RESEARCH has revealed that 70 per cent of homeowners in the South East can report a chain of house-moving misery.

Onesearch Direct reports that one of the biggest obstacles to a speedy move is the local search process.

According to the company, more than 124,000 consumers in the South East suffer from wretched house moves every year.

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ABOUT 200 exhibitors are expected at the inaugural London Homebuilding and Renovating Show at Wembley Exhibition & Conference on September 12-14.

A daily programme of 12 free seminars will also be held on subjects ranging from finance to working with builders.

Interest has increased dramatically in self-building and major home improvements. In recent research, 85 per cent of those questioned said they had considered having a home built to their own specifications.

A spokesman for show organisers, Centaur Exhibitions, said: “The show will be a must for anyone planning to extend, refurbish or build their own home.”

For further details, call the tickets hotline on 0870 010 9031 or visit the website www.homebuildingshow.co.uk

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THE increase in “housing wealth” over the last six years has been so massive that mortgage equity withdrawal is likely to continue on a substantial scale for some time to come. So says Forecasting Eye, set up to predict trends in the property market.

The organisation estimates that in 1998 UK households owned residential property worth £1.3 trillion. By the end of this year this will have risen 78 per cent £2.68 trillion.

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THE Wilson Connolly Heritage Park development in Gravesend is proving popular with investors, according to the developers.

Caron Hutchins, sales manager, said: “We have sold five homes to one investor and four to another. We have one and two bedroom apartments and three-bedroom homes currently available so investors have a range of homes to consider.”

Two-bedroom apartments start from £134,995.

The sales centre is on 01474 567254.

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APPLEDORE Developments has started work at its new site in Tenterden.

The housebuilder says demolition of the tired Edwardian house in Elmfield has started to make way for new apartments.

David Watkin, professor of history of architecture at Cambridge University, said: “I fully support Appledore’s plans for Elmfield Place.

“I know the building, it has architectural weaknesses and is a poor example of its date.

“Appledore are doing the area a favour by demolishing the building and creating sympathetic new apartments.”

Appledore Developments can be contacted on 01732 469888.