HOUSE PRICES UP BY 1.2% IN MARCH

The latest UK house price index statistics produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government were released on Tuesday 17 May 2011.
The latest statistics release includes data based on mortgage completions during the month of March 2011.
The key points from the release are:
• In March UK house prices increased by 0.9 per cent over the year and increased by 1.2 per cent over the month (seasonally adjusted).
• The average mix-adjusted UK house price was £205,565 (not seasonally adjusted).
• Average house prices were 0.5 per cent lower over the quarter to March, compared to a quarterly decrease of 0.4 per cent over the quarter to December (seasonally adjusted).
• Average prices increased during the year in England (1.3 per cent) but decreased in Scotland (-0.7 per cent), Wales (-2.5 per cent) and Northern Ireland (-13.9 per cent).
• Prices paid by first time buyers were 0.3 per cent lower on average than a year earlier and prices paid by former owner occupiers increased by 1.4 per cent.
• Prices for new properties were 10.7 per cent higher on average than a year earlier whilst prices for pre-owned dwellings increased by 0.2 per cent.

SIX-BEDROOM FARMHOUSE AT LYDE GREEN

A six-bedroom Grade II listed farmhouse at Lyde Green, believed to date back to the mid-to-late 1700s, has come on to the market with Besley Hill Town & Country Homes at Downend.
Priced at £799,950, the property occupies a semi-rural location with countryside views to front and rear and is conveniently situated close to the Avon Ring Road and major motorway networks as well as for the local amenities at Yate and Emersons Green.
Entry to Lyde Green Farm House is via electronically operated iron gates with an intercom system providing secure access into an area which is mainly brick paved providing ample off street parking.
The ground floor accommodation comprises a solid oak front door, entrance hall, lounge with inglenook fireplace and wood burner, separate dining room, large kitchen/diner with built-in appliances and a further inglenook fireplace with wood burner, utility room, cloakroom and study.
There are four bedrooms, two with en-suites, and a family bathroom with roll-topped claw foot bath and walk-in double shower area on the first floor and three interconnecting rooms on the second floor.
Externally, the property has two garages, a stone-built summer house, barn area providing storage, and well-tended lawns to the front, side and rear.
This charming home retains many original features complemented by modern facilities such as oil-fired central heating.
For further information and an appointment to view contact Besley Hill Town & Country Homes at 10 Badminton Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6BQ, tel 0117 956 1234, email downend@besleyhill.co.uk