Home

Chapelton Community

As soon as you find a new development that feels right for what you need, you can now go on a tour of a show home or marketing suite.

 

Step 3: Making an offer and get it accepted

Once you are confident that you’ve found the perfect home, you can make an offer and pay a reservation fee. This usually ranges from £500 upwards and will be deducted from the final purchase price when the sale is complete.

Do remember that even though you have made an offer, the house sale is not final until you exchange contracts later in the process. This will be the final step of the process and will need be completed using your solicitor.

Once you’ve made an offer on the property, the developer should take the property off the market. You can ask them to do so if they haven’t.

Step 4: Appoint a conveyancing solicitor

Just like any other new house purchase, there are legal requirements that you need a conveyancing solicitor to take look after. Some developments can suggest or a solicitor to you, but you are more than welcome to choose your own if you’d prefer to do so. They will look after different aspects of the sale, to make sure that all parties can progress without any issues.

Your deposit will be paid to your solicitor and they will negotiate a date you can enter the property and manage the funds to purchase the property.

Step 5: Mortgage application

You’ve chosen your beautiful new-build home and the end of the process is in sight. It’s time to finally secure your mortgage and send a formal letter from a lender to your development.

Your mortgage lender will also send a surveyor to carry out a formal valuation before you can move into the property.

Step 6: Contract exchange    

When you buy a new-build home, exchanging contracts with the seller means you become legally committed to buying that property and they must sell it to you.

This usually happens up to several months before you move into your new build home and before you do it, you will need to agree a completion date, usually this is several weeks after the exchange.

Be sure to take out buildings insurance at this stage because the home is now yours.

Step 7: Completion

Finally, you will pay your deposit and stamp duty (LBBT) to your solicitor, and they will send you a statement covering their fees.

Happy new home!

Are you looking for a new build home near Aberdeen?

Chapelton is much more than a new housing development. It is a long-term vision to create a new sustainable town, comprising 8,000 homes and an equal number of job spaces, as well as all the amenities you would expect.

With open green spaces, local shops and close-knit neighbourhood squares, Chapelton offers enviable country living with everything you could need close at hand. View our homes for sale now.

Five Ways to Get the Most out of Working from Home

Working from home, whether by choice or necessity, is a growing part of modern life. Chapelton has great digital infrastructure, including superfast broadband, making it ideal for home working, but that doesn’t mean the transition from office to house is an easy one.

To help you get the most out of your new work setup we have put together some useful tips.

Keep your routine

One of the easiest things to do when you’re new to working from home is to let your routine slip. It can be very tempting to stay in bed until 8:55, take the chance to wear pyjamas to work or push breakfast back to mid-morning. While these things can be appealing, especially at first, they can throw you off mentally. Keeping your routine as normal as possible helps productivity and keeps you in the swing of things.

Plan, plan, plan

At the start of every day set out a plan of what tasks you need to complete for the day. Setting goals is a good idea regardless of where you’re working but is especially important at home with all the extra distractions. Doing this can also stop work pilling up and saves you time and stress in the long run.

Set up a dedicated space

If you can, try to allocate a part of your home to work. This doesn’t need to be a home office or involve redecorating a spare room, just a specific place you plan to work. Whether it’s a dining table or a living room chair, keeping everything in the one place helps you be on top of things and in the right mindset.

Pick up the phone

One of the hardest things about working from home can be the lack of social interaction. It is sometimes easy to forget the value of a quick chat while making a cup of tea or even just talking to your desk mate. Picking up the phone, or using a video chat, rather than relying on emails is a great way to keep in touch with others.

Boundaries and breaks

Many people find that they actually end up working longer hours from home than they would in the office. When the boundary between work life and home life is blurred it can be easy to not take your full lunch break or carry on checking emails well beyond finishing time. Scheduling in regular breaks and trying to be disciplined about start and finish times can help you keep a work-life balance in your new office.

Three Ways to Get the Most from Your Garden This Spring

One of the best things about living in Chapelton is easy access to green space and the great outdoors. So with longer days and slightly less bite in the breeze spring is a wonderful time to get outside and do some gardening.

To help you get the most out of your garden this year we’ve pulled together some handy tips for budding gardeners.

Save yourself work later

We all know that it is much easier, and more fun, cooking in a clean and well organised kitchen and the same applies to gardening.

Weeds are the bane of every garden and as with most things it is best to deal with them early. Doing weeding in the spring can save a lot of time in the summer and gives your garden the chance to look its best when barbeque season comes around.

The first step to dealing with weeds is to run a hoe over your flower bed to kill most weed seedlings. This is best done on a dry day with a light wind, not just to save yourself from getting wet but because weeds will dry out on the surface rather than re-rooting into moist soil.

For particularly persistent weeds digging them out with a fork can be a quick and effective solution.

Brighten up your garden with butterflies

Spring is a great time to plant flowers and doing so will make your garden a riot of colour when summer rolls around. But if you want to add an extra special touch this year then consider planting some flowers rich in nectar to attract butterflies.

There are lots of options here but Verbena Bonariensis, commonly called Brazilian Vervain, is particularly effective. These delicate purple flowers grow wild in some places but can bring a lovely sense of calm to your garden and are butterfly favourites.

Lavender is another great option for attracting butterflies but waiting until slightly later in the spring to plant is wise in case of any late cold snaps. Lavender also comes with the added bonus of adding a delicate and calming scent to your garden.

Get your summer vegetables ready

It is true what they say that a vegetable grown yourself tastes better, not just because they’re as fresh as can be but because of the added taste of success.

The good thing with growing vegetables is that no matter the time of year there is always something to plant. For early spring in Scotland there are plenty of options that will look and taste great on your plate come summertime.

Broccoli is a longstanding favourite and goes well in pastas, risottos and alongside a roast. Planting broccoli in March is ideal and will mean you will be ready to harvest in early summer.

Leeks are another versatile vegetable that if planted in early spring will be ready to eat by early summer. A good tip is to sow more seeds than you have space for and harvest them as baby leeks in the summer. These baby leeks are tender, tasty and much easier to harvest.

If the weather isn’t looking great there are a few things you can grow on your kitchen windowsill at this time of year to add that extra pizzazz when summer comes. Start off by planting some basil seeds and letting them grow inside until later in the year when the risk of frost has passed then move them outside. Basil is a great summer food and will add that extra special dash of flavour to your favourite dishes.

10 Easy Ways to Declutter Your Home This Spring

It might be that the longer days are putting a spring in your step, maybe you’re trying to recapture that New Year’s resolution, or perhaps you’re just ready to freshen things up. Whatever the reason, spring is a great time to declutter your home.

The prospect of starting to declutter can be a little overwhelming and we often build it up to be a bigger job than it is. So, to help you get started we’ve put together a list of simple tips to keep in mind.

1) Organise First, Buy Second

It can be tempting to start your decluttering by buying lots of boxes, folders and everything else. Beware though, if you start buying before you’ve done some organising you could end up adding clutter not reducing it.

2) Sort As You Go

Each day when you’re getting ready for work and deciding what to wear, take a couple of minutes to pull out clothes you haven’t worn in a few months. For things like winter jackets, put them in a box until you’ll need them again. For everything else, sell or donate.

3) The Maybe Box

Sometimes it is obvious what you want to get rid of and what you want to keep. But then there are the things you think you might need or you’re reluctant to get rid of. The answer is a “maybe” box. Put your maybes in the box and store it somewhere out of the way. Put a note on your calendar for a few months down the line and when the time comes around you can pull it out and see if it’s anything you really needed. Chances are if you didn’t miss it then it’s time to get rid of it.

4) Don’t Drown In Paper

Letters, forms and general paperwork has a nasty habit of spreading across your tables, drawers and surfaces. The solution is to stop it at the door. With a folder and a paper basket near the door, you can file what needs kept and recycle what doesn’t before it takes over your house.

5) The Donation Box

We’ve all sorted through things and made a mental note that something isn’t needed and should go to a charity shop, then never got around to doing it. By having a donation box in your house it is easy to pop your unwanted items in there and give them away when the box gets full.

6) Duplicate Kitchen Clutter

Do you really need all those spatulas, spoons and colanders? To quickly declutter your kitchen select just your favourites of each item and the ones you always go to use when you’re cooking. The rest can go.

7) The ‘What If?’ Hardware

That extra screw from the sofa you built when you moved in? That can probably go. The instruction manual from the kettle you bought two years ago? That can go too. In the rare situation that you need something like that they’re easy to find and often available at the click of a button.

8) Use Hidden Space

From seasonal clothes to spare linen the space under your bed is a great place to store things you don’t need every day. We often don’t use the floor space under the bed but a few labelled boxes go a long way and keep your room looking nice and tidy.

9) The 30 Day Rule

Not sure whether to keep something? The 30 day rule is often the answer. If you haven’t used something, or even thought about it, in the last 30 days then it is time to get rid of it. Although it is definitely okay to make exceptions for seasonal items like swimwear and Christmas decorations.

10) Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day

The last thing to keep in mind is that you don’t have to do everything at once. Decluttering doesn’t have to be one massive ordeal, even just a few minutes every day will go a lot further than you think.