PROPERTY
Your first property?
We bought our first property in 1989 – a two bedroom flat in
the east end of London. It was £38,500 which was scary at the
time, believe it or not. We doubled our money when we sold it
three years later.
The ones that followed?
Our next move was to a modern four bedroom detached house
in Oxford. It meant big financial sacrifices but we felt it was
important to stretch ourselves at the time. Unfortunately I had a
bit of a scary experience with one of the locals about six weeks
after moving in that turned out to be very stressful indeed…. I
was attacked and after it happened, I wanted to move as far
away from there as possible. We sold it six weeks after moving
in and moved back to Scotland, to the south side of Glasgow
where we lived for 10 years.
Your present property?
We have just sold our three bedroom house in Newlands
and we’re now moving to a larger property in the same area.
The house has a large south facing enclosed garden which is
perfect for our wee dog, Bell. There’s plenty of room for her to
roam about and no escape route.
What do you look for in a property?
A south facing garden. I also love having plenty of windows,
original features and, ideally, something in need of some
refurbishment. I enjoy making my own mark.
Have you always bought as a home or an asset?
Always as a home.
Would you stretch your finances to the limit to afford a
mortgage on a home?
Yes, I believe you should always stretch to the limit as long as
you can still live.
Linda
Tips for house hunters
I would say always offer as much as you can afford because if
you don’t get it, at least you gave your top offer. Try to save for
McConville
a deposit. And always remember there will be additional costs
that you will need to save for including stamp duty, legal fees,
moving costs and various other outgoings….be prepared!
Tips for home sellers
P
roperty buying is in Linda McConville’s blood. She has
never rented a house and, as sales negotiator at global
Pack away all photographs and personal objects so the buyer
property consultancy, Knight Frank LLP, Linda is used to
can visualise themselves in the property. Food smells are a big
no-no, as are animal smells, mess or clutter.
helping clients find their perfect pad. A warm welcome may be
what makes a house a home – but she warns sellers to be sure What makes a house a home?
to declutter and remove the personal touches before letting A house is just a house, but it’s the welcome that lies within it
potential buyers over the threshold. that truly makes it a home.
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