The old adage ‘money makes money’ is never truer than in the case of house builders Octagon, as Karen Keeman discovers after meeting the company’s marketing manager.
Those lucky enough to be already on the property ladder will know that bricks and mortar are a great investment. In buoyant areas such as London and the South East, property is providing the answer to the lack of confidence in stocks and shares.
Over the last few years, the capital growth rate has been phenomenal, with the top end of the market enjoying the biggest price hikes. House builder Octagon is renowned for building prestigious detached houses and apartments in prime town and country locations so it is no surprise that prices for their homes have increased dramatically. At the company’s Ellerton House development in Bryanston Square W1, an apartment sold in late 1999 for £720,000. Just 12 months later, estate agents Kay and Co sold the property for £908,000. In Oxshott in Surrey, a house built by Octagon four years ago selling for £1.25 million was recently re-valued by Knight Frank to the tune of £3 million.
‘We charge about 15 per cent more than other house builders because we are offering a home with all the added extras. We provide you with more square feet of living space than you actually need,‘ says David Smith, Octagon’s group marketing and PR manager. ‘The top end of the market is still performing well – in fact, this is our seventh year of profit and good markets in general.’
David Smith on the Octagon X-factor
Security and privacy are important issues. We install electronically controlled gates and various other safety fixtures as standard.
Location – we reject lots of land before we buy it because we know that the right location will pay dividends for us, and our future residents.
Kitchens – very large and linked to a living area with an adjoining family room as well as an additional playroom/office.
Bonus rooms – a flexible room, which can be used for any number of purposes.
Triple garages – a popular one with dads who don’t want to compromise on space when the children learn to drive.
Big hallways – although this space could be used for a more functional purpose, we believe in creating the right impression from the moment you walk in the home.
Fitted studies – the ideal home office wired up for all the latest hi-tech communication systems.
Bathrooms – luxurious and relaxing with marble floors, Jacuzzi and double size showers.
Dressing rooms – plenty of storage space with these walk-in dressing rooms.
Where to buy
Shepperton, Surrey
Churchfield Place comprises 11 houses, each with four-bedrooms. Prices range from £545,000 to £650,000. Call 01932 230033.
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey
Manorcroft House comprises four two-bedroom apartments and one three-bedroom penthouse with private parking. Prices range from £375,000 to £650,000. Call 01932 35306.
Hampstead, London
Manor Heights comprises 16 large town houses close to the Heath. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom homes start at £1.25 million. Apartments will be launched next year. Call 020 8458 7311.
Hadley Wood, Hertfordshire
Only two large detached houses remain at Camlet Way, each with five bedrooms. Prices start at £1.75 million. Call 020 8449 3383.