New Homes - Sunday, June 25, 2006

Stanmore, Middlesex

At Annington Mews, first-time buyers are being offered the excellent incentive of five per cent deposit paid. Just under a mile from Stanmore tube at the end of the Jubilee Line, these homes offer practicality for everyday living – and each home comes with a garden and a parking space. Homes go on sale on 9 September, and response is sure to be high. Call 020 8954 7716.

Chichester, West Sussex

Charles Church invites you to enjoy an evening of Pimm’s and classical music at its stunning show home at Westgate Mews, to be held on Friday 16 September from 3pm to 7pm. Buyers will be able to browse the quality style available at this collection of luxury two-bedroom apartments (from £249,950), two-bedroom two-storey houses and three-bedroom three-storey houses, all with off-street allocated parking. Call 01243 774896.

Maidenhead, Berkshire

Bentash is Millgate Homes’ third apartment development on Shoppenhangers Road. This collection of just 13 two-bedroom apartments overlooks Maidenhead Golf Club and offers the developer’s high specification combined with a wonderful location convenient for the town centre. Contact selling agents Roger Platt on 01628 773333. Meanwhile, Braybrook in Wokingham (0118 979 7775) and Hunter’s Chase in Warfield (01344 400100) are also available. Visit millgatehomes.co.uk.

Clerkenwell, London

Modern City Living has put the strong colours of blue, red and green to use at two show apartments at Knights Court, a new scheme on sought-after St John’s Square. Knights Court is the transformation of a former interwar office into a mixed-use collection of 13 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and a 1,400 sq ft penthouse. Remaining two-bedroom apartments start at £450,000. Call 020 7250 1012.


Watford, Hertfordshire

Get ahead of the inevitable crowd and register your interest in KingsOak’s prestigious new Queensgate scheme in Derby Road at an exclusive preview day on 10 September at the Hilton Hotel, Watford. The event will allow potential buyers to see what all the excitement is about. Queensgate will have 94 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at prices starting at £179,950. Call the 24-hour hotline on 01923 810880.

Reading, Berkshire

At KingsOak Thames Valley’s Kings Reach development, construction has begun on the fifth and final block, and the scheme is 85 per cent reserved and 75 per cent occupied. Located off Napier Road and bordered by Kings Meadow, this new collection of apartments is within walking distance of the Oracle shopping centre, rail connections and city centre entertainments. Prices from £215,995. Call 0118 939 3611.

Worcester Park, Surrey

The Laura Ashley Interior Design Service has designed a stunning show home, launching 10 September, at the newest phase of The Hamptons. Norfolk Waterside is located adjacent to The Hamptons’ grand entrance and features an attractive combination of East Anglia-inspired black and white clapboarding and autumnal-coloured render. Prices range from £275,000 for a two-bedroom apartment to £765,000 for a six-bedroom house. Call 020 8337 3425.

Essex is a whole world in one county. Johnny Turner looks at its appeal – and at some wonderful new homes on the market.

Essex is a charming mix of suburban sprawl and old-fashioned village environment, with a bit of saucy seaside and market-town thrown in. Those in search of a new home will be impressed by the varied collections of houses and apartments currently on offer from a range of developers.
Persimmon’s Cotton Park in Romford comprises a range of contemporary two-bedroom apartments built to a high specification. As Cotton Park Gardens is located on London Road, within walking distance of the town centre and station, these homes are ideal for the busy professional who wants a convenient commute.

In the way of incentives, first-time purchasers are being offered the Buy With Us shared equity scheme. This, according to Gerry Pople, sales director for Persimmon’s Essex region, ‘allows first-time buyers to own 100 per cent of a property but only pay for 80 per cent of the apartment initially. The home is the buyers’ own and they have up to ten years to repay the remaining 20 per cent.’ At Cotton Park a first-timer, says Pople, could pay as little as £144,000 for a £180,000 apartment. ‘We believe the first-time buyers are crucial to the property market and hope that we will be able to help many new purchasers on to the property ladder.’
For more information about the properties or the incentives available at Cotton Park Gardens call the marketing suite, open daily, on 01708 765014.

Following the sales success of the first two phases at Brooklands in Romford, Bermac Estates is announces the forthcoming launch of the third phase show apartment. Situated on Brooklands Lane, off of Marshalls Road, the contemporary scheme is close to the heart of Romford’s vibrant town centre, with its plentiful choice of shops and amenities, restaurants, bars its famous market. Set to open its doors to the public on Saturday 10 September from noon to 3pm, the stunning show apartment reflects the lifestyle residents can expect at the popular development.

High-specification features include kitchens with stainless steel integrated appliances, feature tiled splashbacks and task lighting with complementing worktops. Bathrooms incorporate ceramic/stainless steel sink units with over-mirror lighting, Roca steel white enamel baths, and showers with Grohe fittings and clear glass screens.
The apartments are designed to suit a cross section of purchasers including first-time buyers and investors. Each comes with an allocated parking space, included in the selling price. A short walk from the town centre and the Brewery shopping centre, the homes are also very convenient for commuters; journey times take under 30 minutes to London’s Liverpool Street, while the A12 and A127 provide excellent motorway links.
The present phase comprises nine one and two-bedroom apartments, and the properties are now ready for occupation. Prices start at just £149,950. As an added bonus, upon completion every purchaser in phase three, along with the owners of apartments from the first two phases, will be automatically entered into a competition to win a two-seater sports car, giving a 1 in 33 chance of winning. For further details contact selling agents Peter Mills at Beresfords on 01708 730255 or Philip Day at Bairstow Eves Countrywide on 01708 761862.

Gladedale Homes offers luxury living by the sea at Outlook in Southend-on-Sea. The development is an exclusive collection of only 30 apartments, including two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses.
Touches such as floor-to-ceiling windows and fully decked patio areas with access doors from the main public rooms, combined with state-of-the-art specification, guarantee that these properties appeal to buyers who are looking for a luxury seafront home.  
Debbie Gallier, sales manager of Gladedale Homes, says, ‘The apartments at Outlook have been designed to be instantly striking and desirable. The beauty of the location has allowed for the creation of truly awe-inspiring designs that have the immediate “wow” factor. The properties offer such a good outlook that home owners can enjoy uninterrupted views of the sea from their living areas.’
Prices apartments at the aptly-named Outlook start at £369,995. An open weekend is being held at Outlook on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September. For further information, and to make an appointment for viewings during the open weekend, contact the marketing suite on 01702 290232.

Ilford is very popular with London commuters, and a new scheme from Higgins Homes will be just what those who work in central London are looking for. Vector is a very central development of 24 two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments that have the ‘wow’ factor both inside and outside. The architecture, with its large expanses of glass and metal cladding, is striking and modern. Once inside, the apartments continue to impress, with sleek, contemporary lines accentuated by the stunning kitchens and bathrooms.
The location is superb, with the local station just a short walk away. The commute will be simple and quick, which makes for a pleasant, unworried lifestyle. Those who need a home that is both smart and central should take a look.
Prices at Vector range from £215,000 to £230,000. To get more information or reserve an apartment off-plan contact the brochure request line weekdays from 9.30am to 5pm on 020 8508 6000.

Another Higgins development that combines proximity to London with elegant, uncluttered style is The East Village in Dagenham, where this weekend sees the launch of a new show apartment. The East Village consists of 179 one- and two-bedroom apartments on Reede Road. The location is extremely convenient – both Dagenham Heathway and Dagenham East District Line stations are nearby, make for a simple commute.
Kitchens are designed by Urban Myth and feature integrated stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms feature simple white Ideal Standard sanitaryware and chrome fittings. There is an audio entryphone system as well as provision for satellite TV.
Prices start at £139,995. For further information call 020 8517 7887 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

Furlong Homes offers The Meadows in picturesque St Osyth, near Clacton-on-Sea, a development that provides a host of desirable features that potential home buyers expect.
The exclusive rural development of just 28 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes is characterised by an abundance of light, space and flexibility. Some of the homes are set over three levels.
The Meadows features a range of house styles whose names reflect the beautiful countryside surroundings. From the two-bedroom Orchid to the four-bedroom Saffron, every property is built to a high level of specification and includes as standard a washer dryer, oven and integrated fridge/freezer in the kitchen.
The Meadows is an ideal location for those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, yet is within easy reach of both London and the nearby towns along the Essex coast.
A three-bedroom show home with integrated garage is available for viewing. Prices start at £174,995. For further information contact the sales office on 01255 821516.

Only one of the high-style apartments remains at Quarles Park, Laing Homes’ development in Chadwell Heath. However, there are also three- and four-bedroom houses that are perfect for families.
The last remaining one-bedroom apartment has luxury fitted kitchen units and laminate worktops, integrated stainless steel electric single oven, cooker hood and gas hob. There is space and plumbing for a dishwasher and washer/dryer and the room is finished with ceramic tiling and pelmet lighting to kitchen wall units and inside the glazed wall units. The bathroom, meanwhile, comes with classic white suite; there is also a shower enclosure with chrome thermostatic shower.

The location, near Romford town centre, is excellent for all manner of pursuits, from education to entertainment, nightlife to a quiet life. Commuters will like the fast and frequent rail services from Chadwell Heath station, located just a half-mile from Quarles Park, that get you into Liverpool Street in just 20 minutes. There is also Newbury Park tube station, which is just over two miles away. For drivers, junction 28 of the M25 is a short distance away, providing a number of good road links.
Laing is offering an unbelievable incentive for a limited time – move in for £99. All the buyer needs to do is pay £99 on reservation, then the first month’s mortgage payment on completion. Laing Homes will pay all fees, deposit and stamp duty, which leaves the mover extra cash at a time when that really comes in handy. Terms and conditions apply; check with Laing Homes for further details of this offer.
The last remaining apartment is priced at £175,950, while three-bedroom houses start at £287,500 and four-bedroom houses are priced from £294,950. Call 020 8586 4091 to find out more.

St James Homes brings inner London living to Buckhurst Hill with Buckhurst Gate, an exclusive development that consists of 48 one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Buckhurst Gate provides the ideal setting for the modern lifestyle. These cosmopolitan-style apartments are located in beautiful countryside and enjoy excellent views across the London skyline and Epping Forest. This is the perfect place to escape to during evenings and weekends.
All of the flats are open and airy, and many provide a balcony off the living areas.
Sitting on the edge of suburban London and the Essex countryside, Buckhurst Hill offers loads of local amenities, including ample sport and leisure facilities, golf courses and tennis clubs. The high street also offers a wide range of stylish boutiques, shops and restaurants.
The development is only a ten-minute walk from Buckhurst Hill station, which provides direct routes into London. The M11, M25 and the rest of the South East are within easy reach from the scheme by road, while Stansted Airport is just a 30-minute drive away.
Such is the popularity of Buckhurst Gate that all of the one-bedroom apartments have been reserved at the scheme since its launch in April. Prices for the properties at Buckhurst Gate start from £249,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information contact the sales and marketing suite on 020 8504 4117.

At Baddow Grange in Great Baddow, Westbury has just released one- and two-bedroom Chafford-style apartments – and with prices starting at £155,000, these represent amazing value for money. The apartments are sure to appeal to first-time buyers and couples.
The two-bedroom Chafford apartments have a substantial living/dining room with an open-plan kitchen at one end; this features a host of appliances including a washer/dryer. A good-sized master bedroom offers plenty of storage space in the form of two fitted wardrobes, and the en suite shower room means an end to bathroom queues. The second bedroom adds to the flexibility of the home, as it can be used as a home office or den.
For buyers looking for an apartment with the benefits of a house, the two-bedroom coach house-style Richmond, priced from £185,000, is the perfect solution. Again, open-plan living is a key feature, with the main room measuring 18’2 x 16’3 and incorporating a lounge, dining room and well-appointed kitchen.
Maria Morris, sales manager of Westbury South East, says, ‘The response to the development has been positive, with ten properties already reserved in only a few months.’ Morris sees signs in Baddow Grange that buyers are moving towards larger properties.
Each apartment has its own garage, which is rare in this type of home. To find out more about this exceptional development call 01245 478834.

Barratt Homes offers the chance to get away from it all at its Wentworth Chase development in Braintree. First-time buyers, families and downsizers will all be interested in these homes, which range from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses.
Two-bedroom houses are proving very popular, particularly with professional singles and couples who are starting a family. There are two types of two-bedroom house – the Ealing and the Emerson; the former is laid out in a more traditional way and the latter offers open-plan living space.

The location is ideal for those who work in the City, or anywhere in central London. Braintree station offers a fast and efficient service to Liverpool Street, with a journey time of less than an hour.
The two-bedroom houses are priced between £184,995 and £214,995. Three-bedroom houses start at £249,995 and four-bedroom houses are priced between £274,995 and £279,995. And early buyers at Wentworth Chase are offered incentive packages which range from stamp duty paid and home exchange though to a first-time buyers’ package of £500 towards legal fees and five per cent deposit paid. Contact the sales and marketing suite on 01376 343273.

Sand Island Developments announces its latest addition to Essex – a brand new exquisitely designed detached house with detached garage, which is shortly to be built at Writtle, in Chelmsford.
Planning consent has recently been given for the brand new three-bedroom property, to be situated on Hunts Drive, off of Margaretting Road, near the A414 Writtle Bypass. The property will have 1,011 square feet of flexible living space, incorporating a range of lifestyle features. Work is set to start on the new property in the autumn and the home is expected to be ready for occupation next April.
Designed to accommodate a wealth of living requirements, the new home, priced at £275,000, offers excellent value for money in comparison to other similar properties in the area. In addition, Sand Island Developments is offering purchasers a tailored incentive package for early reservation.
The contemporary specification will include features such as quality kitchens with integrated appliances, white bathrooms with chrome fixtures and fittings, separate kitchen and living areas, uPVC windows, gas central heating and a landscaped and fenced garden.

For commuters, there are mainline links from nearby Chelmsford into Liverpool Street taking around 30 minutes, while for road users the A414 accesses the M11(M25), and the A12(M25). The A13 is also within easy reach and Stansted Airport is accessible.
As interest in the property is expected to be high, early enquiries are advised. For off plan enquiries, contact Sand Island Developments Ltd on 01245 290003.

Barratt offers the chance to keep fit at its Colne View development in Colchester. When the residents’ gym is completed, home owners will have fitness facilities right on the doorstep.
The latest release at the development is Cleveland Court, which comprises 29 one- and two-bedroom apartments over four floors. Buyers can choose from a range of apartment styles, each of which has been designed to maximise light and space. There is a large underground parking area with electronic gates.
Prices start at just £149,995 for a one-bedroom apartment, while two-bedroom apartments are priced from £179,995 and include an allocated parking space. To find out more call 01206 861572.
Also in Chelmsford, Savills is selling a fantastic new development of individually designed one- and two-bedroom apartments by locally-based developer Chelsteen Homes. Trident Place injects the best contemporary luxury living into one of this popular town’s most vibrant quarters – historic Moulsham Street, with its strong identity as a ‘village within a town’ and unique fusion of shops, eating places and service providers. Fronting a pleasant street scene, this development is designed to be relaxing.
Adam Akhust of Savills says, ‘Each of the 16 individually designed apartments is designed to maximise the use of space and natural light, and boasts a generous specification. Certainly, going by the initial interest we have received in this scheme, we envisage that it will be extremely popular with many buyers seeking a contemporary apartment in a convenient location’.

Located a few minutes stroll from the high street and within easy walking distance of the station (about 35 minutes to Liverpool Street) Moulsham Street continues to develop as a retail area but retains its own identity. Cosmopolitan restaurants and smart home furnishing retailers are now shoulder-to-shoulder with the more established range of shops in this amazing street.

Although so conveniently close to the town centre the development provides off-street car parking and is set within an attractive courtyard area. High standards of comfort are provided internally with modern methods of sound insulation used to enhance privacy. The fully integrated designer kitchens and bathrooms leave nothing to be desired while the provision of satellite TV, FM reception and telecommunications support expectations in home entertainment.
The fully furnished show apartment sales office is now open for public viewing Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Contact Savills on 01245 269311.

West London is luring more buyers than ever, thanks to its combination of convenience and style, says Johnny Turner.

West London has long since been famed for its exclusivity – the quiet residential turnings, thriving high streets, café lifestyle and the elegant homes – and the current vogue for building new homes on the west side means that the area offers more choice than ever. The current lot of newly built homes includes an excellent mix of quality and convenience.
One new development, The pumpHouse in Hammersmith, offers an enviable lifestyle in an outstanding riverside setting. The scheme, by St James Homes, is being created from the conversion of a Grade II listed Victorian pumping station, is made up of a combination of converted and newly built properties. On one side, private gardens lead directly to the Thames-side pathway and on the other side, the Great West Road ensures fantastic transport links.

Indeed, it couldn’t be easier to get into and out of London. The A4, M4, A40 and M40 are all extremely accessible, and Heathrow Airport is just a short journey away. For tube travellers, Ravenscourt Park station is within walking distance and the shops and entertainment scene of bustling Hammersmith and chic Chiswick are equidistant. Going further west, South Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge are all within easy reach.
And however far you travel, The pumpHouse apartments are something special to come home to. The apartments, priced from just £235,000 for a studio, are an eclectic mixture of cool modernity and Victorian elegance.    
           
Further information on the pumpHouse is available from St James Homes’ marketing suite on 020 8563 9139 or at phw6.co.uk.

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.

Linden Homes is selling Mode, an exciting new development in Spring Grove Road in Isleworth. The stunning collection of three-bedroom town houses and two-bedroom apartments has something for everyone. Plot 18, for instance, is a two-bedroom apartment built within the eaves of the building, covering the entire second floor and featuring sloping ceilings.
Helen Todd, sales and marketing director of Linden Homes Chiltern, says, ‘We are extremely excited about the Mode development and wish to encourage buyers to register their interest in these high specified homes now.’

The homes will boast designer kitchens from Symphony with De Dietrich appliances and, subject to stage of construction, a choice of ceramic floor and wall tiles from either Minoli or Porcelanosa. Bathrooms and en suites will have pristine white sanitaryware and chrome finishes.
Isleworth is a riverside town that hosts a range of shops, restaurants and leisure attractions, as well as easy proximity to Richmond, Kingston and central London. Communication links are superb, with central London a short drive or 15-minute train journey away. Osterley and Hounslow East tube stations bring the Piccadilly Line close by, and Heathrow airport is just ten miles away.

The homes at Mode selling quickly, with the remaining ones priced at £292,995 to £395,995. For further information contact Linden Homes Chiltern on 01895 827447 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.

At Reflexion in Hounslow, Barratt West London is creating 334 private apartments as part of the rejuvenation of Hounslow town centre, incorporating 150 affordable homes as well as approximately 150,000 square feet of retail and leisure space to include an Asda supermarket, fitness centre, restaurant and bar facilities.
Featuring striking architecture, the iconic development dominates the skyline. There are plans to create a new pedestrian link to Hounslow Central tube station. Prices for the stunning apartments start from just £213,995 and information is available from the Barratt marketing suite on 020 8572 3668

Scheduled for completion in 2008, Axiom is transforming Feltham town centre with over 800 apartments for private sale and shared ownership, together with new and refurbished retail spaces that will double the current provision, attracting key retailers to the town. A new library is scheduled to open in June and a health centre and hotel are also planned, along with new landscaped plazas and improvements to the High Street parade. Prices at Axiom start at just £199,995. Further information can be obtained by calling the marketing suite on 020 8867 0382.

The UK self-build market gets a glimpse of an eco-friendly future.

Within the UK housing market there is an increasing demand for a healthier way of living and an eco-friendly building solution. The answer now looks to lie within multi-award winning house builder, Baufritz, as the company opens its first UK office near Cambridge.
Until now, the gap in the self-build market meant that buyer’s looking for something different to that of a conventional home have had to compromise on choice, quality and design. Buyers’ options have been limited and such problems as fragmented and lengthy building processes have proved frustrating. Baufritz, the ecological pioneer in timber house construction is set to bring a unique offering of stunning, high-quality tailor-made homes to the UK self-build housing market.

Baufritz, already firmly established as one of the leading timber home companies in Germany, creates each house to the client’s individual specification, with no two the same. Focusing on providing a uniquely healthy housing solution, particularly for allergy sufferers, it is Baufritz’s philosophy that a house should provide more than simply a roof over our heads. A home should offer an unrivalled level of comfort and luxury combined with an abundance of natural materials and a healthy room climate. With a variety of designs, ranging from exclusive city villas to beautiful country homes, every house is built on the foundations of ecology and healthy living.
With Baufritz’s arrival in the UK, customers will see bring a welcome solution to the increasingly negative influences on health and the environment. The company builds each house using exclusive pollutant-tested materials and constructs them without the use of chemical wood preservation. Specialist Baufritz equipment is used to heat and cool rooms with fresh, filtered and pollution-free air providing a unique room air quality. In addition, rooms can be designed for specific allergy sufferers, containing untreated furniture, suitable materials and the world’s first external blinds with integrated pollen protection, all to create the ultimate healthy home.
Baufritz has homes for all lifestyles, designed to individual taste and requirements. Each house can incorporate aspects of modern and traditional living but always with a healthy ecological approach.

Oliver Rehm will be heading up Baufritz’s transition into the UK as managing director of the UK division. He is a German-trained architect and engineer with over eight years experience in the UK market alone, working for architects RMJM, Wrenbridge, and Breathe.
Customers who choose to purchase a home will embark on a unique design experience. Courtesy of Baufritz, they will travel to Germany to visit HausSchneiderei, the company’s main exhibition centre in Erkheim. It is here that customers can create their house, within a sense- and emotion-stimulating environment. Customers will select the finest detail from a wide variety of materials and colours.

The company will fill a large void in the self-build market with the entire process from planning to completion taking just five months, one-third of the time it takes to build a traditional house from bricks and mortar. All initial enquiries can be made by contacting Oliver Rehm, managing director, Baufritz (UK) Ltd, on 01223 235632.

Bletchley, Buckinghamshire

At Mathison Grange in sought-after Bletchley, George Wimpey is inviting purchasers to reserve through their easymover programme, which allows them to relax while the house builder works with its team of local estate agents to sell your existing homes. New homes in the scheme include the four-bedroom Kent design, priced from £249,995, and five-bedroom homes from £290,000. Call 01908 643466 for further information.


North Chingford, London

Twenty Two, a new development by Higgins Homes which overlooks a manicured golf course fairway and Royal Epping Forest, is already nearly one-third sold or reserved. The exclusive gated development offers just 13 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Contemporary design features in both the architecture and the apartments’ interiors. The development also offers allocated parking. Prices start at £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Call 020 8508 6000 or see higginshomes.co.uk.

Bishop’s Stortford, Essex

Furlong Homes’ Central Walk development is an exclusive range of 208 one- and two bedroom apartments with scenic views across the River Stort. This is the perfect location for those who want the tranquility of a riverside location as well as an easy commute to the City. The train station is within walking distance, offering regular services to Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport. Prices start at £179,995. Call 01279 758702.


Rainham, Kent

ASPREY HOMES TO LAUNCH RUSSETT FARM

Asprey Homes will soon launch Russett Farm, a development on Pump Lane. The two-, three- and four-bedroom homes are currently available off-plan. It is perfect for families and commuters, with excellent amenities in and around the town, plus reliable train links into central London with an approximate journey time of one hour from Rainham station. Prices start at £195,000. Call RPC Land & New Homes on 01634 835900.

LINDEN HOMES LEADS RENEWABLE ENERGY TRIAL AT WOKING DEVELOPMENT

Linden Homes has embraced an innovative method of meeting a planning requirement to generate at least 10% of a development's energy needs though onsite renewable energy, on its Fusion development in Woking. Determined to explore a new approach to tackling the renewable energy challenge, Linden Homes is undertaking twelve months of research as part of an agreement with Woking Borough Council. Homes at Fusion have been fitted with the Nuaire Drimaster system, a positive ventilation system that works by taking the air within the loft space which has already been partially heated by the sun, and pushing it through a ventilation system in the ceiling. The warmed air then circulates the house, reducing the demand on the boiler to generate heat, thereby saving energy and lowering bills.

In an added health benefit for the residents, the advanced filtering system reduces pollen and dust mites to barely detectable levels, creating a much healthier living environment especially for asthmatics or hay fever sufferers. The system also reduces damp by enforcing a constant recycling of air within the home.

In addition, a number of homes have been equipped with Nuaire's Ecosmart, which uses 'passive solar gain' from a solar panel inside the roof to use energy from the sun's rays, resulting in temperatures of 50 - 60 degrees in the roof cavity during direct sunlight. This solution does not compromise the external appearance of the home, which can be an important issue for residents.

Using the sun to generate energy within the home has been taken even further on selected units at Fusion, which have been fitted with Nuaire's Sunwarm, a direct solar collector. Using solar panels to heat water and air in the home, the Sunwarm uses pure renewable energy to reduce dependency on the traditional boiler system. Its unique method of operation means it is capable of saving twice as much energy as a conventional solar hot water heating system, and works effectively twelve months of the year.

As a result of these initiatives, Linden Homes anticipate achieving as much as 12.7% of Fusion's energy requirements through renewable energy. The benefits of this for residents will last the lifetime of the site, resulting in reduced fuel bills and considerable savings over the long term.

As part of the ongoing experiment, the progress of the systems will be monitored remotely using Radio Frequency Signals, with no intrusion into the lives of residents.

Philip Davies, Chief Executive of Linden Homes comments:

"Research into the wider issue of renewable energy is essential if housebuilders are going to successfully contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through environmentally friendly new homes. We will be reporting the results of our experiments at Fusion to Woking Borough Council, but early results indicate we will easily exceed the required 10% onsite renewable energy."

Woking Borough Council, which has received national recognition for its pioneering work in developing and promoting renewable energy, requires at least 10% of the energy consumed by all new developments to be generated from renewable sources on site.  Sean Rendall, Principal Policy Officer at Woking, concluded that the approach proposed by Linden Homes in meeting this target merited closer examination:

 "We are keen to encourage developers to think hard about the contribution their proposals can make in tackling the global issue of climate change.  The potential benefits of the technologies at Fusion demonstrated to the Council a willingness to explore new ways of responding to the challenge of reducing the Borough's greenhouse gas emissions.  We welcome Linden's commitment to monitoring the systems at Fusion and sharing with us the outcome of this trial."

Linden Homes takes its green credentials extremely seriously, with all its homes achieving a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating of at least 90, compared to the national average of 75 for new homes. Fusion was also accredited with a 'Very Good' Eco-Homes rating.

Hatfield, Hertfordshire

Selling Like Hot Cakes: 35% Sold at Barratt’s Equinox Development in Hatfield!

In just a few months following the launch of the first phase at Barratt’s Equinox development in Hatfield, some 35% of the 79 homes have been snapped up by buyers.    

The development, located on the former site of the British Aerospace factory, will comprise 171 private one and two bedroom apartments when complete.    As part of the major regeneration of the area, there will also be a medical centre, a 115 place nursery, a nursing home, 35,000 sq ft of bar, restaurant and retail space, a 120 bed hotel, a public house and a purpose-built bus interchange.

Judging by the success of the first phase at Equinox, buyers will need to hurry to secure their preferred plots off-plan.  Michael O’Leary, sales director at Barratt North London says:  “The development is attracting a range of buyers, including first time buyers, investors and parents of Hatfield University students.  There is no doubting this area of Hatfield is turning into a residential hotspot, with many excellent amenities already in place and more to come.”

Situated next to Barratt’s popular Comet Square development, which also sold out quickly after its launch, the development offers a choice of contemporary apartment styles, many of which have balconies.  Smart designer kitchens sport integrated stainless steel appliances and modern technology requirements have been catered for in all bedrooms and living rooms, with these fitted with digital satellite TV connections.  All master bedrooms include their own shower room.  Every apartment has a video/audio entry-phone system and allocated private parking.   

Equinox is located conveniently near to the University of Hertfordshire and to the well-known Galleria Outlet Centre, which has more than 60 stores and a cinema complex.  For sports enthusiasts, the Next Generation Health and Fitness Club - one of largest racquets, health and fitness clubs in Europe - is housed in the listed Hatfield Aerodrome Hanger next door to Equinox.   

Equinox has excellent communications links nearby.  The A1(M) runs from junction 3 or junction 4 for north/south travel; the A414 links with the M10/M1 for the Midlands and the M25 is around five minutes away from the development.  Trains from Hatfield take around 30 minutes to the City.

Prices for one bedroom apartments at Equinox start from £167,000 and two bedroom apartments from £192,000.  For further details, telephone the sales and marketing suite on 01707 267153, which is open between 10am and 6pm from Thursday to Sunday and between 2pm and 6pm on Mondays.   Information on all Barratt Homes developments is available on the website at www.barratthomes.co.uk

Last remaining family homes at The Brambles, Rochford

Families asked to describe their ideal home might well paint a picture of a large detached house in rural surroundings, with shops, a school and railway station within walking distance. Perfectly fitting this description are the three and four bedroom homes at The Brambles, Barratt’s exclusive development of 16 family homes in Rochford. The perfect combination of a country setting and convenience means that most of the homes have now been sold and there are just two remaining.

Some homes at The Brambles back on to open farmland, giving lovely countryside views. Yet Rochford town centre is a five minute stroll away and the station, with direct services to London’s Liverpool Street, can be reached within ten minutes.

Families with younger children will appreciate Rochford Primary School, which is within walking distance, and for family days at the seaside, lively Southend-on-Sea is less than three miles away.

Paul and Louise Gudge, and their young daughters Sophie and Faye, recently moved from Wapping in East London to The Brambles and are thrilled with their new lifestyle. As Louise says: ‘This is a wonderfully relaxed place to live and everything’s so close to hand. In Wapping we had to drive everywhere, but now I can walk into town or to the local park and the girls can walk or cycle to school. We both work in Docklands, so it’s a bonus being close to the station.’
Equally important to Paul and Louise is that their money goes a great deal further in Rochford: ‘We can’t believe we’ve ended up with such a fantastic new four bedroom house, with a garage and a good sized garden, and in such a lovely town. There’s no way we could have afforded to buy a house of this standard in London. In fact we reckon that a two bedroom house in Wapping is around the same price as a four bedroom home at The Brambles!’

The two remaining homes, in two different styles, one with living space arranged over three storeys, provide masses of flexibility. The ‘Thornton’ has four generously sized bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite to the master bedroom), separate living and dining rooms and a large, exceptionally well-equipped kitchen/breakfast area. The ‘Salcombe’ has three bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite to the master bedroom) a sitting/dining room and a separate kitchen. Both homes have French doors that lead out on to the garden, perfect for family parties and barbecues. Each home has an allocated parking space, while the ‘Thornton’ also has a garage.

A three-bedroom home at The Brambles is priced from £249,995. For families wishing to sell their existing home quickly and at market price, Barratt is offering its popular part-exchange scheme, which takes away the worry of being in a chain and saves estate agent fees.

For further information, and to view the showhome, please contact the Barratt sales and marketing suite on 01702 543837, open from Thursday to Sunday, 10am - 6pm and from 2pm - 6 pm on Monday.
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With a number of stylish new developments on offer, specialist housebuilder Fernham Homes Ltd provides the perfect answer for those homebuyers searching for a quality new home that enjoys the ultimate in luxury, quality and comfort, not to mention an enviable location.

David Masters, Managing Director of Fernham Homes Ltd, explains: ‘I think it is safe to say that the debate concerning the conditions of the housing industry over recent months is now over and literally everyone is in agreement that it has regained its buoyancy. With this in mind, it is certainly an ideal time for discerning purchasers to make the move they have been thinking of for sometime, but have avoided due to any uncertainty they may have had about the market.’

He continues: ‘Our Pilgrim’s Place development in Harrietsham and recently launched Orchard Place development in Coxheath, Kent are remarkable schemes that offer purchasers the best of both worlds, with highly specified new homes located in idyllic villages that enjoy excellent commuter links.’ Pilgrim’s Place is a remarkable collection of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom Kentish style homes priced from £275,000, whilst Orchard Place is a stunning scheme comprising of just 14, three and four bedroom houses and 1, two bedroom apartment, priced from £225,000. For further information on either of these developments, contact the appointed selling agents RPC Land and New Homes on 01622 691911 or Page & Wells on 01622 625129. Alternatively, for Pilgrim’s Place, call the Marketing Suite and Show Home open Thursday to Monday inclusive from 10am to 5pm on 01622 853530.
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PRICELESS VIEWS AT JUST £329,950

For many of today’s homebuyers a penthouse in London with fantastic views of the City is simply just a dream home and far beyond the reach of the average purchaser. But not for those who visit Rydon Homes’ contemporary new development in Tower Hamlets, on Cable Street, London E1 where a range of penthouses have just been released at its exclusive development, Nordic Apartments.
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Paul Travers is a Director of New London; an estate agency dedicated to selling new property in London. He sees many new home developments every week, but when he went to view The Nordic Apartments on Cable Street, London E1 by Rydon Homes, Paul was so impressed with the design and quality of the apartments that he actually bought one himself.

The 36-year-old is now a proud owner of a stunning two-bedroom penthouse at the exclusive development and is preparing to move in at the end of August. His new home boasts two large roof terraces, one with views of Canary Wharf, and one that looks out over the City.

‘I went to the development with the view of my company taking on the sales for the development, I wasn’t even thinking about buying there. But when it came down to it I found myself standing in a flat that I wanted to live in, not sell!’ says Paul.

He continues: ‘While I was at the development I kept going back to view the plans for one specific apartment and realised that I really liked it. I see a lot of new build property through my work but this really is a fantastic apartment - I especially love the roof terraces, and I can even see the River. I also like the idea of living in such an up-and-coming area. There is always so much going on. Also, my offices are based in Farringdon so my journey to work will be just 20 minutes.’
The stunning three bedroom penthouses sit atop three individual buildings, which have been designed to create a cool, contemporary exterior with a distinct Scandinavian feel. A fusion of shape, form and function themed around timber, glass and steel, the development has an impressive impact on arrival. The bold and iconic exteriors sit perfectly in their metropolitan environment fronted by timber-clad private balconies and terraces to allow the light to flood in without compromising privacy.

Inside, each building offers effortlessly designed chic apartments, which have been carefully created to provide flexible living space. The penthouses feature magnificent open plan living areas creating the ideal environment to impress and entertain guests. In addition, generous balconies and terraces provide the opportunity to take advantage of some of the best views of London.

Robert Kerr, Marketing Manager for Rydon Homes comments: ‘These penthouses really are good value for money, especially in an area which is now thriving after much regeneration over the last few years. It is very rare to be able to purchase a new home in this area that has the space, views and specification to match some of the most prestigious developments in London.’

‘There are also a number of sub penthouses available at priced from just £237,950 which is ideal for those who want a penthouse but cannot afford to pay the higher stamp duty costs.’

Each penthouse boasts features such as stylish kitchens with a full range of appliances including oven, hob, hood, combi microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher, washer dryer and waste disposal. The bathrooms have pure white sanitary ware and the luxury of heated towel rails, and there is wooden flooring to the kitchen, living area and hallways.

The accessibility of Nordic Apartments is excellent. The DLR and tube stations are just 800 metres along Cable Street, putting the rest of London within easy reach. The West End is a 17-minute journey and Bank is just four minutes away. Canary Wharf is just four stops away on the DLR, and less than 20 minutes on foot via the Thames riverside walk.

Rydon Homes Marketing Suite at the Nordic Apartments is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and at other times, strictly by appointment only.

Prices for the penthouses start from £329,950. For further information, contact the Sales and Marketing Suite on 0207 780 1580, or visit the development’s website at www.nordic-cool.co.uk

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Millgate Homes, a mainstay of the South East’s luxury homes market, has recently launched a magnificent new show home at Wellington Court, located just three miles from Reading. The development of six four-bedroom detached homes is only three miles from Reading. The area offers good local schools and excellent access to the A33 and M4. Spacious and modern, the homes offer individual garages and a choice of interior layouts. Contact selling agent Richard Worth on 0118 979 6796.
Saturday 20th May will see the launch of a magnificent new show home at Wellington Court, Millgate Homes’ development of six 4 bedroom detached homes. Visitors will get the chance to see how suited these spacious homes are to modern living, with each property offering layouts to cater for individual needs as well as individual garages.
For example, one of the six properties benefits from a study, ideal for working from home, while all properties feature generous, fully equipped designer kitchens. Separate living and dining rooms provide the perfect space for entertaining, while two of the homes offer kitchen/breakfast rooms that run the whole width of the house, ideal for busy family life.
Upstairs, each of the properties offer four well-proportioned bedrooms, with ample built-in wardrobe space to most bedrooms. Master bedrooms are all en-suite, and, like the family bathrooms feature crisp white sanitary ware with chrome fittings and towel ladder radiators. In three of the homes, the second bedroom is also en-suite, perfect for overnight guests or teenagers who need their own space.
Externally, the homes have been carefully designed to reflect the traditional architecture of the area, and gardens feature established turf lawns and mature planting.
Three Mile Cross and its surrounding villages provide plenty of rural charm, as well as local shops and cosy pubs for dining, while nearby Reading offers excellent shopping and a cosmopolitan nightlife. Commuting is also straightforward, with excellent access to the A33 and M4, and there are a number of good schools, both state and independent in the surrounding area.
The Show Home will be open from 10am on Saturday, 20th May and thereafter 7 days a week from 10am – 4pm. For further information, contact selling agent Richard Worth on 0118 979 6796
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Rainham, Kent

Millwood Designer Homes’ new Edwin Place development is a new addition to the Thames Gateway, comprising just eight four-, five- and seven-bedroom detached houses in a range of styles.

At a time when recent news reports are suggesting that East Londoners considering moving into the Thames Gateway find newly built homes to be ‘monotonous’ and ‘characterless’, award-winning housebuilder Millwood Designer Homes has recently received planning permission for a development that will prove to be quite the opposite!

The company’s new Edwin Place development is located in Rainham within the 40 mile stretch from south east London to Kent, known as the Thames Gateway, which is part of a regeneration plan aimed at attracting a range of people to create new mixed communities.

Edwin Place will comprise just eight, 4, 5 and 7 bedroom detached houses that will be built in a range of styles including Millwood’s flagship ‘Yeoman’ design that is based on Wealden farmhouses of the 15th and 16th centuries. With a perfect combination of traditional, sympathetically designed exteriors that both blend with and enhance the local area and luxury interiors, the homes at Edwin Place will offer a breath of fresh air into the Thames Gateway.

Tony Lynn, Associate Sales and Marketing Director for Millwood Designer Homes, comments: ‘At Millwood we pride ourselves on our expertise in creating luxurious new homes that enjoy the best of both worlds – traditional charm with modern conveniences and the homes at Edwin Place will be no different. As a company we prioritise quality over quantity and ensure that all of our homes benefit from our trademark quality of build, meticulous attention to detail and impressively high standards. We also incorporate the use of reclaimed materials wherever possible to give our homes a more established feel.’

He continues: ‘We have already enjoyed fantastic sales success within the Thames Gateway at our Little York Farm development in Rainham, featuring a range of styles including an authentic barn design, which blended seamlessly with the surrounding area. I would certainly urge anyone looking to move into the Kent area of the Thames Gateway to come and have a look at our developments and see for themselves that they are certainly full of character!’

The impressive specification at Edwin Place will include fully fitted designer kitchens with top of the range appliances and stylish tiling from Porcelanosa. The bathrooms will have luxury white suites with modern chrome fittings.

Edwin Place has already proved popular with discerning purchasers, even before its official launch with two homes now sold.

The homes at Edwin Place are priced from £465,000. For further information, contact Millwood Designer Homes on 01732 770991. Alternatively, visit the company website at www.mdh.uk.com.

Furlong Homes is holding a first-time buyers’ weekend at Woolwich Green. The event, which takes place on 17 and 18 June, is an excellent opportunity for first-time buyers to gain advice about the best way to enter the property market. Countryside Properties will be enabling potential buyers to reserve a new home at Woolwich Green for a mere £1000 reservation fee. Attached is an image of the property at Woolwich Green. With today’s property market not favouring first time buyers, this is a fantastic opportunity and one that can not be missed
A ‘Grand Idea’ from Countryside Properties PLC

First time buyers are being given the rare opportunity to take an affordable yet stylish step onto the London property ladder.  

On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June, Countryside Properties is holding a ‘First Time Buyer Weekend’ at Woolwich Green, its development in Shooters Hill, SE18, where its new ‘Grand Idea’ scheme will be introduced.  This new set of incentives has been specifically tailored for first time buyers and enables potential purchasers to reserve and move into a new home at Woolwich Green for just the cost of their reservation fee - £1000.  

As well as finding out more about this fantastic offer, customers will also be able to view the stunning new one bedroom show home at the development, and take advantage of chatting to financial advisors, mortgage advisors and experienced Countryside Properties staff.

Tony Travers, Subsidiary Managing Director of Countryside Properties, says: “The market in London has made it extremely difficult for first time buyers, but at Woolwich Green we have created an affordable and stylish answer.  This first time buyer weekend really is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for those interested in purchasing their first home.  Visitors will be able to speak to our experienced sales staff to gain advice on the best way to take a first step onto the property ladder and on the incentives that we have available to help.”

Comprising 141 one and two bedroom apartments, prices at Woolwich Green start from £170,000 for a one bedroom apartment and just £199,950 for a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment.  

Bellway’s Linden Fields offers Pimms and strawberries to football ‘widows’ - and rooms with a view for commuters
View-apartments launch 24-25 June


There can be few places more attractive yet within that magical one hour commute-time than Tunbridge Wells. So, with a few minutes walk to the local station and a journey time of 55 minutes by train to Charing Cross, Bellway’s Linden Fields apartments just launching provide convenience, charm, great value and deliciously-contemporary living space.

The new block of apartments, just around the corner from the Pantiles,   is ready to view on 24-25 June. Viewing the fully-carpeted block of twelve elegant apartments is probably reward enough (especially with prices for a one-bedroom home starting at £199,950).

However, Bellway is so keen to make it worthwhile for soccer widows that they’re serving Pimms and strawberries. Whilst your partner is glued to the television, you can enjoy an escorted tour around the building, viewing pleasant surroundings and delightful views whilst sipping your cocktail and nibbling summer fruits. We guarantee you won’t hear ‘Come on England’ and you might just find a new home. Moving could be quicker than you think as you could even arrange a part-exchange deal.

The added benefit is that,  when you’ve finished admiring the landscaping, you can pop around to the Pantiles for a little light shopping – after all you need to find out just how close the development is to the shops and station. Even if you come before kick-off, a delicious cocktail will be served – in fact any time between 10am – 5pm on 24-25 June.  Result! You do the property research; he has an afternoon with his true love – the World Cup; and everyone wins....

Here’s the deal:

There are 34 apartments set across 2 apartment buildings with 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom apartments. The apartment buildings have formal landscaped gardens and all apartments have either a balcony or terrace, providing outdoor living space.  Residents will have underground parking.  There is a furnished 2-bedroom show apartment and 17 new homes ready to view from 24 June.

Set in a private tree lined road, Linden Fields contains 11 townhouses offering 6 different designs of townhouse to choose from.  

For buyers with a property to sell Bellway is offering to take their existing home in part exchange¹.  Subject to valuation people who take up the offer simply give their existing property to Bellway in exchange for one at Linden Fields.  Part exchange really speeds up the home buying process as buyers will receive a guaranteed offer within 7 days; the service is free;  and as there are no estate agents’ fees to pay.

Trains run in under one hour to London’s Charing Cross and the M25, 12 miles away.

There are a number of schools in the area and with the Hop Farm and a number of gardens and castles in the surrounding areas, plenty to do in the school holidays and at weekends.  Residents will be close to excellent leisure facilities, including a cricket ground and Tunbridge Wells Common.  

The marketing suite is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. Call 01892 515210 or visit: www.bellway.co.uk  and click on Thames Gateway South.

High-quality rental properties in beautiful Wanstead

East Homes offers a wonderful rental opportunity in leafy Wanstead. Clock Court is a prestigious Victorian development in the former Wanstead Hospital. Clock Court is stunning, a development in a class all its own, offering a combination of amazing architecture and a beautiful setting. The building was conceived in Venetian Gothic style by Somers Clarke, featuring carvings and architectural sculpture by Thomas Earp.

East Homes has four stylish one-bedroom apartments to rent. These homes are the ideal 21st-century dwellings: the historical context is complemented by the convenience and comfort of modern design. All the apartments have high ceilings and a fully fitted kitchen with electric hob oven, and they are carpeted throughout.

This fantastic location in leafy Wanstead has excellent public transport accessibility being less than a mile from Wanstead, South Woodford and Snaresbrook Underground stations. These stations are in Zone 4 on the Central Line, only a few stops from Stratford and Liverpool Street, which in turn provide numerous connections.
Rents are available from only £585 per month. For further details call 020 8522 3434 or visit east-homes.co.uk.

Bow, London

Widacre Homes has just launched The Chelsea Building, the fourth and most exciting phase of its exceptional EastSide scheme in Morville Street E3. At the sales and marketing suite, purchasers will have the opportunity to view the show apartment and the floorplans of the apartments within the new phase, which overlooks the development's beautifully landscaped piazza-style garden square. The Chelsea Building will comprise 26 one- and two-bedroom apartments, priced from an affordable £184,950. Many homes will have balconies and terraces. Since its launch a year ago, EastSide has seen rapid sales at The Greenwich, Soho and Washington Buildings, appealing to a mix of first-time buyers and independent investors, as well as a significant number of young doctors who are taking advantage of EastSide’s proximity to London’s top hospitals. In total EastSide will comprise 132 stylish apartments across four buildings. Call Strettons Residential on 020 7422 0989 or see eastside-e3.com.

Harlow, Essex

At Barratt’s Prospect Royal, one-third of the 91 contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments have already been snapped up as buyers take advantage of pre-show home prices. A show home is set to open this month. Commuting is easy, with trains from Harlow Town station taking less than 40 minutes and the M11 and A10 within easy reach. Two-bedroom apartments start at £175,000 and incentives are available. Call 01279 441469.

Bishops Stortford, Essex

Furlong Homes’ Central Walk is an exclusive range of 208 one- and two-bedroom apartments with scenic views across the River Stort. Light and airy open-plan living areas offer space and light, and fully fitted kitchens and en-suite facilities are standard. The local train station is within walking distance, with regular services to Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport. Prices start at £179,995. Call 01279 758702.

Esher, Surrey

At The Eclipse in More Lane, Premier Properties  offers home buyers a choice of just nine apartments on this prime site – and the developer has also acquired a tree-lined plot which will be landscaped and gated to provide residents with privacy and security. All apartments offer over 900 sq ft of accommodation. Price guides range from £399,000 to £490,000. Call selling agents Curchods on 01372 462000.

Four Marks, Hampshire

Infinity Homes has just one property remaining at its i:four development. The two-bedroom end of terrace house comes with a garden and two car parking spaces. This beautiful home is now available for just £194,950 with carpets included. i:four is set in a small enclave of mews houses - perfect for enjoying a contemporary village lifestyle within a modern home. Call 01420 568236 or visit infinityhomes.co.uk.

Caversham, Berkshire

George Wimpey West London’s Pembroke Grange development in Caversham is a great chance for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder. Incentives for first-timers include five per cent deposit paid, stamp duty paid, £1,000 towards legal fees and £250 towards survey fees. Caversham is close to Reading and offers excellent transport links. Prices start at £184,995 for two-bedroom apartments. Call 0118 947 5983 or visit georgewimpey.co.uk.

Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Crest Nicholson has just launched Abode@Riverside, an impressive development of 70 contemporary one- and two-bedroom apartments within a landmark eight-storey building adjacent to the dynamic new retail development of Riverside. These apartments are ideal for young professionals. Hemel Hempstead station, a short walk away, has trains to Euston taking just half an hour. The M1 and A41 are under a few miles away. Call 0870 755 1641.

The county of Sussex is one of the South East’s most sought-after spots. Johnny Turner looks at what’s on the market.

I f any county can claim to have it all, certainly East and West Sussex fit the bill. With generous, high-quality coastline and a mix of landscapes, from chalky downs to gentle, rolling hills, there is something special about the natural beauty of the place. There is also plenty of opportunity to participate in the daily hustle and bustle for residents of Sussex: Brighton is a magnet for both workers and holidaymakers, while London is easy to reach by road or rail.
The homes in East and West Sussex run the gamut from smart seaside apartments to family homes in village or town settings. Indeed, the current market has something for every buyer type.

Crest Nicholson (South East) Ltd has just launched The Brackens, a development of 14 two- and three-bedroom homes in Crowborough. This is the only new-build development currently under construction in Crowborough, which makes it all the more sought-after. The Brackens is situated in the heart of the town centre and only eight miles from Tunbridge Wells. Prices start at £192,500 for a two-bedroom apartment and £255,000 for a three-bedroom house. For more information call 01892 665666 or visit crestnicholson.com.
For those in search of a sought-after seaside location, Rydon Homes has opened the doors to two stunning new show apartments at Avalon, which is situated on West Street in Brighton. Comprising a collection of 45 cool, calm living spaces, this prestigious development occupies an unrivalled and vibrant location that is under 100 metres from the sea yet right in the centre of the city.

The state-of-the-art development offers a rare opportunity to live in the heart of Brighton and offers a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and penthouses with a superior specification. It is just a short walk from The Lanes and the seafront.
Natalie Flint, sales and marketing director of Rydon Homes, says, ‘The first two show apartments give visitors a true flavour of the lifestyle and ambience of Avalon. The location, designer specification and creative layout ensure that the apartments offer an ideal retreat after a busy day at the office. These show apartments have been incredibly well received by visitors which has inspired us to create a third show apartment which is also a duplex.’ This latest show apartment launched last month, and demonstrates even more clearly why Avalon is one of this year’s hottest buying destinations.

Situated on the first floor of this metropolitan style development, the main show apartment features a contemporary-style kitchen which is open-plan to a spacious living/dining. There is also a large terrace, offering the ideal entertaining space.
The master bedroom suite provides a pair of double-width fitted wardrobes suitable for two people to share, plus an en suite shower room. The second double bedroom also features fitted wardrobes and is ideal for a guest bedroom, study or leisure room. A separate bathroom features Phillipe Starck-designed sanitaryware, a bath by Kaldewei, Hansgrohe chrome monobloc mixer taps and a chrome heated towel rail.

One of the new show apartments also serves as the new marketing suite which is accessed off Middle Street. The duplex apartment offers 1,313 sq ft of living space plus a large terrace. In this apartment a kitchen complete with a full range of appliances is open plan to the spacious living/dining area. A door from the living area leads out onto the terrace, offering the ideal environment for al fresco dining during the summer months. A separate cloakroom completes the ground floor accommodation.

On the first floor, the master bedroom suite features an en suite shower room, plenty of fitted wardrobes plus access to a private balcony, ideal for morning breakfast or a glass of wine in the evening. The second double bedroom also provides a vast amount of wardrobe space and has access to a separate bathroom.

Each apartment has been designed and equipped to the highest specification with CAT5 cabling fitted for telephone, internet and satellite TV outlets in the kitchen/living room and bedrooms. Kitchens are contemporary in design and feature a high performance multi-function single oven with extractor hood, a halogen hob, combi fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher and compact duo microwave oven and grill and a waste disposal unit.
Avalon is located just minutes from the sea, the city’s ‘restaurant row’ in Preston Street and The Lanes. It also offers excellent transport links from Brighton station, which is only 800 metres away. Those who commute to London will find regular 55-minute peak-time services to London Bridge and Victoria stations.

The two- and three-bedroom apartments are priced from £324,950. Visit the marketing suite, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm, or call 01273 220730. Visit rydonhomes.co.uk.
With everything from two-bedroom starter homes priced at £202,950 to larger three-bedroom town houses priced at £299,950, Persimmon Homes’ Deerswood Green in the Ilfield area of Crawley offers the ideal home for a range of purchasers.
The three-bedroom Denbigh design is the pick of the properties on offer at Deerswood Green, providing a elegant living space split over three separate floors. On the ground floor are a reception room as well as a spacious kitchen and family room with access to the homes garden.
On the first floor is the main reception room in addition to the master bedroom with en suite facilities, while the second floor provides two additional bedrooms, a family bathroom and study. Priced from £290,000 the Denbigh represents excellent value for money.

For those in search of a smaller home, the Boyton home may provide the ideal solution. Priced from just £202,950 it provides a spacious living room and kitchen as well as and two double bedrooms, with en suite facilities to the master bedroom and a second bathroom.
Deerswood Green is located in a quiet residential area which is well placed for excellent facilities and amenities. Nearby Crawley offers a host of restaurants and bars as well as the County Mall Shopping Centre which is home to a wide selection of high street stores.
Commuter links could not be better, with junction 10 of the M23 less than four miles away and the M25 also within easy reach. And for frequent flyers, Gatwick airport is approximately five miles away, while for rail commuters the local station runs a regular express service to London.
For more information about Deerswood Green contact 01293 613731 or visit persimmonhomes.com.

In Eastbourne, Sovereign Harbour is a very popular development involving several home builders, situated near Europe’s largest man-made marina. The Boardwalk by Redrow Homes is a scheme that appeals to a range of buyers, from owner-occupiers to investors and even those in search of a second home at which they can spend off-time relaxing in a stylish coastal location.

When complete The Boardwalk will offer a selection of 260 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, including 18 deluxe penthouses. With London under two hours away, the development is great for busy commuters who want to balance a hectic work day with a peaceful off-time environment. There are also great transport links bringing Brighton and Hastings within easy reach.

The bold exterior design draws on maritime influences, reflected in the eye-catching facades of the six buildings which feature splashes of blue and yellow and utilise an unusual combination of aluminium, canvas and wood. A timber-decked walkway will separate the buildings and enhance the character of the development.

All apartments will boast an 'a la carte' specification including kitchens fit for a cordon bleu chef, with designer units by Bluestone and equipped with a range of Electrolux appliances, stainless steel sink and taps, concealed worktop lighting and a choice of ceramic flooring.
Current availability at The Boardwalk includes one-bedroom apartments from £179,000, two-bedroom apartments starting from £226,000 and three-bedroom apartments priced from £300,000.Call the sales team on 01323 472194.

Also at the cosmopolitan location of Sovereign Harbour, near the wonderful marina, Chatsworth Strand is a stunning new development from Jones Homes that makes the most of its maritime location. The stylish two-bedroom apartments all enjoy uninterrupted sea views, giving them a wonderfully relaxed ambience.

Just a short walk from the colourful marina with its selection of restaurants and boutiques, Chatsworth Strand enjoys an unrivalled location, close to the elegant seaside town of Eastbourne. Natural beauty is all around, with not only the blue expanse of the Channel but also the gorgeous South Downs providing rolling hills and wonderful white cliffs.
Eastbourne offers a fabulous choice of shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, theatres and leisure facilities. The apartments are priced from £225,000 and selected plots offer garages. Reservations are now being taken on the latest phase of the popular Cavendish and Devonshire apartment styles. The show home is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. Call 01323 471030.
Further east along the coast towards Hastings is Churchwood Place, also from Jones Homes. Only three units are now available at this popular development, which is close to the seaside town of St Leonards. Arranged over three floors, these attractive Richmond town houses are priced from £225,000. Each property features three bedrooms, an en suite to the master bedroom, a fully fitted kitchen with breakfast area, utility room, study, cloakroom and integral garage. St Leonards, a picturesque fishing town with a fascinating history, has a range of shops and facilities, while nearby Hastings and Bexhill offer superb shopping, dining and leisure opportunities.

The show home at Churchwood Place is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5.30pm. Call 01424 852091 to find out more. In St Leonards, a particularly sought-after section of Hastings, Another St Leonards scheme is Persimmon’s Bracken Heights, a distinctive development set in a quiet elevated position. The homes come in a variety of sizes and layouts; currently available are two-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom houses.
Prices for the two-bedroom apartments start at £149,950, while the four-bedroom houses are currently priced from £315,000. Call 01424 854871 for more information.

Also from Persimmon, in the popular Bolnore Village development near Haywards Heath, Sylvan Hollow offers homes ranging from two-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom town houses (the latter priced from £320,000). All of the pluses of Bolnore apply here, including gorgeous scenery and easy connections to London by train.

A marketing suite and beautiful show home are open, and the detached is 50 per cent sold, so best hurry. Call 01444 473631 to find out more.
George Wimpey Southern Counties is well aware of the importance of first-time buyers as the bedrock of the housing market. That’s why, despite reports of house prices moving ever higher this spring, the developer is still offering homes perfect for first-timers priced within the national average, and offering great deals for current home owners looking to move. Kestrel’s Keep in Chichester is a good example of this policy.

Suzie Magness, sales and marketing director for George Wimpey Southern Counties says, ‘At George Wimpey we feel it is important to keep prices at some developments around a certain level, giving first-time buyers the opportunity to enter the market. As part of our easymover scheme, we also offer a range of deals to make entering the housing market easier for first time buyers such as deposit paid, stamp duty paid, move in for £99 or a contribution towards their legal fees.

‘Our sales executives on site are also always at hand to help with the buying process, which can be daunting for even the most experienced home owner, let alone a first time buyer!’
Kestrel’s Keep offers a great opportunity for first-time buyers or couples looking to buy a first home together. Less than two miles from Chichester city centre, this selection of 34 detached three-bedroom homes is set in beautiful landscaped grounds and offers all the benefits of living in one of England’s most prestigious cathedral cities.
For more information on Kestrel’s Keep visit georgewimpey.co.uk or contact the sales and marketing suite on 01243 771572.

In the sought-after Meads area of Eastbourne, Sunnymead is a luxury development by Fivewalk Homes. The development offers individually crafted two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments, including both new build and converted homes. Here traditional architecture mixes with modern design, fine detailing and an abundance of space and light.
Sunnymead’s four-storey building comprises six contemporary style apartments and one penthouse, all of which offer strong attention to detail. Aside from generously proportioned rooms and views as far as the eye can see, each apartment is distinguishable by exclusive one-off kitchen designs, careful finishes, superior fixtures and fittings and luxurious granite worktops. Door framing is impeccable and tiling is of the highest quality.
The penthouse, a duplex apartment set on the third and fourth floors, has direct elevator entry into a private lobby and two perfectly placed balconies for spectacular downland views. The extensive space, designer kitchen and spiral staircase to a spare library or games room, makes this penthouse one to be seen.

Nearby is Royal Eastbourne’s 18-hole golf course and there is complimentary entry into the neighbouring Brighton University health and leisure centre and golf course. The beach is only half a mile away, and local facilities, shops and the town centre are nearby.
he luxury Sunnymead apartments are now available for viewing but only a few remain, priced from £695,000. Call 01323 416897 for further information.

Looking towards the future, Persimmon homes is set to unveil the new Green Point development in Eastbourne this summer.
The scheme will comprise three and four bedroom homes on Green Street in Eastbourne. And with just 18 properties available, Persimmon is encouraging potential purchasers to register their interest either by calling the sales hotline on 01329 514300 or registering their details online at persimmonhomes.com.
Registered parties will be updated on progress at the development by post and email and will be the first to know when a definite launch date is scheduled, to which they will receive an exclusive invitation.

First occupations are expected in October 2006 and prices are to be released shortly. For further information on Green Point contact the sales team on 01329 514300.
Appledore Developments has only one home remaining at Rameslie, a development that enjoys an enviable setting in the quaint market town of Rye with its cobbled streets and fine period architecture.

The remaining town house is priced at £275,000 and benefits from a stunning specification that includes a fully fitted designer kitchen complete with a full range of state-of-the-art appliances, including a stainless steel oven, a stainless steel hob, sink and integrated fridge/freezer and dishwasher. Stylish floor tiling from Porcelanosa completes the look. Bathrooms have pristine white sanitaryware with contemporary chrome fittings and an Aqualisa shower.
For further information or to arrange a viewing call appointed selling agent Calcutt Maclean Standen on 01797 229922. Or contact Appledore Developments Ltd on 01732 469888. Visit appledoredevelopments.co.uk.

At Antler Homes’ Birklands, a collection of ten apartments and five cottages built in a traditional style, just two apartments remain for sale. The properties are set in landscaped grounds, planted with mature shrubs and plants for year-round colour and variety. Each property has an allocated parking space.
Fully fitted kitchens are equipped with a range of high-spec appliances, including multi-functional stainless steel oven, gas hob with chimney hood, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and washer-dryer. Master bedrooms feature fitted wardrobes, while luxury bathroom suites feature classic white sanitaryware with premium quality fixtures and fittings.
Storrington is a bustling market town with a comprehensive range of shops and local amenities. The larger towns of Chichester and Brighton are also close at hand, offering a wider choice of shopping and entertainment. The countryside surrounding Storrington has a wealth of walks and country pursuits as well as areas of historical interest, such as the ancient Cissbury Ring standing stones and Arundel Castle and Cathedral.

Transport links from Storrington include the A24 which offers good access to the M25, the South East motorway network and Gatwick Airport (approximately 30 miles). Mainline trains run from nearby Pulborough, about four miles away, with a journey time of one-and-a-quarter hours to London Waterloo.
Prices start at £289,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call 01903 742535.

Battersea, London

Berkeley Homes has responded to the demand for traditional family homes in the capital with Battersea Park Square, which provides 56 homes. The development includes both apartments and houses, including mews houses and town houses, many with private gardens, garages and gated parking facilities. Battersea Park Square is just a short walk from prestigious Prince of Wales Drive and Battersea Park, located in one of the most sought-after corners of SW11. The homes are ideal for families with young or teenage children, High spec includes dimmer light controls, timber veneer doors with polished chrome fittings and advanced wiring suitable for home working and a range of home entertainment systems. Prices start at £355,000 for apartments and £925,000 for houses. Call 020 7978 7496.

Edgware, Middlesex

Banner Homes offers Compass Place, a development of 18 two-bedroom apartments in Glendale Avenue, near both Stanmore and Edgware tube stations. The development offers good storage, private basement parking and a lift to all floors. Three properties remain for sale, priced between £410,000 and £435,000. Some have carpets, curtains and light fitting. For more information call the sales office, open daily, on 020 8958 0739.

Banstead, Surrey

Antler Homes announces that it has been granted permission to build an exclusive development of just nine two- and three-bedroom apartments on Avenue Road. The development, called Park View, is located a short distance from the centre of Banstead village. The homes will have luxury kitchens and classic white bathrooms, as well as a patio or balcony. Prices from £280,000. Register interest on 01737 357870.

Milton Keynes

Charles Church has released for sale a luxurious Edlesborough design in its Westcroft Park development, where buyers will find a choice of three- and four-bedroom homes as well as three-storey three-, four- and five-bedroom homes. The three-storey Edlesborough, currently priced at £284,995, includes the additional incentive of £250 towards legal fees, and fitted carpets are standard. Prices at Westcroft Park start at £212,995. Call the sales office on 01908 867820.

Englefield Green, Surrey

Charles Church’s Fircroft development at Englefield Green officially launches from the on-site sales office at 10am on Saturday 17 September. This exclusive development comprises 18 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments and nine very desirable three- and four-bedroom homes. Initial prices start at £200,000 and range to £535,000. Visit the sales office from this Saturday or contact selling agents Townends on 01784 434304.

Colchester, Essex
The Forum at Barratt’s Balkerne Heights comprises 26 two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments just a stone’s throw from the centre of this historic town. Two-bedroom apartments give a choice of layout, allowing you to have either a separate kitchen and living/dining area or a more open-plan style. The three- and four-bedroom duplexes also offer flexibile space. Prices start at £199,995. Call 01206 765674.

Buyers are flocking to the outer London areas, where it is possible to escape the capital yet still have easy access to it. Johnny Turner finds out what’s on the market.

What is suburbia? The Concise Oxford puts its finger on the prejudice this word signals: ‘n. often derog.’ Then it goes on to define it as ‘the suburbs, their inhabitants and their way of life’. A suburb, in turn, is defined as ‘an outlying district of a city, esp. residential’.
Of course, in the case of London, the suburbs begin around the furthest reaches of the various tube lines and carry on into deepest commuterland – and London’s commuterland is itself rapidly spreading into counties such as Northamptonshire and Suffolk.
So London’s suburbia is the dwelling place of people who have the need to get into the capital but prefer the quietness, the space and often the lower prices that a metropolis can’t offer them. So far from deriding suburbia, we should instead celebrate it – its leafiness, its schools, its general ‘un-Londonness’.

When you consider the quality of homes that are available to today’s home buyers, there is even more reason to celebrate suburbia. Whether you are after a smart apartment or a sprawling family home, you’re bound to find the perfect home in the space between city and country.
Starting in leafy Wimbledon, Goldcrest Homes offers Lanherne Gate, an elegant scheme of 30 apartments, six penthouses and one one-bedroom bungalow located on The Downs, a quiet, tree-lined road off the Ridgeway. These wonderful homes offer luxury for those seeking to live in a peaceful part at the edge of the London postcode area.

Homes at Lanherne Gate are finished in a contemporary style to an extremely high specification. Living spaces are open-plan and feature a glamorous black and white kitchen by Schmidt, complete with fully fitted AEG stainless steel appliances including microwave and dishwasher.
David Steer, managing director of Goldcrest Homes, says, ‘Lanherne Gate is the most exclusive new development in Wimbledon which also contains a number of luxury communal facilities. We envisage the scheme appealing to purchasers who are seeking the best quality homes in the Wimbledon area, with the benefit of the private cinema, air-conditioned gym, concierge and library.’
Each homes includes a designated parking space – two for each of the penthouses. The show apartment has just launched. Prices start at £350,000 for the bungalow and £425,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. The marketing suite and show apartment are open daily from 10am to 5pm. To arrange an appointment to view or get further information contact the marketing suite on 020 8947 0940 or selling agent Quinton Scott on 020 8971 3800.

In leafy, lovely Enfield, Laing Homes is selling Jerome Walk, an attractive mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and spacious three-bedroom houses. The homes have Bosch integrated kitchens and superb bathrooms – and selected homes offer double shower en suites. Brimsdown train station is within easy reach, and there is a choice of rail stations within Enfield as a whole. London Liverpool Street is just 26 minutes away from Brimsdown station, making it perfect for busy commuters.
Mill Hill is one of London’s best-kept suburban secrets, characterised by rolling, tree-blessed landscapes. Here Michael Shanly Homes is selling superb two-bedroom contemporary apartments at Regal Court, located in Holders Hill Road, near Mill Hill East tube. Buyers have snapped up half of the homes in just four weeks, which means interested parties had better act quickly. The show apartment is open Thursday to Monday 10am to 5pm. Contact Jeremy Leaf & Co on 020 8446 4295.
Banner Homes is catering to the home buying public’s love of the bungalow at its Rowland Park development in Elstree Road, Bushey.

Rowland’s Park is a development of 15 new detached, terraced and chalet bungalow homes currently being launched off-plan. Shelley West, Banner Homes’ sales manager, says, ‘These properties are in a very sought-after area and this, combined with the fact that there are three chalet bungalows on site, means that we expect a lot of interest. New bungalows are a rarity these days, and as such they are in high demand.’
The two-, three- and four-bedroom homes at Rowland Park will all contain Banner’s renowned high standard of fixtures and fittings, including professionally designed kitchens, stylish white bathroom sanitaryware and co-ordinating fitted wardrobes, as well as the latest in modern technology.
Purchasers at Rowland Park, which is named after the family who used to own the land on which it is built, can choose to modify and personalise the interiors of their homes via the Banner Homes Advantage collection, subject to stage of build. Items such as alarm systems and water softeners can also be chosen as part of the collection. A show home is expected to be unveiled next month.
Bushey train station offers excellent rail connections into London Euston with a journey time of around 40 minutes. For motorists, the M1 and M25 open up the South and North respectively. The London Underground stations at either Stanmore or Watford are just three miles away.
Prices at Rowland Park range from £350,000 to £650,000. For further information contact estate agent Preston Bennett on 020 8954 8626. Visit banner-homes.co.uk.

Other tempting suburban locations from Banner Homes include Marsh Point, Pinner, where there is one apartment remaining, priced at £409,950; Hawksley Manor, Radlett, where the are three remaining properties are priced between £485,000 and £660,000; and Compass Place, Edgware, which offers four remaining homes, including two show apartments, at prices from £385,000 to £435,000.

Since its launch, St Michael’s Park, KingsOak North London’s vibrant new community at Bushey in Hertfordshire, has become phenomenally popular – in fact only four two-bedroom penthouses remain for sale, priced from just £294,950.
‘Buyers who wish to move to what has become one of the most requested new schemes around had better hurry,’ advised Nina Fitzgerald, sales manager of KingsOak North London. ‘Due to exceptional demand and a constantly high level of buyer interest, we are now selling the final few homes.’
Each of the remaining properties benefits from bright, sunny accommodation throughout, including a useful study and sizeable living area and en-suite facilities. There are also terraces and two private parking bays allocated to each apartment. St Michael’s Park has the added bonus of a secure gated entrance.
The development is open from daily from 10am to 6pm. For full details call 01923 238137 or visit kingsoakhomes.

At Annington Mews, first-time buyers are being offered the excellent incentive of five per cent deposit paid – bringing prices to a very reasonable starting point of £223,202. Just under a mile from Stanmore tube at the end of the Jubilee Line, these homes offer practicality for everyday living – and each home comes with a garden and a parking space. Homes have just gone on sale and an overwhelming response is expected.
The homes will be sold on a first come, first served basis in order to eliminate the risk of gazumping and prevent bidding wars. This makes for a stress-free home buying process that saves time and money – over £12,000 in fact. Call the on-site sales office on 020 8954 7716.

A very desirable suburban location is to be found as the Thames winds its way west of the capital – and the Hampton Court area is particularly prized. In East Molesey, brand new homes are a fairly rare commodity, so interest will be very high in two large, beautifully designed properties by Silver Homes which are currently nearing completion.
The exceptional semi-detached homes at Regentswood, in Palace Road, are traditionally constructed and have four storeys and offer spectacular, spacious living accommodation. Each has five bedroom – two with en suite facilities – as well as three reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, utility, family bathroom, two cloakrooms and integral garage.
The location is absolutely ideal, whether you wish to commute into London or shop locally. Hampton Court station is within easy walking distance, while drivers will find quick access to the M3/M25. Kingston is a short drive away, with its wealth of major stores and boutiques. Both in Kingston and Hampton Court, excellent upmarket cafés, restaurants and pubs offer a wide choice of ways to catch up with friends and enjoy an evening.
The homes benefit from concrete floors on all levels, dramatically reducing noise between floors. Designer kitchens offer black granite work surfaces and an array of Siemens integrated appliances. There is also the latest sound, vision and internet wiring to make both relaxing and working much more high-tech.
The homes are offered with a guide price of £1.25 million. For further information call selling agents Helas Wolf on 01932 8920222 or visit silver-homes.co.uk.

In highly sought-after and commuter-friendly Leatherhead, Surrey, Barratt offers Kingston Square, where over half of the apartments have been sold – even before the roof has gone on! A new show home is opening this month, which will make brisk business even more frenetic.
Kingston Square is located on Buffers Lane, just off the main Kingston Road and a few minutes’ drive from junction 9 of the M25. Leatherhead town centre, with its good shopping and direct rail connection to London, is only a ten-minute walk away.

The 40 one- and two-bedroom apartments are housed in an attractive three-storey building set in landscaped grounds. Each apartment has an allocated parking space – and most of the two-bedroom apartments have two of them! Two-bedroom apartments offer an en suite shower room to the master bedroom as well as a second bathroom, ideal for investors or sharers. There is a choice of separate kitchen or open-plan kitchen and living area.
Barratt is also offering some astounding incentives to first-time buyers, including five per cent deposit, stamp duty and legal fees (up to £1,000) paid. And for investors, Barratt will guarantee a seven per cent return on the purchase price in rental income for one year. Prices start at £194,995 for one-bedroom apartments and £230,995 for two-bedrooms. Call 01372 383338.

Finally, with a look at the eastern end of London’s suburbia, Higgins Homes offers The East Village in Dagenham, where a new show apartment has just been launched. The East Village consists of 179 one- and two-bedroom apartments on Reede Road. The location is extremely convenient – both Dagenham Heathway and Dagenham East District Line stations are nearby, make for a simple commute.
Kitchens are designed by Urban Myth and feature integrated stainless steel appliances. Bathrooms feature simple white Ideal Standard sanitaryware and chrome fittings. There is an audio entryphone system as well as provision for satellite TV. Prices start at £139,995. For further information call 020 8517 7887 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

Crest Nicholson emphasises the desire to live in a close-knit community – without giving up the modern perks – as a major plus in its Brookshill Gate development in Harrow Weald. And indeed this is one of the main reasons people feel more at home in a satellite town than in the metropolis.
Situated in acres of landscaped grounds, Brookshill Gate consists of 18 spacious two-bedroom apartments. The exclusive scheme provides a traditional brick and render façade that gives a modern interpretation of the Victorian mansion buildings to be found in stylish urban areas such as Kensington and Chelsea. Each property is accessed via a gated security entrance, which adds to peace of mind. And once inside, the advantages just keep coming.

The approximately 900 sq ft of living space includes a spacious reception room with defined living and dining areas, and large bay windows provide an abundance of natural light. Receptions have large French doors opening on to a patio or balcony, allowing residents to really enjoy the mature landscaped grounds. There is a separate fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room (and some of these have Juliet balconies). Luxurious master suites have built-in wardrobes and an en suite shower room. There is also a spacious double guest bedroom with a luxury guest bathroom.
These homes will appeal equally to a first-time buyer couple, young professional, downsizers or investors. Only four properties now remain, priced from £319,950. Call the marketing suite on 0870 300 0820.

Laing Homes has launched Woodgate Court, a collection of properties in West End Road, Ruislip, Middlesex. The development will incorporate a collection of highly individual one- and two-bedroom apartments in this sought-after area. All homes have attractive contemporary architecture, inspired interior design and high specification offering the best in stylish modern living. Externally, the development will be landscape designed, incorporating a striking variety of flora and fauna.
This select development is superbly placed to take advantage of Ruislip’s wide se