HOBBS Parker has launched a website which aims to speed up the house searching process.

By visiting www.hobbsparker.co.uk, buyers can register their requirements including location, price range, house size and type. The moment a property is put onto the market and before particulars are posted, they receive an e-mail alert letting them know that a new property is available for viewing.

More than 500 potential purchasers are already registered.

----------------------

BARTON House, in Kennington, Ashford, has been granted an “Historic Building” plaque.

The red triangle formally recognises the importance of the property which dates from the 14th century and is believed to have been a nobleman’s house. It listed in Pevsners and Historic Buildings of England.

The house has connections with Edward VI who courted Miss Billington in the area. In more recent times, it was the home of Molly Hardwick, who wrote Upstairs Downstairs and, before her, the opera singer, Frank Dellar.

Present owner, Terry Langston, said: “I’m really chuffed our application has been successful and the house has been recognised.”

-----------------------

TUNBRIDGE Wells-based property management companies, Mill Management and Parker Ogilvy, have announced their merger.

Parker Ogilvy properties will now be managed by Mill Management, bringing 168 flats to their existing portfolio of more than 6,000.

The move follows the merger of Mill Management with London-based County Estate Management earlier this year.

-------------------

IN 50 years, residential property prices have outstripped inflation up to 50 times, according to Knight Frank.

In 1952, £5,000 was enough to buy a substantial house in central London. Adjusted for inflation, that would represent £89,000 today - nowhere near enough for a house in London.

The general inflation rate has been 1,689 per cent - house prices, however, have increased by far more.

Outside London, prices have always been lower and the increase has not been as steep. But Knight Frank’s estimate of 22,000 per cent still dwarfs stock market growth of just 2,700 per cent.

---------------------

WORK has begun on a development of two and three-bedroom houses at Fountain Crescent, off Enterprise Way in Maidstone.

Wilson Connolly will be building 47 homes including the Thornton, a popular three-bedroom townhouse type.

Kevin Sims, sales director, said: "We anticipate that Fountain Crescent will attract a range of purchasers, from first-time buyers and young families, to retired couples.”

The sales office at Fountain Crescent is due to open in July.