The award-winning residential property developer Vivly Living has strengthened its marketing team with the appointment of Joe Murray as trainee marketing executive.

Nineteen-year-old Joe joins Huddersfield-based Vivly from commercial trailer manufacturer Montracon.

Joe, who was educated at New College, Pontefract, explained: “This is a wonderful opportunity for me. Vivly Living is a highly respected and successful residential developer with a strong presence in West Yorkshire.

“I decided to embark on an apprenticeship, rather than go to university, because I prefer to learn while working. My apprenticeship course is designed to last 18 months, but I am hoping, provided I work hard, I can reduce this to 14. I strongly believe that apprenticeships play a key role in career development and I am determined to make the most of this wonderful opportunity.

“I am joining a close-knit team where I am hoping that my digital marketing skills, including photography, blog and content writing and social media experience, will be a real asset. Vivly has a tremendously bright future ahead and I am honoured to be part of it.

“I have always been fascinated by both residential and commercial property. My father is an architect and my grandfather was a property developer, so the sector is in my blood. This is a dream job.”

Jen Wass, Vivly’s head of marketing, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Joe to our team. His enthusiasm and his knowledge of digital marketing make him the perfect fit for us as we become busier and busier.

“As a forward-thinking and pro-active residential property developer, we are fully aware of the importance of digital marketing and social media campaigns in helping to sell houses, which is why Joe’s appointment is a significant statement of intent by our marketing team.”

Joe, who lives in Pontefect, enjoys playing and watching football (he is a Sunderland supporter), music and cooking.

Vivly, previously known as Yorkshire Country Properties, has won a host of regional and national awards for its developments in West Yorkshire. The company is currently on site at Shepley, Skelmanthorpe and Denby Dale.

Say hello to our new apprentice, Joe Murray

Say hello to our new apprentice, Joe Murray!

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone and a dream come true for many. But alongside the excitement, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done. From saving for a deposit to setting up your new home, the process can seem daunting. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help first-time buyers unlock the door to their dream home. 


# Understanding your financial readiness 

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it's important to ensure that your finances are in order before embarking on this journey. Knowing where you stand financially will help you determine your budget and what type of home you can afford. 

**Assessing your finances**

Start by evaluating your current financial situation, including your income, expenses, savings and any outstanding debts. This is the foundation of your home-buying journey. Consider creating a detailed budget to track your monthly expenses and see how much you can realistically allocate towards a mortgage. 

**Credit score**

One of the most crucial aspects to consider is your credit score. Lenders will use your credit score to determine your loan eligibility and the interest rate you'll qualify for on a mortgage. If your credit score is on the lower end, it's a good idea to take steps to improve it before applying for a mortgage. This may involve paying off outstanding debts, disputing errors in your credit report and making all your payments on time. 

**Debt-to-income ratio**

In addition to your credit score, it's essential to evaluate your debt-to-income ratio. Lenders will want to see that you have a stable source of income and that your debt is manageable, so they'll typically look for a debt-to-income ratio of no more than (approximately) 40%. This means your monthly debt payments shouldn't exceed 40% of your gross monthly income. If your ratio is higher, you may need to work on reducing your debt before applying for a mortgage. 

If the mortgage jargon is already confusing you, fear not! Vivly Living’s trusted independent mortgage broker, David Bussey, wrote a handy guide, ‘Mortgage Mastery by David Bussey - demystifying mortgage jargon: a beginner's guide to understanding terminology’ to break down the definitions of the most popular terminology. 

**The deposit**

One of the biggest financial commitments when buying a home is the deposit. Typically, you’ll need to save between 5-20% of the home’s purchase price. The larger the deposit, the better your mortgage rates will likely be. Start saving as early as possible and explore any government schemes available to first-time buyers. These can sometimes help you get on the property ladder sooner than you’d expect. Also, there are recommended bank accounts that will help boost your savings for a deposit, so it's a good idea to do research into these at this stage of the house buying process.  


# Budgeting beyond the house price 


**Additional costs**

When buying a home, there are a variety of additional costs you’ll need to budget for. These might include solicitor fees, survey costs and insurance. These expenses can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your overall budget early on. 

**Moving day costs**

Moving into your new home comes with its own set of expenses, whether that’s hiring professional movers, renting a van or purchasing packing materials. Start by getting quotes from local movers - consider it an investment in making your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Don’t forget to buy lots of tea, coffee and biscuits for the people that are helping you move - it can be very tiring!   

**Switching over bills**

Once you’ve bought your home, you’ll need to handle the practicalities of moving in, which includes setting up your utilities. This means contacting providers to organise your new accounts for electricity, water, gas, council tax and internet.  

If you’re moving from a rental property, you may be able to just transfer the accounts over to your new home, but you’ll need to check that your providers cover the area you’re moving to. To ensure a seamless transition, schedule the switchover well before your move and inform your current providers of your moving date. This way, you can avoid any unnecessary disruption to your services and make the moving process as smooth as possible. 

Because your Vivly Living property is brand new, you’ll have a bit more to arrange before you arrive as you’ll be the first person to live at the address:   

*Internet:* it often takes a few weeks to arrange for an engineer to visit your property to set up a broadband connection.  

*Bins:* you should contact your local council department to arrange for wheelie bins to be delivered to the property, they may take a couple of weeks to arrive. Find out online when the bin collection days are.  

*Warranty registration:* register the warranty for your appliances, this needs to be done by the homeowner. You will find all the warranty details in your Vivly Living handover pack.  

Additionally, the Vivly Living aftercare team will provide you with details of the current utility providers for gas electricity and water and the final meter readings from the time of the sales completion. We will provide the utility companies with the meter readings and your name as the new homeowner(s), as well as the local authority for Council Tax. 

 


# Preparing for the move 


Moving into your first home is a big step, and with a bit of preparation, you can make the process much easier for yourself. 

**Decluttering before moving**

One of the best ways to streamline your move is by decluttering beforehand. Take this opportunity to go through your belongings and decide what you really need. Items that don’t make the cut, but are still in good condition, can be donated, sold or recycled. Selling these unwanted items on reselling sites like **[Vinted](https://www.vinted.co.uk/)** or **[Depop](https://www.depop.com/gb/)** can make you a bit of passive income. That means more money for your big move!  

**Packing tips**

When it comes to packing, organisation is key. Start packing early and do it one room at a time. A useful tip is to use binbags to pack the clothes from your wardrobe on their hangers (a bit like a suit carrier) - this will reduce packing/unpacking time and will save space in the moving van. Also, consider creating a ‘first-night’ box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes and basic kitchen items - don’t forget the kettle for that all important mid-move brew! You’ll thank yourself later as this will save you from rummaging through boxes on the first night in your new home.  


# Settling into your new home 


Once the boxes are unpacked, there are still a few more steps to take to make your new house feel like home. 

**Change of address**

Don’t forget to update your address with important companies. This includes your bank, your employer and any subscription services you use. We recommend setting up a **[postal redirect](https://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/redirection)** with Royal Mail to ensure that you receive any post which might go to your old address.  

**Exploring your new area**

Finally, take some time to explore your new area. Discovering local amenities like supermarkets, cafes, parks and restaurants will help you feel more at home. It’s also a great way to meet your new neighbours and start building connections in your community. Why not read our blog about **['Shop Local Month: discover hidden gems in Shepley, Holmfirth, Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe with Kirsty'](https://www.vivlyliving.com/news/celebrating-shop-local-month-discover-hidden-gems-in-shepley-holmfirth-denby-dale-and-skelmanthorpe-with-kirsty)** to get some inspiration on where to start?   


# Stay connected 


To make sure you don’t miss any more home buying tips, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow  **[@vivlyliving](https://www.facebook.com/VivlyLiving/)** on **[social media](https://www.instagram.com/vivlyliving/)**. We’d also love to hear from you - if you have any questions or topics you’d like us to cover, feel free to **[get in touch](https://www.vivlyliving.com/contact)**.  

Remember, the home-buying process can be an emotional rollercoaster, with both highs and lows. As you settle into your new home, remember to take some time to celebrate this exciting milestone. Enjoy the process of making your new house a home, and don't hesitate to **[reach out to us](https://www.vivlyliving.com/contact)** at Vivly Living if you have any questions or concerns along the way. 

Discover our tips for first time buyers, including assessing your finances, moving tips and sorting out your utilities 

Buying a property for the first time? Read our handy guide for first time buyers. 

Unlocking the door to your dream home: a first-time buyer's guide 

Welcome back to Kirsty’s Home Hints, where I’ll be giving you my tips on turning your house into a haven of complete relaxation. If you’re new here, I’m Kirsty, Customer Service Representative at Vivly Living and I’m excited to share my top tips with you ahead of **[International Relaxation Day](https://www.internationalrelaxationday.com/)** on the 15th of August.

The day was pioneered by nine-year-old Sean Moeller from Michigan back in 1985. He suggested that people shouldn’t do anything strenuous on this day – including work and cleaning. Isn’t that just music to your ears? Maybe it should become a national holiday!  Moeller continues to support National Relaxation Day year-on-year, and the day has been recognised by organisations such as **[The Mental Health Foundation](https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/)**, **[BBC Earth](https://www.bbcearth.com/)**, **[Sport England](https://www.sportengland.org/)** and many more.

So, let’s get into my top 10 tips on how to make your home a relaxing space, including decluttering, embracing the natural elements, creating cosy and comfortable spaces, relaxing master bedroom paint ideas and dedicated yoga zones. 

# The importance of having a relaxing home

Before we delve into my practical tips, let’s talk about why creating a relaxing home is so important. Your home should be more than just a place to sleep and eat – it should be where you can unwind, recharge and feel at peace, but I understand that this can be hard nowadays due to the hybrid-working world we live in. While that environment isn’t conducive to the idealistic sanctuary we’re going for, it doesn’t make it impossible to create; there are still ways to make your home more calming. 
Having a relaxing home can reduce stress, anxiety and improve relationships. Physical and mental wellbeing has been associated with living in a peaceful, relaxing environment as it improves sleep, productivity and lowers stress levels. Being stressed makes it almost impossible to give everything 100% of your time, so focus on some of my tips and watch many aspects of your life improve.

# Declutter and organise your space 

***Clear the chaos: decluttering tips***

Having a cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. Start small by focusing on one area at a time – perhaps begin with your entryway which may be covered in shoes, or a clutter hotspot like the kitchen counter. Make three piles: keep, donate and throw away. This approach will help you visualise just how much stuff you’ve got and how much you’re getting rid of – the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel at the end makes it totally worth doing! Remember – a tidy space makes a tidy mind. 

***Utilise smart storage solutions***

Invest in stylish storage solutions to keep things organised such as ottomans with hidden storage or coffee tables with shelves. Multi-purpose furniture like this is perfect because it’s functional and aesthetically pleasing. 
I’ve previously touched on decluttering, specifically in the kitchen, when I wrote a blog about the Scandinavian tradition of **['bringing hygge to your kitchen.'](https://www.vivlyliving.com/news/bring-hygge-to-your-yorkshire-country-properties-kitchen)**



# Embrace the natural elements



***Bring the outdoors in***

Did you know that houseplants are beneficial to your health because they add a touch of greenery while improving air quality and reducing stress? Choosing low maintenance plants like a Cactus or String of Pearls is a stress-free way of adding nature to your home – it would be counterproductive to take on a high-maintenance plant like an Orchid! You can even get creative with the placement of your plants – I love hanging planters, window planters and pretty plant stands as they add so much to the home. 

***Enhance natural light and fresh air***

Try to maximise the natural light in your home to create an open and airy atmosphere. In all our Vivly Living homes, we include bi-folding, patio or French style doors which open out onto the rear patio/garden, bringing the natural light into the ground floor of each home. If you want to see it for yourself, come and view our **[showhome](https://www.vivlyliving.com/homes/knowle-grange/plot12)** at our **[Knowle Grange](https://www.vivlyliving.com/developments/knowle-grange)** site in Shepley, which is currently for sale at a fantastic price. 



# Create cosy and comfortable spaces 

***Introduce a perfect seating arrangement***

There’s nothing better than kicking your feet up on the sofa after a long day at work, don’t you think? Choosing a sofa that meets your needs is the key to getting comfortable, whether it’s first-hand or second-hand, there are some great deals out there. 

Arranging your furniture in a way that encourages conversation and relaxation is important – here at Vivly Living, we understand that the home should be a sociable space, whether you’re hosting loved ones for special occasions or just catching up with the people you live with after a busy day at work or school. That’s why we create open-plan living spaces in all our homes. Take a look at **[The Poplar](https://www.vivlyliving.com/homes/the-willows/plot28)** on our **[Denby Dale](https://www.vivlyliving.com/developments/the-willows)** site to see this in real life. 

Also, consider investing in **[ergonomic chairs](https://www.officefurnitureonline.co.uk/office-chairs/posture-ergonomic-office-chairs/)** that provide proper support. Hybrid-working is the new normal so it’s important to make your home working space as comfortable as possible. 

***Include soft furnishings and textiles***

Adding soft textures like plush cushions, cosy throws and soft rugs around your new seating arrangement can instantly make a room feel warmer and more inviting. **[The Rug Guru](https://www.rugguru.co.uk/)**, a privately owned family business, based just a 10-minute drive from our **[Denby Dale](https://www.vivlyliving.com/developments/the-willows)** and **[Skelmanthorpe](
https://www.vivlyliving.com/developments/whistle-bell-court)** sites, sells a wide variety of beautifully made rugs and runners, which are suitable for any style. 


# Make it your own

***Display meaningful décor***

Surround yourself with items that bring you joy – whether that’s your favourite piece of artwork, photos of loved ones or travel souvenirs; anything that is personal to you. You could turn it into a DIY project: create a gallery wall, make your own art or even try your hand at candle making! Huddersfield-based company, **[Candle Academy](https://www.candleacademy.com/)** run fantastic candle making classes, so you’ll be able to deck your home out with homemade candles before you know it! 

***Colour psychology***

Colours can have a profound impact on our emotions. The ancient Egyptians practiced Chromatherapy, also known as ‘colour therapy’, which is a method of using colour to support our emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. Blues, for example, are thought to aid depression, bring down blood pressure and slow your heart rate, which is why they’re the perfect tones for bedrooms. 

Choosing calming colours like gentle greens, soothing neutrals or light greys for your walls and décor can help to make your space as relaxing as possible. 


# Practice relaxation techniques 

***Create a yoga and meditation corner***

When I’m not meeting the lovely customers of Vivly Living, I am a yoga teacher. I may be biased, but I can't stress the benefits of having a dedicated space for yoga and meditation enough. Set up a peaceful corner with a yoga mat, comfortable cushions and perhaps a diffuser with essential oils to enhance the relaxing atmosphere. While we are still in the summer months, you could even set up your yoga and meditation zone in your garden, as mentioned in my blog **[‘Transform your space: Make your garden a stress-free haven with Kirsty's Home Hints’](https://www.vivlyliving.com/news/transform-your-space-make-your-garden-a-stress-free-haven-with-kirsty-s-home-hints)** 

***Digital detox spaces***

In today's digital age, we’re all guilty of spending a lot of our time on screens. That is why it's crucial to create tech-free zones in your home and establish areas where screens are not allowed - such as the bedroom or a cosy reading nook. Disconnecting from technology can help you unwind and focus on the present moment. Additionally, you’ll sleep better, you’ll talk to loved ones more and you’ll truly be able to unwind. 


Creating a relaxing home environment takes time, so don’t try to do everything at once – you’ll just end up feeling more stressed! By implementing these tips, you can transform your home into a relaxing space where you can unwind, de-stress and recharge. At Vivly Living, we understand the importance of designing homes that promote wellbeing and relaxation. Our homes in Yorkshire are crafted with these principles in mind, offering you the perfect blend of comfort, style and tranquillity.

Explore Vivly Living homes today to discover how you can experience true relaxation in your everyday life. Whether you're looking for a cosy one-bedroom house or a spacious family home, we have options that cater to your lifestyle and relaxation needs.

Thank you for reading my tips on how to find your zen at home. For more information or to schedule a visit, **[contact us](https://www.vivlyliving.com/contact)** today. Let's make your dream of a relaxing home a reality.

Discover 10 tips on how to creating a relaxing home environment. 

Find out about Kirsty's top 10 tips on creating a relaxing home environment. 

10 tips for creating a relaxing home environment and finding your zen | Kirsty's Home Hints

A LEADING Yorkshire developer has warmly welcomed the recent cut in interest rates by the Bank of England.

Paul Brown, the managing director of award-winning Huddersfield-based Vivly Living, said the decision by the Bank to cut the base interest rate by 0.25 per cent from 5.25 per cent to 5.00 per cent has provided the embattled UK housing market with much-needed hope.

Major lenders such as Halifax, NatWest and Santander had all cut their mortgage rates in anticipation of a possible rate cut.

Mr Brown commented: “The cut to the base rate will deliver a timely confidence boost to the housing market in Yorkshire and across the UK. Despite headline inflation falling, the Bank had remained cautious about making a decision too soon that could reignite inflationary pressure. The time had now come to be braver, with inflation under control.

“For homeowners and those who’ve been looking to get on the property ladder, the past few years have been tough, but there are signs of it changing. Rates on mortgage deals have been falling, and I’m very hopeful that more cuts will follow.

“Summer is traditionally a busy time of the year for the housing market and this base rate cut should hopefully provide a new wave of confidence and affordability for many. With a new government in power that is committed to delivering near two million new homes, the bank’s decision could be a real turning point for homeowners and those who aspire to buy.

“There’s lot of pent-up demand in the market after months of political uncertainty and the base rate cut is the catalyst that we’ve been waiting for. 

We’ve already seen monthly mortgage approvals sitting at consistently high levels as this pent-up demand across the market has been released and, with interest rates now starting to fall, there are genuine grounds for optimism in the residential property market.”

Vivly Living, formerly Yorkshire Country Properties, is currently on site with three successful West Yorkshire developments at Shepley, Skelmanthorpe and Denby Dale.

Paul Brown added: “This stability in interest rates and the general more optimistic market sentiment is now resulting in an increase in enquiry levels and sales at all three of our sites, especially in the over £450,000 house price sector. 

“It is so important to remember that all parts of the new homes market aren’t in decline, despite what some pessimists might say. Our starter homes initiative at our three sites has been incredibly successful with first-time buyers keen to stop paying high rents and to climb on to the property ladder for the first time. There is also strong evidence to suggest that demand for well-built attractive family homes, correctly priced, remains healthy and should gather pace during the next 12 months.”

Vivly Living has just been shortlisted in Housing Project of the Year category for its successful Knowle Grange development in Shepley and the company won of a raft of regional and national awards last year. 

Phase One of Knowle Grange comprises 31 houses, 28 of which have already been sold or reserved. 

  “The Shepley development is a fantastic showcase for us. We are very conscious of building homes with both character and individuality, which blend in seamlessly with their immediate surroundings. Traditional stone exteriors, combined with contemporary interiors and stunning views, make our properties highly prized and unique. We are delighted they have proved so popular.”

Both Vivly Living’s other West Yorkshire developments at Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe are progressing well, with houses at its brand-new Denby Dale site having just achieved a gold star rating for their energy efficiency and environmental impact.

The Willows development, which comprises 34 new houses including eight one-bed starter homes, has undergone the Government’s rigorous Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) which assess a property’s green and sustainable credentials. The development has received an A rating, the highest SAP accolade there is.

Already nine of the Denby Dales homes have been bought, with a further two reserved. Prices range from £152,000 to £560,000 and the development will be fully completed by early next year. 

Paul Brown added: “We are so proud of The Willows. Situated in the breathtaking Yorkshire countryside, yet still within reach of excellent local amenities, our development provides the best of both worlds with a vibrant yet peaceful lifestyle. It is also close to Huddersfield, recently named as the UK’s premier property hotspot.”

AWARD-WINNING YORKSHIRE DEVELOPER WELCOMES BASE RATE CUT

Vivly Living designs exemplary homes, built for longevity. From exterior facades made of natural stone to complementary interior fittings, personalised by you; no detail is spared when it comes to creating places that you can’t wait to go home to. With Vivly Living you’ll have one point of contact right through to completion, and our exceptional aftercare service, meaning a lot more support.

Say hello to our new apprentice, Joe Murray

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