IT REMAINS tougher than ever for first time buyers to get approved for a mortgage- according to a leading property management group.
Melinda Properties, based in Harvil Road, Harefield also warn that HS2 could have a negative impact on property prices in the village.
Louise Wheeler, director, said: "The more we learn about the finer details of the high speed line, the more of an impact we feel it could have on the market. We are not saying there is going to be a big blight on prices, no houses are due to be demolished, but the environmental impact, noise quality, and construction, will all have an effect. The loss of tranquility is not quantifiable."
The property management group has been based in the village for more than 20 years, first run by Louise's father Dennis Williams, who passed away in 2009.
The company own 40 properties, residential and commercial, around the village which they rent out to tenants, and relaunched earlier this year, offering a new sales and lettings service at a fixed price.
"We wanted to expand into doing everything an estate agent does, but to make it less complicated, our experience and knowledge should stand us in good stead."
Figures for Harefield village show that over the past 12 months property prices show a growth of just 0.2 per cent, which although slow- is above the national average.
"Around Harefield the market remains buoyant, employment figures for UB9 are better than national average. The location helps, we are close to three hospitals, and London as a whole is outperforming the rest of the country. For first time buyers it remains tougher than ever, they are not getting mortgages approved.
"Even though one bank is now offering 100 per cent mortgages, I would think very carefully before agreeing to one, as the repayment rates will be so high. Conversely the rental sector is doing very well, as there is a high demand for rental properties."
Both Louise Wheeler and Nicola Hurwood from Melinda's took part in the recent 5k Harefield Hospital Fun Run earlier this month.
"We were out practising for it most mornings, we raised a total of £500 and presented it to the hospital. We were very happy to support such a great local cause. I ran with a big hoarding attached to me which was quite a tough task but we are glad we did it."
