Apartment living is in big demand these days. Johnny Turner seeks out the finest new build flats currently available.
A high-quality apartment is a sought-after commodity to today’s buyer, whether they are a first-time buyer or looking to trade up or downsize. Developers are providing an excellent selection of apartments in a variety of locations throughout London and the South East.
Bermac Properties has announced the launch of a show apartment at Nautica, its flagship development in Ipswich, where work is well under way. The stunning new collection of 24 contemporary apartments, situated at Fore Hamlet in Ipswich, will feature private terraces and elevated views over the historic docks at Orwell Quay.
The development, located just a few minutes’ walk from Ipswich town centre, will comprise an exclusive collection of high-specification two-bedroom apartments and incorporate a ground-floor commercial unit. Nautica will feature a fifth-floor penthouse apartment with dual-aspect private terraces. Allocated private parking is included in the purchase price.
Nautica is ideally located for commuters, with mainline links from Ipswich into Liverpool Street taking around an hour. For motorists, the A14 accesses the A140 to Norwich and beyond, as well as the A12 into London (which links to the M25). The seaside is very convenient, with the A12 from Colchester providing links to the A133 to Clacton-on-Sea and the A120 to Harwich.
The show apartment will launch in mid-May and the first apartments at Nautica are expected to be ready for occupation in June. Prices are expected to start at £139,950. Bermac Properties is also offering buyers a range of incentives for early reservations. Those who are interested in living an aspirational, water’s-edge lifestyle in buzzing Ipswich should make an off-plan enquiry. Contact selling agents Strutt & Parker on 01473 214841 or Fenn Wright on 01473 232700.
Apartments are the ideal spaces for those who have found it difficult to get on to the property ladder. And a particular scheme in the Borough of Hounslow comes up trumps in terms of smart use of space as well as the ways in which first-time buyers can finally be included in the property market.
Berkeley First has completed phase two of its landmark Paragon scheme in Brentford, handing over the 179 key worker apartments to Presentation Housing Association. There is a mix of home types available, either for rent or purchase through shared ownership.
The Paragon scheme meets not only the ambition of Berkeley First to be at the forefront of the provision of well designed affordable accommodation, but also the aspirations of the London Borough of Hounslow to enhance the provision of affordable homes for its key workers.
Of the handover to Presentation, Matthew Biddle, managing director of Berkeley First, says, ‘This marks a significant step towards meeting the demand for well designed, key worker homes in London. We can now start to see our vision turning into reality. Paragon provides a genuine opportunity for people to invest in their future and enhance their quality of life, in what will become a truly mixed and sustainable community.’
Paragon, London’s largest mixed-use affordable led development, will regenerate a formerly under-utilised site, creating a total of 221 homes for key workers, 839 student study bedrooms, a 130,000 sq ft academic facility for Thames Valley University’s Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, 3,000 sq ft of retail space and more than 300 jobs for the borough.
Most of the student accommodation is expected to be handed over for occupation by TVU students by September, with the completion of the academic facility expected in March next year.
Other current ventures include 661 London Road in Isleworth, while a proposal for a site near Clapham Junction is also making progress. Visit berkeleyfirst.co.uk to learn more about these first-time-buyer-friendly developments.
The latest venture from Ryan Homes is seeing the transformation of the former Anchor Pub site in South Fambridge, Essex into Maritime Mews, an exquisite collection of apartments and cottages. Situated adjacent to The Coach House on Fambridge Road, the high-specification properties boast a highly sought-after village centre setting near the riverside as well as attractive views.
The ten two-bedroom apartments range in size from 639 sq ft to 884 sq ft, while the three three-bedroom cottages offer living accommodation of 1,102 sq ft. There will also be a café bar at the development.
Ashingdon provides shops and amenities including a post office, community hall, chemists and florists, while there is a further choice of shops and amenities at Rochford, approximately five miles away.
A show apartment is open. Prices for the new homes currently start at £180,000 for the apartments and £259,950 for the cottages. As interest is high, early enquiries are advised. To register your interest contact Dedman New Homes on 01702 533700.
Crest Nicholson is proud to announce the next stage of exciting living spaces at The Arboretum in St Albans, starting with the launch of Casson House, a delightful scheme of two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom houses on Saturday 6 May. With prices starting from £249,950 these homes are ideal for singles or couples, downsizers looking for generous space or indeed for a small family.
Set in over 72 acres of listed woodland, The Arboretum consists of 545 homes, including new and refurbished one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses and villas, all with a high quality of design.
Crest Nicholson has ensured that most properties at The Arboretum benefits from its unique environment, and the homes are interspersed among acres of mature parkland offering a peaceful setting. Yet the development is well placed for commuting, being only 30 minutes by train from the City of London. For drivers, the M25, with its links to the M1, A1(M) and A41, is a short drive away, making this location perfect for getting into or away from the capital.
From St Albans train station, peak time Thameslink trains take around 25 minutes to travel direct into King’s Cross. As well as providing connections to the London Underground, the Thameslink service also offers direct trains to Moorgate, London Bridge and Luton and Gatwick airports – ideal for work and leisure.
The homes feature fully fitted kitchens with a comprehensive range of Bosch appliances in stainless steel, white or black, whilst ovens feature a stainless steel hood/extractor or canopy. Fully fitted Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware in white, complemented by Hansgrohe taps and fittings, are included in the bathrooms, together with a wide ranging choice of stylish ceramic wall tiles.
To register interest in Casson House at The Arboretum contact the sales and marketing suite, open seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm on 01727 820730.
EastSide is a collection of apartments offering outstanding value for money in Bow, an area that is gaining ground daily in terms of desirability. The popularity of the area is reflected in the consistent growth of property values over the last ten years: prices in the area have increased by 180 per cent, from an average of £78,153 in 1996 to £219,244 in 2006. At just £194,950 for a one-bedroom apartment, Eastside offers potential purchasers an affordable opportunity to purchase close to this exciting market.
The area has all that today’s buyer could want: proximity to both the City and Canary Wharf for work and a vast array of restaurants, cafés, bars and entertainment venues, as well as the vibrant, historic Roman Road Market. Established in 1843, it is now one of London’s liveliest street markets, combining everyday goods with specialist products including crafts, clothing, antiques, books and foods.
Sue Dance, sales and marketing director of Widacre Home, says, ‘London’s historic markets are extremely popular and have become major attractions across the capital. The Roman Road is a cultural melting pot that is full of buzz and character, ideal for shopaholics and foodies alike. Eastside is perfectly positioned, close enough to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market, but just far enough away to retreat from its hustle and bustle.’
A joint venture between Widacre Homes and Circle 33 Lifespace, Eastside comprises 132 stylish apartments dispersed across four building arranged on a central piazza-style garden square.
All apartments have been meticulously designed to maximise both light and space and boast a contemporary open-plan layout. Stylish kitchens extend into spacious living areas, while floor-to-ceiling windows flood the apartments with light.
Apartments all have outdoor spaces in the form of either good size balconies or terraces, ideal for al fresco dining and enjoying London during the summer months. The communal piazza-style garden square provides residents with a welcome outside space, a real. When complete it will comprise a selection of hard and soft landscaping along with a piece of communal art in the form of a bronze resin sculpture by a local artist.
Prices at for Eastside start at £192,450 for a one-bedroom apartment and £264,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989 or see eastside-e3.com.
At Vector in Ilford, Higgins Homes offers affordability in a very commuter-friendly zone. With prices from £225,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and £249,950 for a two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex (both less a five per cent assisted deposit), this development is ideal for first-time buyers and investors alike.
Vector is a distinctive development of 24 highly modern apartments in a variety of apartment and duplex configurations. All of the homes include a private balcony and designer kitchen featuring Smeg appliances, as well as an integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryer. The gated development is set within landscaped communal gardens and parking spaces are available to purchase.
Vector is close to lively Ilford town centre and its extensive selection of shops, bars and restaurants. Ilford train station is less than a mile away, giving journey times to Liverpool Street station of approximately 18 minutes. Stratford train station is just two stops away, providing links to the Jubilee Line and Docklands Light Railway, as well as the forthcoming Olympic site. Gants Hill and Newbury Park, both on the Central Line, are approximately a mile and a half away from Vector. For road travel, the A406 North Circular Road provides access to the M11, A12 and the A13 for Docklands. The M11 also has direct access onto the M25.
For more information contact Higgins Homes on 020 8478 2020 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.
With the Outlook development in Southend-on-Sea, Gladedale Homes has created an exclusive range of just 30 two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses offering the ultimate in contemporary living at a stunning location.
The apartments epitomise luxury living with state-of-the-art specification, floor-to-ceiling windows, underground parking and decked balconies creating stylish yet practical living environments.
With cleverly designed open-plan layouts, en suite facilities and integrated kitchens, these apartments have been perfectly designed and built to complement the demands of 21st-century living.
Debbie Gallier, sales manager of Gladedale Homes, says, ‘The apartments at Outlook are instantly desirable and offer exceptional views across the Essex coastline. This development really does offer home buyers a unique and unrivalled living experience.’
Prices at Outlook start from £369,995. For further information contact the sales office on 01702 290232 or visit gladedale.co.uk.
Gate Studios, the eagerly anticipated Borehamwood development by Bryant Homes, will be launched on Saturday 29 May. Visitors keen not to miss out on one of the highly desirable properties can enjoy a glass of wine and some nibbles in the marketing suite to celebrate the release of first phase of properties.
This project sees a former sound studios site, disused since 2003, redeveloped into a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom homes. With its excellent location and transport links, these properties will appeal to first-time buyers, commuters, families and downsizers.
Gate Studios is adjacent to Borehamwood high street and close to the Thameslink Station. The Thameslink line runs from Bedford to Brighton. Borehamwood has a wealth of amenities for owners of a Gate Studios property to enjoy. In addition to the excellent location and transport links into London, there are plenty of restaurants and country pubs to sample. A synagogue is within walking distance and fitness fanatics can take advantage such amenities as Holmes Place, Elstree Golf Club and the driving range.
The high street has a variety of bakeries, delis, a chemist, off license, banks and a Marks & Spencer food store. The nearby retail park is home to a range of well-known brand names.
This development is unlikely to stay on the market for long, so quick action is advised. For further information call 01992 441 959 or see bryant.co.uk.
At George Wimpey’s Birchwood Place in Redhill, Surrey several apartments have already been sold off-plan, giving purchasers the option to personalise their apartments and make savings.
The collection of apartments has been designed to appeal to first-time buyers and young professionals with its affordability and contemporary design. The en suite to the master bedroom as well as separate bathroom make the apartments suitable for mortgage shares or buy-to-let.
For more information about Birchwood Place, or to view the stunning new show apartment, contact the sales team on 01737 76901.
Finally, Telford Homes’ Estilo development, located near the Islington/City borders, is fast approaching sell-out – and considering the location and the specification, this comes as no surprise.
The final apartment is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom lower ground floor apartment with the irresistible draw of a large private ground-floor terrace. The apartment offers 755 sq ft of living space and is priced at £350,000.
For more information on Estilo call the marketing suite on 020 7490 4814. To find out more about other high-quality apartment schemes from Telford, visit telfordhomes.plc.uk.