Happy Property

Half an hour by train from Amsterdam is a vision of a new Britain. On polder land reclaimed from the Zuiderzee lies Europe’s biggest experiment in affordable self-build homes. Enthusiasts call it a model of sustainable development, a Grand Designs for the average man. Critics call it an ersatz city, a soulless architectural Legoland. But this week housing minister Grant Shapps declared Almere a “genuinely workable model” as he made self-build a major plank in the government’s strategy for solving Britain’s housing crisis.

Last year only one in 10 new homes in Britain was self-built. Plots are difficult to find, and finance and mortgage products restricted, while regulations and planning permissions are onerous.

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The winners of the 2011 CREW Network Impact Awards talk on CPE TV about leadership, business success and giving back during a difficult economy.

A suspect in a fatal stabbing outside an Enfield motel in September waived his right to a probable cause hearing on Tuesday at Superior Court in Hartford.

Jeffrey Ward is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 20.

Ward is accused of stabbing Hector Sibaja and his girlfriend, Ginger Wood. Sibaja was stabbed multiple times and died at Baystate Medical Center in Massachusetts.

Wood needed nine staples to close a gash in her scalp, according to an arrest warrant.

Ward told investigators his ex-girlfriend asked him to stop by the Motel 6 on Hazard Avenue on Sept. 30 so she could pay him for some of his clothes that she had cut up, according to an arrest warrant.

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One day after Congress compromised to raise the conforming loan limits for the Federal Housing Administration but not for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, at least one lawmaker said he wasn’t giving up, yet.

Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-N.Y., said Friday after President Obama signed the minibus spending bill, that he would continue to press for restoring the higher limits for Fannie and Freddie as well.

“Although it will be an uphill battle, I will continue to push the legislation I introduced in July with Rep. John Campbell that would extend the mortgage limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for two additional years,” Ackerman said.

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SALE PENDING“Beautiful 1991SF 3Bed+Den, 3Bath Home!!!”DetailsType:ResidentialBedrooms:3Bathrooms:3″2Full, 1 3/4″Garage:2, AttachedSize:1,991 sq. Find more info…