New Homes - Friday, January 04, 2008

The calm and seclusion of a village setting is hard to beat. And buyers are seeing a wealth of choice in tucked-away locations, finds Johnny Turner.

The simple life

According to a recent survey the nations ideal home is a newly built, detached property located in the countryside. St Augustine’s, Hopkins Homes’ development in the village of Papworth Everard, offers a selection of properties in the heart of rural Cambridgeshire. Paul and Brenda Griffiths, both 56, from Hertfordshire, had gradually been moving further away from the capital in search of a calmer, more relaxed lifestyle in the countryside. Having raised their three children in the commuter town of Cheshunt, the couple then moved to a five bedroom property on the Hertfordshire / Cambridgeshire border, however once their children had fled the nest they found that their house was too big, so they started to think about downsizing and moving further out.

Paul comments: “We came across St Augustine’s completely by chance during a country drive one weekend.  My wife spotted The Sydney, the five bedroom show house, and fell in love with it, however, it was a little big for just the two of us.  That said, we have always lived in a detached house and didn’t want to compromise on space or privacy so the sales advisor showed us The Selwyn.  With its spacious open plan kitchen / breakfast area, four bedrooms and large living spaces, it was perfect.  We use one of the bedrooms as a home office and we still have two spare bedrooms for when our children and grandchildren visit.

“We have always bought new builds because they are low maintenance and are personal to you from the off, however, standard new build developments don’t appeal to us.  Hopkins Homes is different to most in that they build truly individual properties with a high quality finish which incorporate bespoke features such as the fireplace in the living room and wooden sash windows.  Hopkins Homes also provided us with carpets throughout the property which helped us out as it meant one less thing to do when we moved in.”
 
Claire Richards, Head of Sales and Marketing, Hopkins Homes, comments: “A large house in the country is what the majority of our purchasers aspire to.  St Augustine’s provides the perfect retreat, tucked away in the Cambridgeshire countryside.  A four bedroom detached house may not be the typical purchase for a couple who are downsizing but we do find that once people have become accustomed to a detached property, they don’t want to go back.  The Selwyn is appealing to a wide range of purchasers from young families to people in their later years.”

St Augustine’s comprises 78 two, three, four and five bedroom houses, three bedroom townhouses and two bedroom apartments set within landscaped gardens. The properties combine traditional motte, ruby red and buff brick work with unusual and contemporary features such as pavilion roofs, pillared entrances and Dormer windows. Each home benefits from large contemporary windows and French doors in the kitchen to make the most of the rural views.

Internally, each custom built luxury kitchen incorporates a choice of worktops and units, double oven and hob and purchasers can choose from a wide selection of flooring and wall tiles.** Each house combines a contemporary open kitchen/breakfast room with separate dining or hobby room.

Prices for current availability at St Augustine’s start from £164,995 for a two bedroom coach house with garage,  £294,995 for a three/five bedroom townhouse, £284,995 for a four bedroom detached house with a single garage and £439,995 for a five bedroom detached family house with double garage.  The marketing suite and show home are open Thursday to Sunday from 10:00am to 5:00pm and Monday from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. For further information contact Hopkins Homes on telephone: 01480 830936 or visit the website: www.hopkinshomes.co.uk
    
Fairfield Park is a Hopkins Homes development comprising of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, in the charming village of Costessey. Located just over four miles from Norwich city centre, the development offers buyers the ideal balance of city and country living.

The properties have been carefully designed to echo the local Norfolk vernacular. A blend of finishes including buttermilk render, red and yellow brickwork combine to create an elegant streetscape, with the homes arranged around tree-lined boulevards and leafy courtyard squares.

Claire Richards, Head of Sales and Marketing at Hopkins Homes, comments: “The £1.6 million regeneration programme of Norwich city centre is having a positive effect on Norwich and the surrounding areas. As a result we are now seeing an increasing number of buyers who, whilst they don’t want to live in the city itself, are looking for a home in the villages just outside of the city centre.  Fairfield Park meets these buyers’ needs perfectly, offering traditional village living and architectural design within easy reach of all that Norwich has to offer.”

Each home has a classic yet contemporary interior finished to the very highest of standards. Purchasers can choose from a range of fully fitted custom built kitchens and work surfaces, subject to stage of construction, and some even benefit from a range style cooker. Bathrooms are fitted with chic white sanitary ware with chrome fixtures and fittings.

Dating back to the Bronze Age, Costessey is in fact two villages, Old and New Costessey, separated by the River Tud. Between them the villages offer a wide range of amenities including five schools, a range of shops and services and four pubs. The nearby Norfolk Showground plays host to the Norwich Farmers Market which takes place on the second Saturday of every month and sells a wide range of local produce.  

For the eco-conscious, a park-and-ride service runs regularly between Costessey and the city centre, taking approximately 20 minutes. Norwich has a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and high street and boutique shops as well as all the other amenities one would expect to find in a bustling city.

Prices for current availability four bedroom homes start from £359,995 and five bedroom homes start from £444,995.

For sales information visit www.hopkinshomes.co.uk

Ghost Town Britain
Date of issue: October 2007

Quintessential village life is under threat. Between 1995 and 2000, 30,000 corner shops, grocers, banks, post offices and pubs closed, according to the New Economics Foundation,*and the number of local outlets will have dropped by nearly a third by 2010. With the onslaught of monopoly consumer companies and the decline of publicly run industries, the traditional English village is becoming extinct. However, the village of Tisbury in Wiltshire, is bucking this downward trend and an influx of new residents to developments such as Antler Homes’ Church Views, is reinvigorating the local community spirit.

Church Views comprises 26 two and three bedroom semi-detached houses, the design of which is inspired by the local vernacular architecture. To ensure that the development blends harmoniously with existing properties, some of the properties have cream rendering and stone elevations with cream stone voussoirs and edging.

Each kitchen is fitted with luxury custom built units and appliances which include a Siemens stainless steel gas hob, Siemens stainless steel single oven, integrated fridge/freezer, integrated dishwasher and, in the properties that do not have a separate utility room, there is an integrated washing machine. Every living room has double French doors which lead out onto the garden, flooding the interior with natural light.  

The bustling high street in the village of Tisbury is home to a number of local shops and pubs. For more shops, bars and restaurants, Shaftesbury and Salisbury are both only 10 miles away (approx). For days by the seaside, Poole and Bournemouth are both under 40 miles from the village (approx). Hourly direct trains from Tisbury to London Waterloo take under two hours (approximately).
Prices range from £235,000 for a two bedroom terraced house to £270,000 for a three bedroom semidetached house. The marketing suite is open daily between 10am and 5pm. For further information please contact Church Views on telephone: 08456 760137 or visit the website: www.antlerhomes.co.uk. Alternatively, please contact joint selling agents Woolley and Wallis on telephone: 01722 424 518 or Myddleton and Major on telephone: 01722 337 575.

Country living, contemporary style

Ledian Court, Pentland Homes’ development of 13 new homes at Leeds Village, near Maidstone, Kent, is located close to Leeds Castle, home to royalty, lords and ladies for over 1000 years, including Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.*

Situated near the Kent Downs and surrounded by lush countryside, Leeds Village has two pleasant pubs and an attractive Norman church. Sutton Valence primary school is two miles distant. The village lies within easy reach of the M20 and Hollingbourne station (with trains to London via Maidstone) is about two miles away. Ashford International station, with high speed trains to London, Paris, Lille and Brussels, is 17 miles down the M20. Maidstone, about five miles away, has a good choice of shopping, leisure and schools, including independent and grammar schools.**

Designed to complement the cottages, timber-framed houses and oasts in the village, the homes at Ledian Court have double height glazing to make the most of the country views. Situated opposite the village tennis court and playing fields, the three bedroom, two bathroom properties are finished to a high specification, with stylish modern kitchens fitted with AEG stainless steel appliances. Underfloor heating is offered as standard within all the properties on the ground floor. All the properties have a garden and allocated parking.

Only six houses remain for sale, with prices starting from £279,000. Pentland Homes is offering purchasers an opportunity to choose the deal that suits them best from a selection which includes part exchange, stamp duty paid, mortgage subsidy, legal fees paid, 5% deposit paid and cashback. Buyers should contact Pentland Homes’ sales manager at Ledian Court to discuss options.

The Ledian Court sales office is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm; Monday 10am to 2pm.  For more details, phone 01622 863530 or 01303 893080 or visit www.pentlandhomes.co.uk   

Bells Yard, Horncastle

Stamford Homes are also developing in the rural setting of Horncastle in Lincolnshire where Buyers are spoilt for choice with a mix of 75 two, three and four-bedroom homes being built on the seven acre Bell’s Yard development. The development, which features public open space and the retention of an existing fishing lake, is idyllically ringed with mature trees creating a spectacular view for many of the homes.

Stamford Homes are offering home hunters a touch of the contemporary, with a selection of popular townhouse designs offering flexible living over three storeys.

Properties are priced from £219,995 for a three-bedroom terraced townhouse with garage, to £269,995 for a four-bedroom detached house with garage.

For further information please contact the sales negotiator on 01507 527462 or log on to stamfordhomes.co.uk

Lady Kell, Haxby, Nr York

The Yorkshire village of Haxby really does offer the best of both worlds - ideal for daily commuting to all the Yorkshire business centres but also close to the wide open spaces and rural life.
Here, tucked away in a private cul-de-sac, Antler Homes is creating a collection of just eight, detached 4 bedroom homes. The owners of these homes will also have the benefit of settling into an established community with a good choice of local shops and schools, several pubs and plenty of local interest clubs and societies.

Meanwhile, the homes are designed to cater for flexible family living and will feature Antler's renowned specification. Planned with modern lifestyles and grand design in mind, the classic contemporary interiors include plain ash style internal doors, a custom built fully integrated kitchen with Siemens stainless steel double oven, hob, hood, dishwasher, fridge-freezer and recessed down lighting to the kitchen and bathrooms. Finishing touches like towel rail radiators in bathrooms and Hammonds fitted wardrobes make moving home that much easier.

And for those with a home to sell, Antler’s Part Exchange scheme could help take the stress out of moving. Prices range from £345,000 to £360,000 and the Show Home is open daily from 10am to 5pm. For further details, call 01904 761650 or 07860 934823 or visit www.antlerhomes.co.uk
Also from Antler Homes is Enjoy village living with Antler Homes…
Imagine living in a picture-postcard village yet being within just a few miles of Chester’s cosmopolitan city centre – sound too good to be true? Thanks to Antler Homes you really can enjoy the best of both worlds.

In the idyllic village of Saughall, well placed to enjoy the Wirral and Flintshire coastlines, a selection of 30 four-bedroom detached homes strikes the perfect balance between city and country living. Located just four miles from the city centre, High Grove benefits from all that Saughall has to offer which includes schools, shops, village pub and that all-important CH1 postcode.
Prices at High Grove start at £329,500 and the show home is open between 10am and 5pm, Tel. 01244 881261. Part exchange is considered.

Warren Court, Leatherhead Road, Ashtead, Surrey

Millgate Homes will launch Warren Court, the first of its new ‘lifestyle’ developments in sought-after Ashtead, in November. The apartments, which are exclusively for the over 65s, will be launched off-plan to the public on Saturday, 3rd November.

This collection of thirty 1 and 2 bedroom apartments will benefit from many of the features that have seen Millgate Homes win recognition on numerous occasions at the prestigious Evening Standard New Homes Awards. Classically proportioned rooms and a superlative specification will combine with a concierge service and a residents’ drawing room to ensure that the atmosphere at Warren Court is akin to that at a premium hotel.

Meanwhile, Ashtead village provides a thriving, self-contained community with a host of independent shops for day-to-day groceries. Leatherhead, within 1½ miles, offers a supermarket in addition to high street shops and an eclectic range of boutiques, bars and eateries. The surrounding Surrey countryside offers a host of opportunities to while away leisure hours in the great outdoors, with a number of good golf courses in the vicinity. And Epsom, with its famous racecourse, is also nearby – perfect for enjoying the sport of kings in style. For those who want to spend more time travelling Heathrow Airport is 23 miles distant and Gatwick approximately 26 miles away.
Call Patrick Gardner & Co now on 01372 360 832 to secure your invitation to the exclusive preview launch week in October, ahead of the grand public launch on Saturday, 3rd November. Alternatively, visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk for details of all present and forthcoming Millgate homes.

Move in before Christmas and you could not only save on money but also on hassle; Shanly Homes is offering a selection of seasonal packages at the new Millar Close development in the Benson area of Oxfordshire, a small development of just 11 traditionally styled, two-, three-, four and five-bedroom homes, making for a very happy Christmas.

Shanly Homes are offering flexibility by working with prospective buyers to help make buying a home at Millar Close even easier. Whether it be a matter of legal fees, estate agents fees, help with the deposit or stamp duty, Shanly Homes wants to make moving in before Christmas a reachable and simple possibility. Shanly Homes can also offer part-exchange, taking the hassle and worry out of selling your current home and avoiding concerns over HIPs.

Millar Close offers environmentally-friendly technology behind the attractive façades. Only four homes now remain available, 1 three-bedroom, 1 four-bedroom and 2 five-bedroom homes. Perspective buyers should register their interest as soon as possible.

All homes at Millar Close will have solar panels contributing to the supply of hot water, dual-flush WC systems, energy-efficient light fittings, separate kitchen bins for recycling and energy efficient (A-rated) appliances.  Gardens will have nest boxes to encourage birds, and water butts to collect water for irrigation.   A rotary dryer is included and cycle storage will be provided in garden sheds.  In addition, each new owner will receive a year’s membership with the RSPB.

All these eco-innovations have been sourced and rigorously evaluated by Shanly Homes’ research and development department, which looks for systems that will not only limit harmful CO2 emissions but will enable the owners to make considerable savings on utility bills.  

Benson is an ideal location for those who are seeking a home away from the hustle and bustle of London, but which still offers the convenience of being within easy reach of the capital. Nearby Cholsey station offers good links to both Oxford and Reading, where a wide range of shops and leisure facilities are available. Trains into London from Oxford and Reading take approximately 20 minutes. Benson also has good road links, being close to the M40 and M4.

All homes at Millar Close include a stylish integrated kitchen with polished granite work surfaces and a Belfast sink. The full compliment of stainless steel appliances includes a dual-fuel range cooker and extractor hood. A fully integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer completes this impressive specification.  

Unusually large by current standards, the homes at Millar Close all have master bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and fitted wardrobes.  Bathrooms are fully fitted with white sanitary ware, polished chrome taps and fittings, Trevi thermostatic showers, chrome towel rails and ceramic tiled walls and floors. 

Houses at Millar Close start at £500,000.

For more information on Millar Close please contact the show home 01491 837680 or visit at shanlyhomes.com

Situated in the quiet, exclusive village of Melbourn, south of Cambridge, Manor Kingdom’s exclusive development, Dolphin Place, comprises of just five select five bedroom detached homes in a gated environment.

Melbourn itself is a friendly local village that continues to retain its small village character due to its many cottages, parks and community spirit.

Each home is ideally equipped for growing families and boasts superior specification with Italian kitchens, American style fridges and Range cookers
Located just north of Royston, Cambridge is less than 10 miles away and with Meldreth train station less than 1/2 a miles walk from the village centre, frequent trains to London Kings Cross mean that the city is only approximately an hour away by train.
With such a safe and family orientated environment, Melbourn is ideal for parents looking to raise their children. The schools in the area, Melbourn Primary School and Melbourn Village College, come highly recommended and lay claim to excellent average scores.
Local amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, golf course and football pitches, kids can be kept occupied with positive after school activities that encourage them to stay fit and healthy.
Julie James, sales and marketing manager for Manor Kingdom said:

“Dolphin Place is situated in such a picturesque village location that it’s not hard to imagine why people want to live here.
“Melbourn really is a perfect setting for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city but who still want it within a reasonable distance.”
Prices at Dolphin Place start from £850,000. For more information please call agents WH Brown on 01763 242 988 or visit dolphinplace.co.uk

In Wales, Barratt Homes is soon to launch Burrium Gate, located near Abergavenny. BUYERS BEAT PATH TO BARRATT FOR NEW HOMES IN USK
Release time: immediate

POTENTIAL house buyers in South Wales have been wowed by Barratt’s plans for Burrium Gate following a launch event to unveil some of the region’s largest and most prestigious new homes.

“Interest in this new development has been tremendous with potential buyers keen to find out more at the launch event about what we have planned in Usk,’’ said Sales Director Sandra Dixon.

Four and five bedroom homes are set to be built at Burrium Gate, with buyers also being offered the opportunity to tailor the specification and fittings to suit their own individual taste.

Just 28 of these homes are set to be built at Burrium Gate and Sandra said they have been launched in response to demand for larger designs in South Wales.

Prices range from £675,000 to £800,000 for the homes.
 “The level of interest reinforces our research and we are now set to create the most desirable address in the region,’’ said Sandra.

For further information on Burrium Gate contact the Barratt marketing suite on 01291 673955 or log onto barratthomes.co.uk.

Village life around a village green
   
Charles Church at St Paul’s on-the-Green in Oathall Avenue, Haywards Heath

Located around a beautiful village green setting, it’s no surprise that the homes at St Paul’s on-the-Green have been a popular choice with purchasers. The development launched in May and there are now just three homes remaining in the first phase.

Each home at St Paul’s on-the-Green has spectacular views over the quintessentially English green, which provides generous amounts of space and green vistas. The green has been designed to offer a relaxed community atmosphere and is the perfect place for families and children to play in safety but also offers an ideal retreat for residents to socialise with each other.

Although most of the homes have already been snapped up, there are still two apartments and a four bedroom family home available. The Gatehouse is a three storey detached home which offers plenty of living space for a small family. As well as having four bedrooms, this home also offers a living room and snug on the first floor and an open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room, dining room and utility room on the ground floor.

Both of the remaining apartments are located in Flower Lodge, and offer luxury living space towards the front of this luxury development. Each apartment offers open plan living areas in the kitchen/living/dining room.

All homes at St Paul’s on-the-Green have been finished to the highest of standards and specification throughout is second to none. Kitchens feature laminate worktops, stainless steel oven, gas hob, splashback and extractor hood as well as an integrated fridge freezer. Bathrooms have Sottini Swirl white sanitaryware, chrome mixer taps, vanity units and heated towel rails.

Apart from its great location around a village green, the development is also well placed in the town of Haywards Heath. Oathall Avenue is a sought after location, just half a mile from the train station, which offers trains to Brighton in under 15 minutes and London in 45 minutes. Haywards Heath offers a wide selection of independent and high street shops, as well as a good collection of schools. The sweeping hills of the South Downs also offer an impressive backdrop to the town.

With only three homes remaining, purchasers should visit the site to avoid being disappointed. Prices at St Paul’s on-the-Green range from £215,000 and £257,950. Visit the marketing suite, open daily between 10am and 5pm, to find out more or call 01444 451285 and speak to a sales executive. Alternatively, visit www.charleschurch.com

Amanda Shiel looks at some of the latest developments available in this popular commuter belt

Bushey Heath

Built by Banner Homes, Heathside Grange is an exclusive collection of 20 new one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments and penthouses for the over 55s.
Ideally situated, these homes are within an easy stroll of an array of local amenities including shops, cafés, restaurants, a pharmacy and a bakery. For leisure time, Hartsbourne Golf and Country Club is close by along with acres of beautiful woodlands of which to explore in the surrounding area.            
Bus stops are virtually on the doorstep, while nearby Stanmore Jubilee line tube station and Bushey mainline station provide services into London. Watford is only two miles away with its Harlequin shopping centre and mainline station for a variety of rail connections. The M1 is also easily accessible.
Luxury and attention to detail is evident throughout these generously sized properties. Each apartment benefits from an expansive lounge/dining room and professionally designed contemporary kitchen with single oven, gas hob, extractor hood, combination microwave oven, integrated dishwasher and washer/dryer.

All bedrooms enjoy built-in wardrobes for added convenience and there are en-suite facilities to many of the master bedrooms. The bathrooms are equally impressive with stylish white sanitaryware and heated towel rails. Plus, there is a lift to all floors.
A great emphasis has been placed on security, allowing residents the freedom and peace of mind to come and go as they please.
Set in landscaped communal grounds, the apartments at Heathside Grange are priced from £265,000. For further information, contact 020 8954 8626 or visit prestonbennett.co.uk. Alternatively, visit bannerhomes.co.uk.

Bushey

Falconwood from Belstone Homes is a unique collection of 37 spacious apartments set within private gated landscaped grounds.
The two-bedroom apartments feature extremely spacious master bedrooms with en suite shower rooms and built in wardrobes. Many of the second bedrooms also boast fitted wardrobes, while the bathrooms benefit from stylish white sanitary ware with elegant chrome fittings.
The apartments offer a good-sized lounge/dining room and the kitchens are fitted with custom-built units and fully integrated appliances. Some of the apartments offer a separate study/bedroom. The majority feature a private balcony.
Falconwood is ideally located for Bushey High Street and the extensive amenities of Watford are within easy reach.

Eighty one percent of homes are sold. Two-beds start from £325,000. Sales centre open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Call 07973 174791or Preston Bennett New Homes on 020 8954 8626. Alternatively, visit prestonbennett.co.uk.

Hatfield

The Courtyard by Millgate Homes is a selection of four two-bedroom apartments and eight three- and four-bedroom courtyard houses.
Kitchens are by international designer Mark Wilkinson, bathrooms and en suites are graced with classic sanitary ware by Villeroy & Boch with fittings from the Hansgrohe collection and homes are pre-wired for a multi-room audio system and home entertainment network.

The communal grounds and gardens to each of the houses are landscape designed. A tennis court within the grounds for residents’ use, a year’s playing membership to the Hatfield London Country Club and a concierge service ensure that purchasers will enjoy an exclusive, country club lifestyle.
First rate transport links to London and beyond lie minutes from the estate.

Prices range from £695,000 for a two-bedroom apartment to £850,000 for a four-bedroom courtyard house. Six of the twelve properties are already reserved/sold. Show home is open daily between 10am and 4pm. Site viewings are strictly by appointment – call Michael Parkinson on 01707 663502 to arrange. Alternatively, contact Lawrence Henry at selling agent Statons on 020 8441 9555 or visit essendonpark.co.uk. 

Standon

The spacious four- and five-bedroom homes at Standon Place overlook the sprawling Hertfordshire countryside with breathtaking views as far as the eye can see.
All homes within this gated development come complete with contemporary Italian fully integrated kitchens with complementing granite worktops plus a series of top of the range appliances.
These family homes are tastefully finished with classical white sanitary ware and designer chrome bathroom fittings. Stylish ceramic floor tiling throughout the kitchen, bathroom and en suite bathroom add to the luxury.

Surrounded by the Hertfordshire landscape and nestled between the towns of Bishops Stortford and Hertford, Standon Place is situated amid lush green fields – perfect for expanding families. This intimate development is also superbly positioned for easy access to London, Stansted airport and Cambridge via nearby Bishops Stortford.
Prices start from £475,000. Manor Kingdom is giving buyers looking to purchase a luxury detached home at the development a helping hand by paying the stamp duty on selected plots.
For more information please contact the marketing suite on 01920 823 156.

Letchworth

Only one apartment remains at Miller @ Letchowrth.

The spacious apartments in Principals Lodge and Scholars Lodge sit at the front of the development. Both lodges feature richly detailed exteriors which reflect the diversity of the homes at Letchworth and blend in with the surrounding existing properties. All master bedrooms have en suite facilities and the majority are fitted with built-in wardrobes. All apartments have imaginatively designed kitchens and open plan living/dining areas.

Miller is building 53 new houses and apartments on the site of the former Norton School, which closed in 2002. The development is located in the highly reputable Norton Road area and is close to a local post office. It is also within walking distance of Letchworth town centre, which offers amenities to cater for day to day requirements.
The last remaining two-bedroom apartment in Principals Lodge is priced at £209,950.
Call the sales office on 0800 840 8731 for more details.

Hertford

Explore Living will be building 66 new apartments within the picturesque 64 acre parkland setting of Balls Park.
The development is situated immediately to the east of Hertford town centre, just to the south of the A414 London road. The A10 trunk road is a short distance further to the east and this provides easy access to the M25. Hertford North railway station is approximately two miles from the site and provides services to both King’s Cross and Moorgate stations, whilst Hertford North railway station offers regular services to Liverpool Street, London, all with an approximate journey time of 50 minutes.
For more information and to register your interest visit exploreliving.co.uk or call 0845 6036273.

Hitchin

New Mercia consists of 81 one-and two-bedroom luxury apartments.
The open plan living areas are generously proportioned and large windows flood the properties with light.

The kitchens include integrated stainless steel fitted ovens with ceramic hobs and extractor fans, combination washer/dryers and fridge/freezers. Purchasers who reserve early will benefit from a choice of designer units, worktops and flooring.
Bathrooms feature white wall hung sanitaryware and a choice in tiling and floor covering. Master bedrooms boast fitted wardrobes in a range of finishes. All apartments include telephone entry systems and secure undercroft parking. 

The development is located a stone’s throw from the railway station, offering journey times to London’s Kings Cross in under 30 minutes. Close to the M1, Hitchin provides easy links to both the north of England and access to London via the M25.
One-beds start from £189,000, two-beds from £245,000. For more information contact Weston Homes on 01279 873 333 or visit weston-homes.co.uk.

St Albans

The Grange is development of 20 stunning apartments located on London Road.
Architecturally reminiscent of the city’s historical Tudor buildings, the development sits within its own landscaped communal grounds. The properties boast a high specification finish that provides comfortable homes flooded with natural light. Kitchens feature subtly integrated appliances including a washer/dryer, dishwasher and fridge/freezer. Bathrooms include high quality contemporary white wall hung sanitary ware with chrome fittings. All master bedrooms boast fitted wardrobes, which are available in a range of finishes, dependent on the build stage.
Forty per cent of homes have already sold. Prices range from £265,000 for a two-bedroom ground floor apartment to £415,000 for a two-bedroom second floor apartment. Contact the sales and marketing suite on 0845 638 5006 or visit weston-homes.com.

Amanda Shiel takes a look at what’s on offer in this county

Hounslow

Notting Hill London, the new private sales division of Notting Hill Housing Group, is offering affordable London property to help people get onto the property market. Currently available is 661 London Road, a collection of 62 newly built studio, one- and two-bedroom private and affordable apartments designed by architects Munkenbeck & Marshall. 661 London Road is arranged as two buildings joined by a glass link surrounding a communal landscaped courtyard.

The scheme is set in an ideal location and will benefit from the proposed Bleinheim Centre, which will bring an array of shops, bars and restaurants to the local area.  
For more information on Notting Hill London call 020 8357 5000 or visit nottinghill-london.co.uk.

West Drayton

Park West consists of attractive and stylish one-, two- and three-bedroom contemporary apartments set in beautifully landscaped grounds.
The apartments are finished to a high level of quality and style with kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms boasting luxury fixtures.
The development is just two miles from the M4, M25 and Heathrow airport. West Drayton train station (soon to be part of Crossrail) is right on the door step.
Prices for an apartment in Kensington House start from just £194,950. For further information contact the sales centre and show apartment on 01895 449 009 or visit park-west.co.uk.

Pinner        

The Residence is a select development of 38 apartments. Situated on the site of a former telephone exchange, it spans four floors and sits in perfect harmony with the local vernacular made up of 18 century architecture, mock Tudor buildings and more modern designs. 
Interiors are stylish and contemporary and will offer a high specification. Co-ordinated kitchens boast Bosch appliances and stylish bathrooms feature designs by Villeroy & Boch and Hansgrohe. Typical layouts will include a kitchen with living/dining area and a selection of the apartments will have a balcony leading from the living room.

Residents will also benefit from access to a beautifully landscaped communal garden and gated undercroft car parking, from which a passenger lift serves each of the four floors.
The Residence is located just metres from the High Street and Pinner tube station. Hatch End mainline station is also just under two miles away from where London Euston can be reached in just under 40 minutes. By car, there is quick access to the A40/M40 and to the M25 and M1.
The village of Pinner offers a number of exclusive gift shops, interior designers, pubs and restaurants. Residents can also escape to the countryside, as Ruislip Woods, Bayhurst Wood, or Rickmansworth Lakes are all within easy reach of the development.
Fifty per cent of the homes at The Residence have already sold. Guide prices start from £279,950 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £329,950 for a two-bedroom apartment.
For more information contact Crest Nicholson on 0870 755 1626 or visit crestnicholson.com.

Greenford           

Aspect comprises 76 one- and two-bedroom apartments arranged over four storeys. A stunning landscaped roof terrace is predicted to be the focal point of the development, providing the perfect place for the urban dweller to escape. Every apartment also has its own private car parking space.
Kitchens feature stainless steel Bosch appliances including an electric single oven and hob and integrated fridge/freezer. Bathrooms boast white Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware, complemented by chrome Hansgrohe taps and fittings.

Central line services from Greenford tube station, a short bus hop from the gated development, take passengers to Oxford Circus in approximately 28 minutes. First Great Western services to South Greenford mainline station take around 25 minutes to London Paddington. By car, there is quick access to Hanger Lane and the North Circular and the A40 and M4.
Prices start from £274,950 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Contact the sales centre at selling agents, Rolfe East, 80 The Broadway, Greenford on 0870 755 0846 or visit www.crestnicholson.com.                         

Stanmore

Situated on a quiet close off Gordon Avenue, this newly built and truly individual detached five-bedroom family home hides a stunning contemporary interior with state-of-the-art home technology.
Imaginatively designed to provide its occupants with the highest standard of 21st century living, the property has been constructed to an outstanding specification with fine finishes. The luxurious kitchen incorporates all the latest appliances set amongst an extensive range of eye and base level storage units and worktops. Three generous reception rooms create a tremendous sense of space and allows light to radiate throughout the ground floor.

Upstairs, the five bedrooms are equally impressive, while the three bathrooms (two en suite) are fitted with a stylish contemporary white suite.
An integral double garage has been carefully included in the property’s design and along with an extensive driveway provides ample off-street parking.   
The home offers a degree of seclusion while remaining close to shops, places of worship, leisure facilities and good schools. More extensive shopping facilities can be found at Watford, which is just a short drive away.

Stanmore’s Jubilee line tube station is nearby. The M1 and M25 are within easy reach too, providing fast access to the motorway network, Central London and international airports.  
On the market for offers in the region of £1,500,000. For further information or an appointment to view, contact Preston Bennett Fine Homes on 020 8954 0044 or visit prestonbennett.co.uk.

Uxbridge

Located on Harefield Road, The Glade comprises one- and two-bedroom apartments arranged within a four storey building, surrounded by landscaped gardens and mature trees.
Interiors are stylish and contemporary. Purchasers can choose from a range of high specification fully fitted kitchens complete with stainless steel Bosch appliances, including an electric oven, an integrated fridge-freezer and a dishwasher. Bathrooms feature contemporary Roca sanitaryware and chrome Hansgrohe taps and fittings. Typical layouts will include an open plan kitchen-living room and two-bedroom apartments will feature en-suite shower rooms to the master bedroom. Each of the apartments will have a Juliette balcony and private parking.

The Glade is located within minutes of the town centre and Uxbridge tube station, from which London Baker Street can be reached in approximately 40 minutes via the Metropolitan line. By car, there is quick access to the M40 which links Oxford to London.
Two-bedroom apartments start from £289,950.
Contact Crest Nicholson on 0870 751 0498 or visit crestnicholson.com.

Harrow

Barratt’s latest development, The Arc, will comprise 129 private one- and two-bedroom apartments, 21 two- and three-bedroom affordable homes plus 4000 square feet of commercial office space. The scheme will also include a highly attractive pedestrian plaza. Eleven London underground railway arches next to The Arc are also being restored and converted for community and retail use.

The development is well-located at the end of Stanley Road, in an attractive area with traditional Victorian terraced homes, shops and cafes. A large Waitrose supermarket is less than a five-minute walk away and the underground is around a 10 minute walk from the development.
Prices are from £215,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £270,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.

For further information on The Arc and to view a Barratt show apartment visit Barratt’s Byron Place development in Wembley call 020 8903 2138 Open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 6pm and Monday 2pm to 6pm.
All information on Barratt homes is available in barratthomes.co.uk.

Stanmore

Set within 28 acres of private parkland and historic woodland, Bentley Grove exudes calm and tranquillity, yet it is only 30 minutes from central London. The statuesque development, located on the edge of Stanmore Common, is situated on what was formerly part of a grand estate.

Bentley Grove comprises 125 two- and three bedroom apartments and three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. Externally, each home incorporates elements of the Art and Crafts design with red brick exteriors, smart gables, white rendered walls, bay windows and steep slate roofing creating a broad mix of beautifully designed individual properties.

Opulent interiors exude luxury.  Designer kitchens feature integrated appliances by De Dietrich. Spacious bathrooms offer modern white ceramic Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware with chrome Hansgrohe fittings.
Stanmore has excellent travel links including a Jubilee line underground station 1.5 miles away, that is currently being upgraded, from which the West End and Canary Wharf can be reached in 30 minutes and 51 minutes respectively. The M1 is less than two miles away with links to the M25, the North Circular, the A41 and the A1.
Only one five-bedroom detached house remains, priced at £994,950. Call the sales team on 0870 755 0833 or visit crestnicholson.com.
                                                                                                

‘Living at Mosaic in Slough is perfect for me as it’s so close to the train station and just a short ride into London to get to work and to meet up with friends in the evenings or on weekends. I also travel abroad often, so being just 20 minutes away from Heathrow airport by car is also convenient,’ comments Sushmita.
As a first time buyer, Sushmita was priced out of the London market, so she looked to up-and-coming Slough as an alternative that matched her budget. ‘I never would have been able to afford an apartment like the one I have at Mosaic if it was in London. I really wanted somewhere I could move into straight away without added expense or hassle. Compared to most other developers, Durkan Estates provides fantastic added value. The kitchen is fully integrated with an oven and fridge/freezer; there is smart walnut veneer flooring in the hall and open plan living, dining and kitchen area with under floor heating throughout the apartment; built in storage space in the hall and the bedroom; the bathroom has ceramic tiled floors and half tiled walls, a shower screen over the bath and an electric heated chrome towel rail.’

Sushmita was also grateful for the consultative customer service she received from the Durkan Estates sales team. Independent financial advisors and solicitors are suggested by the developer to provide a holistic approach to the buying process, ideal for first-time buyers and those who lead busy working lives. ‘I found the sales team at Mosaic incredibly friendly and the fact that the office and show apartment stayed open till 8pm was really helpful,’ continues Sushmita.
Slough itself has a lot to offer in terms of shopping and leisure facilities and Sushmita believes it is the perfect compromise for young people who can’t afford to get into the London property market. ‘Slough is quite a lively, up-and-coming place with plenty of places to go out and socialise. It’s great to be able to get to Central London really easily, but I also enjoy being able to escape the city when the hustle and bustle gets a bit much.’

Working late hours, safety and security was another important consideration for Sushmita: ‘I feel very safe living in the gated environment at Mosaic Apartments. I have a video/entry phone that allows me to see who is entering the building, and an onsite caretaker who provides added peace of mind.’
Prices of the homes at Mosaic Apartments range from £154,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £217,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information please contact Mosaic Apartments on 01753 518551 or 01753 518557, email sales@themosaicapartments.com or visit www.themosaicapartments.com

Selling agents for The Mosaic Apartments are Knight Frank who can be contacted on 01483 564 660.
For further press information, please contact Mark Lucas at TTA Public Relations on 020 7886 0326 email: mlucas@ttagroup.co.uk      

Property prices have risen three times faster than salaries in the past 10 years and first time buyers now spend almost five times more than they did a decade ago to get on the housing ladder. University students are among the hardest hit as limited income and accumulating debt adds to the financial pressure of securing their first property after they graduate.

The current housing climate encouraged graduate, Natasha Phipps, 25, from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, to invest her student loan wisely. Natasha recently graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a BA in Spanish and has just purchased a two bedroom apartment with her boyfriend Craig Bartlett, at Viridian Square, Crest Nicholson’s development in the town where she grew up.
Natasha managed to hold down a part time job throughout her four years of study and rather than spending her student loan, she invested it wisely in a high interest savings account. Natasha comments: ‘It sounds a bit boring but I knew that if I blew my loan on partying I would have to delay getting on the property ladder for another few years. I wanted to buy in an area that I could be confident would increase in value and Viridian Square has great investment potential because it is situated in Aylesbury, which is currently undergoing extensive regeneration.

‘At the moment I am working as a Line Manager for the NHS Trust in Buckinghamshire, but ideally what I really want to do is work in some sort of Civil Service role, so I needed to find a property where I would be able to commute easily into London. Train services from Aylesbury station take you into the capital in under an hour, which is perfect. Although I had saved hard for my first place it was still tough financially. Crest Nicholson helped me out with a fantastic selection of first time buyer incentives. I’m so excited to have finally got a foot on the property ladder and can’t wait to move in.’

Kerry Jones, Sales Manager, Crest Nicholson (Chiltern) Ltd, comments: ‘The dramatic rate at which these apartments have sold is testament to the high specification and location. The apartments at Viridian Square not only make a fantastic first home but they also offer great rental potential, meaning that young purchasers like Natasha will easily be able to lease their property when they are ready to upsize in a couple of years time.’
Viridian Square comprises 214 one and two bedroom apartments. Arranged around a beautifully landscaped communal courtyard garden, the development echoes a traditional London square. Exteriors combine warm red bricks with buttermilk render and elegant pitched roofs. Inside, the stylish apartments offer a high specification with contemporary co-ordinated kitchens and stylish bathrooms featuring designs by Villeroy & Boch and Hansgrohe. Aylesbury has excellent travel links with easy access to the A41 which links to the M40 and M25.

Due to such a fantastic response 90 per cent of this second phase is now sold with just a handful of apartments remaining. Crest Nicholson is currently offering first time buyers 5 per cent deposit paid, £1,000 towards legal and survey fees, stamp duty paid, £900 to cover the first year’s service charges and interior designed carpets, curtains and lighting package.

Prices start from £199,950 for a two bedroom apartment. The one bedroom apartments from this phase are now sold, but look out for more to be released early next year.

For sales information contact the Crest Nicholson sales and marketing suite on telephone: 0870 755 1635 or visit: www.crestnicholson.com        
Case study with pics 13a & 13b. Caption:

Francesca and Robert found buying cheaper than renting    A stylish apartment was just the ticket for a Crawley couple hoping to get one foot on the property ladder.

Air hostess Francesca Stone and sales executive Robert Deacon were delighted to find their rental budget would actually buy them their own new home at Redrow’s Porterhouse development.

The pair first visited the site, situated in the Three Bridges area of the town, when the lease ran out on their rented property

Hoping to find a replacement home to rent, the couple were thrilled to discover that they could actually afford to buy a contemporary property at the development, which is popular with young professionals.

‘We were keen to buy our own home but we thought our budget would only enable us to rent,’ said Robert, 25.

He added: ‘It is a perfect location, two minutes walk from the station and close to the motorway network, with a secure underground car park, so we really wanted to live here. And it was great news to know we could afford to buy.’

The property has also brought the couple one step closer to their ambition of becoming landlords as they hope eventually to buy another home and rent out their existing apartment to staff at nearby Gatwick Airport.

Said Robert: ‘We know there will be a strong rental demand for the apartment from staff at the airport, so when we buy another home we will keep this as an investment.’

Paul Moran, sales director for Redrow Homes (Southern) said: ‘The apartments are very appealing to couples who want to own their own home and compare very favourably to renting.’

Porterhouse is a development of four contemporary buildings, featuring 87 chic one and two bedroom apartments. The homes feature a fully integrated kitchen, a balcony or terrace and a parking space.

Only one property remains for sale so those wishing to join Robert and Francesca on the property ladder should hurry before it’s too late. The final price is £198,000 for a stunning one-bedroom apartment.

Homebuyers can contact the sales consultant on 01293 532165 or visit the development which is open daily from 10am – 5.30pm. Alternatively log on to www.redrow.co.uk/developments/view/5.

General information about Redrow and its properties available at www.redrow.co.uk.

Persimmon goes ‘flat’ out to assist first time buyers

So you know you want to get onto the property ladder, but when exactly is the right time to take that first step?

Now is the time, according to the UK’s most successful homebuilder, Persimmon Homes, who believes the current property market puts first time buyers in a very favourable position.

‘You only need to take a look at the evidence provided by the property experts to see that now is a good time to get onto the property ladder,’ comments Neil Sykes, sales director for Persimmon Homes Essex.

He continues: ‘The predicted price rises although not huge will affect first time househunters and it may be wise to buy sooner rather than later this year.’

Persimmon recognises getting a first foot onto the property ladder is an exciting but often daunting process. As such, expert sales advisers are available at every development across the region to provide first time buyers with advice and support throughout the entire buying process from selecting the right property to finding a solicitor and dedicated new build independent financial adviser.

For example the range of apartments at the company’s Creetings development in Stowmarket is ideal for budding first timers. Prices start from as little as £126,950 for a two bedroom apartment.’

In total Creetings offers no less than 12 different housetypes to choose from with a selection of two, three and four bedroom homes as well as the range of enticing two bedroom apartments.

Helen and Darren Peacock is one such couple fell in love with the development and their three bedroom Barking design within an instant, as Helen explains: ‘We were interested in The Creetings for quite some time as it’s a great location to commute to my job in Ipswich and for Darren who works locally. ‘We looked at four other new housing developments, but nothing really caught our eye, until we saw our home at The Creetings, which suited all our requirements.’

Situated within the popular Cedars Park development, Creetings offers excellent access to the A14 and A140 as well as Stowmarket railway station. Nearby Stowmarket has a range of local amenities including shops, leisure facilities and a conveniently located major supermarket.

Contact the marketing suite, which is open daily from 10am to 5pm on 01449 775285. Alternatively visit Persimmon Homes online at www.persimmonhomes.com.

Subsidised mortgage incentive makes barratt’s hounslow development more affordable

Release time: Immediate

BUYERS looking for a two-bedroom apartment in Hounslow have an opportunity to make substantial savings as a result of a new incentive at Reflexion, Barratt West London’s landmark development in Hounslow town centre.

Barratt is promoting the affordability of the Hounslow development by offering to subsidise a purchaser’s mortgage by £500 per month for two years. The offer is for a limited period only, so it’s a case of first come, first served. The offer is available on two-bedroom apartments only and provides purchasers with the opportunity to move into their new home before Christmas.

Reflexion, the private residential element of Hounslow’s regeneration project, will contain over 334 private apartments. Each will be spacious and airy, offering a well-designed internal space and stylish, contemporary fixtures and fittings, all complemented with either a balcony or a terrace.

Reflexion has proved to be one of Barratt’s most popular developments in West London. Positioned above a 24-hour Asda, Reflexion is the completed part of phase one of the Hounslow regeneration. Investors have seized the opportunity, hoping to benefit from the potential long-term capital growth the completed regeneration will undoubtedly provide.

Located on the Piccadilly line at Hounslow Central and close to the A4 and M4, it is very convenient for Heathrow airport, as well as being ideal for commuters and home buyers looking for somewhere to ‘lock up and leave’ while they spend time abroad.

One, two and three-bedroom apartments at Reflexion are currently priced from £225,000. For more information please contact Barratt’s sales and marketing suite sales office on 020 8572 3668 or visit the website: barratthomes.co.uk.

Vista Apartments, the latest Michael Shanly development, in High Wycombe is selling fast with 25 per cent of the apartments already sold. Vista, which has just 7 one- and two-bedroom apartments remaining in its first phase, is ideal for first-time buyers as a generous help package is in place. Prefect for the buyer, Michael Shanly is also providing laminate flooring or carpets and curtains or blinds on selected apartments. Prices at Vista start at £197,950.

The apartments are set around a central, landscaped square and most have a private balcony. This peaceful and attractive location adjoins professionally landscaped communal open space, yet is located just a short drive or bus ride from High Wycombe’s revitalised town centre
All of the apartments have fully fitted contemporary kitchen units with square edge laminate worktops and matching upstands, stainless steel sinks, ovens and extractor hoods, electric ceramic hobs, integrated fridge freezers, washer/dryers. Bathrooms with white sanitaryware and chrome taps, vinyl flooring, thermostatically controlled showers, chrome heated towel rails and extractor fans

Young Friendly Location:
Known as ‘Eden’ and opening in March 2008, High Wycombe town centre will offer a 12-screen cinema, state-of-the-art bowling alley, a library, restaurants and cafes and over 50 shops, including a new four level House of Fraser department store and a two storey Marks and Spencer. Eden is set to create over 1750 full and part time jobs

High Wycombe offers excellent travel links to London by train (Marylebone 40 minutes) , Reading (approximately 30 miles away) and the City of Oxford (a little over 30 miles away). The M40 (Junction 3 is within 1.5 miles), the M4 and M25 are all within easy reach and Heathrow is approximately 15 miles away
Go online to michealshanly.co.uk to find out more.

Fernham Homes is delighted to be marketing some superb first time buyer/investment properties in the heart of much loved Tonbridge in Kent.

Called ‘The Keys’, they have been so named because this attractive corner property was the former home of a piano tuner and was for many years a well respected, musical shop. Now it has been the subject of superb conversion work to transform this well known building into delightful one bedroom apartments.

The Keys, is in Pembury Road, Tonbridge and comprises six apartments each benefiting from gas central heating plus the benefit of fitted carpets.

‘Already two are sold’, says Mary-Anne Staddon, Sales Director. ‘The convenience of having all new kitchen appliances, sparkling bathrooms and being fully decorated appeals to a great number of people with busy lives which we believe has led to good interest levels. Also to secure a home for well under £150,000, in such a good central position is important for buyers wanting to invest in a new home’.

At The Keys the open plan kitchen/lounge affords a large window providing a very bright and pleasant living area. There is also a well fitted kitchen with a range of units including a fitted gas hob, electric single oven, extractor hood, fridge and washer/dryer.

The shower room has white sanitary ware with contemporary style taps and there are recessed down lights to some areas. There is also a paved area to the rear of the building with a communal bicycle rack.

Tonbridge town centre boasts a number of leisure activities such as the swimming pool and Angle Leisure Centre whilst nearby there are golf courses and numerous outdoor activities to enjoy.

For the commuter, the mainline station, (within walking distance of The Keys), has fast direct links to central London in around 40 minutes. The A21 links with the M25 and Tunbridge Wells is also just a short distance.

Prices: £142,500 for apartments 3 and 4 on the 1st floor. £145,500 for apartments 5 and 6 on the 2nd floor. There is also a show flat which can be viewed by appointment with the selling agents.

Joint Selling Agents-
RPC Land and New Homes Tel- 01732 363633
Ward & Partners Tel- 01732 770755

Also about to be launched onto the market are some brand new apartments also built by Fernham Homes. Consort Place is within a couple of minutes walk of the entrance to Tonbridge main line station, a perfect investment for commuters. Located in an established residential road there are 4, single bedroom apartments and 4 two bedroom duplex apartments which also benefit from a parking space. Two are already sold off plan and anyone interested at this stage should contact RPC Land and New Homes 01732 363633 for further information.

Fernham Homes Ltd.,
www.fernham-homes.co.uk

As would-be first time buyers turn to more creative means to make it onto the property ladder, house builder Redrow is throwing them a lifeline with its ‘Mortgaging with a Mate’ scheme.

The award-winning developer – currently building at Poulton Manor, Spital in Wirral - is among those reporting an increasing trend to buy with a friend simply as a means of getting onto that first rung.

Simon Bennett, Redrow’s marketing director, says: ‘We are seeing more and more examples of friends and siblings joining forces to enable them to buy their first home. Just as young people have been used to renting shared properties for a long time, now it seems they’re willing to buy together too.

‘It makes sense on a lot of fronts – each party has less of a deposit to find, the responsibility of the mortgage and household bills is shared each month, and each owner is investing in their future and hopefully building up some equity, rather than paying out rent.’

Redrow is taking steps to make it as easy as possible for people to buy jointly by making sure the financial advisors and solicitors it works with are all armed with the very latest information to help this type of buyer. It has even agreed special rates for Redrow home buyers with one of Britain’s leading lenders, the Halifax, who will accept mortgage applications from up to four applicants on the same property.

A new information leaflet, ‘Mortgaging with a mate’ is available at Redrow developments and provides useful information and advice on buying a home with friends. A similar section has been added to the developer’s website. Special events and workshops have also been held around the country to promote the concept of buying with a buddy and more of these will follow.

Buying a brand new home can be a good option for joint purchasers as, with little or no maintenance to worry about, there’s less likely to be arguments over any jobs that need doing. Also with many new homes - even apartments - including at least one en-suite as well as the main bathroom, a new home can offer more privacy for friends who are sharing.

It’s little wonder that mortgaging with a mate is getting more popular when you consider some of the latest headlines. According to the Halifax annual first time buyers survey earlier this year, the average house is unaffordable for first time buyers in more than nine out of ten towns; and the number of first time buyers has fallen to its lowest annual total since 1980.

And the Halifax Key Worker Housing Review has revealed that the average house price is unaffordable for all five key worker occupations (nurses, teachers, police officers, fire fighters and paramedics) in 70 per cent of towns across Great Britain.

‘Faced with statistics like these, a lot of people are having to find different ways to get onto the property ladder. Many turn to their parents or another relative for financial assistance or to act as mortgage guarantors, but for those who don’t have this option mortgaging with a mate could be the next best thing,’ says Simon Bennett.

He adds: ‘There are now various mortgage products available from high street lenders allowing up to four people to take out a joint mortgage. The financial advisers we use can recommend an appropriate product to suit the buyers’ circumstances.

‘It’s also important that co-owners protect themselves with things like a joint deed and a cohabitation agreement, which will cover issues like each owner’s share of the final property value and what will happen in the event of death or other changes in living arrangements. These are all things that the solicitors we work with regularly can advise upon.’

Those who fancy stepping onto the ladder with a friend will find the perfect pad to share at Poulton Manor, in Spital.

Elaine Mounsey, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (North West), says: ‘We see the struggle that first time buyers face when they want to take a step onto the property ladder and so we aim to help them as much as possible.

‘Available properties at Poulton Manor include the two-bedroom Avon apartment, which is well suited to busy professionals who want the convenience of a new build. Although designs differ, the property typically offers an open-plan living/dining/ kitchen area, along with two bedrooms – one with en-suite shower room – and the main bathroom. Having two bathrooms means that the Avon is extremely suitable for two friends buying together to get on the property ladder.’

Poulton Manor comprises 62 apartments arranged in three separate buildings with a maximum height of three-and-a-half storeys. Spacious two-bedroom apartments are available from £156,750.

Elaine added: ‘The apartments offer stylish living in a location that suits buyers from across the board, from young professionals commuting to Liverpool, Chester or Manchester, to down-sizers who want to settle in a peaceful location.’

The development is just a stone’s throw from Bebington, and is close to the shops and amenities of Bromborough, offering everything you need for day- to-day life.

The Wirral offers plenty of opportunities for country walks and relaxing days out but Poulton Manor is also not too far from where the action is as Spital has excellent access to the M53 for commuting to Liverpool, Chester and beyond.

Editor’s footnote:
Redrow Homes has been awarded Major Housebuilder of the Year 2006 in the annual Building Awards, for its success in helping first time buyers onto the property ladder with its Debut range, whilst still maintaining a healthy profit margin. Additionally Redrow has been voted Housebuilder of the Year by national consumer property magazine Your New Home, as well as winning the Best Development for First Time Buyers category for its innovative Debut range and Best New Build Village for Buckshaw Village in Chorley, Lancs.

Buying New Could Save First Time Buyers Money

Date of Issue: 25th October 2007

Recent reports suggest that an annual salary of over £45,000 is now needed to afford the average house and that the average deposit required has doubled within the last six years. Spending on furnishing a new home has also risen by 86 per cent in the last ten years, with new research revealing that the total amount spent in 2005 was £13.5 billion*.

For stretched first time buyers, buying a newly built property could be the answer, as they can be lower maintenance and more energy efficient than a second-hand property. New build properties, such as The Quadrant, Crest Nicholson’s development on Archers Road, Southampton, often include white goods and kitchen appliances, which saves first time buyers from the expense of fitting out a kitchen.

The Quadrant comprises one and two bedroom apartments and is proving popular with local first time buyers, who make up 50 per cent of the sales to date.

Mark Vanson, Sales and Marketing Director, Crest Nicholson (South) Ltd, comments: ‘Buying a new build home means that the extra expense of renovation and initial DIY can be avoided. At Crest Nicholson we are keen to help first time buyers in Southampton get on the property ladder and are offering 5 per cent deposit paid, stamp duty paid and £500 towards legal costs.’

Rio Saunders, Sales Advisor, Fox and Sons, the selling agents for The Quadrant, comments: ‘The Quadrant is great for first time buyers looking for a high specification apartment in a fantastic, central location.

The Quadrant’s four smart apartment buildings feature yellow and red brickwork and render, alongside striking dormer windows and gables giving the development a visually diverse appearance. Juliette balconies also add depth and variation.

The properties offer open plan living space and contemporary kitchens with a selection of top of the range appliances from Bosch. The bathrooms feature stylish Roca sanitaryware which is complemented by chrome Hansgrohe taps and fittings.

Southampton is an active city which is home to an array of bars, restaurants and nightclubs. Residents are offered some of the best shopping facilities in the country with a mix of high street brands, shopping centres and designer boutiques.

Southampton Central train station is located approximately less than one mile from The Quadrant. Trains to London Waterloo take approximately 80 minutes and trains to Portsmouth take less than one hour**.

Prices for one and two bedroom apartments start from £144,950. Crest Nicholson is helping first time buyers and investors with a range of incentive packages, for further information please call selling agents Fox and Sons on telephone: 0870 751 3950 or visit www.crestnicholson.com

Barratt helps Daniel onto the property ladder

Release time: Immediate

TECHNICAL manager at QEII Performing Arts Centre Daniel Dar-Nell, has been delighted with the help he received from Barratt West London, which enabled him to get a foot on the property ladder.

Daniel had been renting a period, three bedroom detached house in Kingston, but wanted to own a new modern home of his own; somewhere he could put his individual mark on.

His parents were prepared to help with the deposit, but he believed he still needed help to raise more money and found he was not eligible for schemes such as the Government’s First Time Buyers’ Initiative.

The solution was found when he visited Reflexion, Barratt’s landmark development in Hounslow town centre which is phase one of the planned town centre regeneration. The modern design and location attracted him to the complex and he decided to view the show home. It was much more modern and better equipped than his rented home, suited his lifestyle and he decided it was for him. Barratt offered him the help he needed to buy a one-bedroom apartment and he completed 14 days later.

Now, having been in his new home just over a month Daniel is delighted: ‘The apartment is fantastic value for money, very spacious and I could not have bought it without Barratt’s help. The sales staff were exceptionally good and I’d recommend a Barratt home to anyone. I’m within easy reach of my job in Kingston and also near a lot of my friends, who live in West London. So my social life is fantastic!’

Reflexion, the private residential element of the regeneration, has proved to be one of Barratt’s most popular developments in West London. When completed, the development will contain over 334 private apartments, each offering a well-designed internal space and stylish, contemporary fixtures and fittings. Spacious and airy, all apartments will also have their very own balcony or terrace.

Located on the Piccadilly line at Hounslow Central, it is convenient for Heathrow airport, making these apartments ideal for commuters as well as home buyers looking for somewhere to ‘lock up and leave’ while they spend time abroad.

One, two and three-bedroom apartments at Reflexion are currently priced from £225,000. For more information please contact Barratt’s sales and marketing suite sales office on 020 8572 3668 or visit the website: www.barratthomes.co.uk.

An increasing number of people are investing in buy-to-let properties in order to assist their children when the time comes for them to get on the property ladder.

There are currently two million Britons looking at the buy-to-let market with intentions of investing during the next six months and 22 per cent of these will be doing so as a means of generating enough capital to help provide for their children’s future.*
Paul Brayley, 45, from Aldenham in Hertfordshire, owns local car dealership Brayley Honda and has just invested in his fourth Crest Nicholson property, a two bedroom apartment at Mezza Luna in St Albans, Hertfordshire, as part of his plan to help his children Alice, 19 and Daniel, 21 get on the property ladder when they finish university.

Paul comments: ‘I just don’t know how any young person is expected to buy their first property today without some help from their parents. It made more sense to me to invest in property, rather than putting money into a high interest account until the children have finished university. Although there is a lot of negative hype about the property market at the moment, I firmly believe that prices will never go down and this way Alice and Daniel will have more money to play with when they finally graduate, whether they decide to sell the apartment or live in it themselves. I have been careful to purchase properties in areas with the prospect of strong base growth that have good rental potential so that I can lease them until I am ready to sell.

‘I know St Albans well because I work here and live nearby. It’s a beautiful city with exceptional commuter links into London. Crest Nicholson sells a high quality product and that is why I have returned to them again and again. The apartments at Mezza Luna are thoughtfully laid out and provide a great living space and the quality of the workmanship really shines through. My apartment also boasts a private terrace which provides the perfect area for alfresco dining in the summer months.’

Helen Watts, Sales Manager, Crest Nicholson (Chiltern) Ltd, comments: ‘St Albans has just been voted the 13th Best Place to Live in the UK by Location, Location, Location and it is not surprising. Just 22 miles from the capital, this suburban district is a paradise for commuters. That said, it is a well known fact that house prices here are some of the highest outside of London, but this has not deterred investor buyers like Paul who recognise the investment potential that this city offers.’

Mezza Luna comprises 22 two bedroom apartments located just off Hatfield Road in St Albans, Hertfordshire. With starting prices from £259,950, the high specification apartments, arranged in three buildings, combine timber panelling, render and red brickwork to create stylish and sophisticated contemporary homes. The cascading curve of the roof and the structural recesses’ give the development a modern edge which is balanced by the use of natural and traditional materials. Some apartments benefit from a private terrace and all have access to communal gardens.

Interiors are finished to the highest of standards, with products including De Dietrich kitchen appliances, bathrooms by Hansgrohe and Villeroy & Boch and kitchen flooring from the luxury Amtico range.

Prices are from £259,950. For more information contact Crest Nicholson (Chiltern) at the satellite sales centre: Aitchisons, 2 Holywell Hill, St Albans, Tel: 0870 755 0844 or visit: www.crestnicholson.com.

Parkwest official opening

The Worshipful The Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Catherine Dann has officially opened Parkwest, the latest development by St George, which is located in West Drayton, just 2 miles north of Heathrow and 1 mile from Stockley Park.
 
In just under 12 months since the development first launched, all apartments in Arlington and Burlington House have been sold off plan, Lexington House is over 80 per cent sold and the latest phase, Kensington House is performing equally well. When the development is complete, Parkwest will offer 574 new homes, 203 of which will be affordable and for the local community. The new homes enjoy a stylish and contemporary specification and benefit from a 24 hour concierge service residents’ health and fitness suite, and a community room.

Ian Dobie Managing Director of St George West London commented, ‘We were confident when we started building in this Borough that Parkwest would be a success both because of its style and location. I am pleased that the success of the construction and design of the buildings has been matched by the success the sales team has achieved so far. This is a vibrant area, which benefits from excellent employment opportunities and with the addition of Crossrail and the opening of T5 next year, the future for this part of West London is looking very positive.’

The Worshipful The Mayor Councillor Catherine Dann also commented, ‘The importance of safety on this site is evident and is a shining example of what a developer can achieve. You should be proud of what has been achieved here today and what it brings to this community and the Borough of Hillingdon. The square and gardens here are beautiful and I expect that the occupants of Parkwest will be very happy in their new homes. I am proud to unveil this sculpture today as a symbol of the development's international appeal, which will be enjoyed by the residents for years to come.’

St George has won numerous environmental awards over the years for its developments and Parkwest features many elements of sustainability that make life better for everyone…and everything