New Homes - Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Croydon has long been recognised as a convenient place to live, due to its choice of transport connections. Now, with a massive regeneration project underway, the area is even more sought-after by buyers. Johnny Turner zooms in on some winners

With great train, tram and bus links, Croydon is in the premier league of well-connected Greater London locations. With the expected expansion of the East London Line in the next four years or so, this town will get even more convenient. A lot of money is being poured into the area, and buyers are responding to this show of faith with demonstrations of their own belief in the location. And the new homes market is a good reflection of this confidence.

Barratt Kent has got full planning consent to create New South Quarter, a new urban village of 796 apartments near the centre of Croydon. Construction work has already begun to transform the 13.2 acre site, formerly occupied by a disused gas works, into a striking landmark development that pushes forward the town’s regeneration plans.

The first homes at the development – one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments – will be released for sale on Saturday 9 February, priced from £184,995 and sold on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Barratt invites potential purchasers to register their interest, as well as to view apartment plans and a model of the development, in advance of the launch.
New South Quarter, on Purley Way, will also have 246 affordable homes, a medical centre, nursery school, café and convenience store – and the striking landscaping will culminate in a ‘circus’ in the heart of the scheme. A small number of studios will be available at a later date. There will also be a range of commercial spaces, including workshops and dedicated business start-up units, to meet the growing demand for business space in the town.

New South Quarter will feature striking landscaping. Buildings will be set around courtyards, landscaped gardens and open green spaces. The focal point will be a ‘circus’ in the heart of the development, inspired by classical Italian architecture. The River Wandle, which currently crosses the site underground through a closed concrete culvert, is being restored to create an open river, and the apartment buildings will be set on either side.

The site is very well connected. Pedestrian and cycle routes will link the development with Croydon town centre, Wandle Park Tramline and nearby Waddon Park. There are train links to Victoria and London Bridge, which can take as little as 13 minutes, and a service to Gatwick runs round the clock.
To register your interest contact Barratt on 020 8688 0688 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Altitude 25 is a landmark 82-metre tower rising to 25 storeys which will become Croydon’s tallest building. The scheme, comprising 236 studio, one-, two-, three-bedroom apartments and five exclusive penthouses, will provide spectacular views of Croydon and the surrounding area, the landmark buildings of the Gherkin and Tower 42 and the arch of Wembley Stadium.

The release of five bespoke penthouses in Croydon’s first residential tower marks the beginning of a new level of city living in Central Croydon. These exclusive penthouses are being offered for sale before the launch of the flagship development as ‘shells’ providing purchasers with a truly bespoke living space.

As an iconic building leading the way in Croydon’s new-look skyline, Altitude 25’s exclusive penthouses are the first of their kind offering the finest materials, latest technology and sweeping views. These sophisticated homes are being built to meet the growing demand for luxurious homes in Croydon. 

Prices for the penthouses at Altitude 25 start at £750,000. To register your interest contact Mike Bickerton at DTZ Residential on 020 7408 7509.

In the tree-lined residential Normanton Road, within walking distance of both South and East Croydon railway stations, White Gables is an exclusive gated development of just 12 luxurious two-bedroom apartments and two stunning penthouses within two separate buildings. With excellent shops, several good restaurants, great transport links, plenty of green space, sports facilities and reasonably priced property, South Croydon has become increasingly popular with home buyers over the last few years.

Prices start at £295,000. A show apartment has just been unveiled, and here buyers can see the level of build quality and spec this scheme will bring; it is open Thursday to Monday. For further information contact Premier Properties on 01276 686400 or selling agent Burn and Warne on 020 8642 1234. Information on all Premier Properties’ developments is available at premierproperties.co.uk.

Following significant sales success at its flagship Croydon development, Durkan Estates is proud to announce that just two penthouses remain in its prestigious development, Bauhaus. Situated on Masons Avenue just off the High Street, Bauhaus will provide 189 one- and two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom penthouses and two-bedroom mews houses in the centre of Croydon.
The remaining penthouses, of the six available at Bauhaus, are located on the top floor of the 12-storey building, affording magnificent 360-degree panoramic views across the surrounding areas.
All the fixtures and fittings are of the highest standard including top of the range kitchens with granite worktops and contemporary white Roca bathroom suites. The penthouse has secure parking space included in the price. In addition to the large picture windows from which to admire the spectacular views, the penthouse also has balconies that surround almost the whole property.
The Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres offer a mixture of well-known chain stores and individual businesses and boutiques. Croydon has a good social scene with plenty of bars, pubs and restaurants that cater for every taste, and Croydon’s 120 parks add to the feeling of open space and relaxed atmosphere.

The remaining penthouses are priced at £359,995 for a 883 sq ft apartment and £381,500 for a 1,076 sq ft apartment; both have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The anticipated completion date is autumn 2008. Visit bauhaus-croydon.com or contact the sales and marketing suite on 020 8681 2002.

Being within walking distance to work offers flexibility and freedom. Here Amanda Shiel looks at the latest developments located near to the City and Canary Wharf.  

Whitechapel
Located on Plumbers Row, VoguE1 comprises 58 one- and two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom duplex penthouses. The development’s eye-catching Dorking red and Staffordshire Slate blue resin tile clad façade features defined recesses and setbacks to create a contemporary, urban look. A combination of stainless steel mesh balconies, with zinc cladding, brick, wood and glass, gives the development visual and textural diversity.  
Internally, each apartment is fitted with a designer Urban Myth kitchen and Siemens appliances, including a stainless steel electric oven, microwave, gas hob and chimney hood, integrated fridge freezer, washer/dryer and dishwasher. The apartments benefit from under floor gas fired central heating, a video entry phone and lift access to all floors. Many of the spacious and bright apartments offer sweeping views over central London. A number of the penthouse apartments also have spectacular views of the Gherkin and across the Square Mile.
VoguE1 is located close to the cultural and social attractions of Spitalfields market, Brick Lane and the Square Mile, which ensures that residents benefit from the shopping, nightlife and history of this part of the capital. The nearest tube stations are Whitechapel and Aldgate East, which are both under half a mile from the development. The development is just five miles from London City Airport and under three miles from Canary Wharf.
Prices start at £469,950 for a two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment with a balcony. First occupations are expected in late spring/early summer 2008. Contact Higgins Homes on 020 8498 6059.   

Canary Wharf
Indescon Court is a £305 million mixed-use regeneration project which will rise to 31 storeys and provide in excess of 950 homes, a 120 bed hotel and 12,000 sqft of retail and office premises. There will also be underground parking, a public plaza and extensive communal landscaping. For more information call 020 7486 1818 or visit oracle-group.com.

Clerkenwell
This fantastic two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex apartment in the popular City pavilions development is located in an attractive central location.
The apartment has a good use of space and a design using plenty of glass allowing natural light into the property and giving it a modern finish. There is a well proportioned open plan living space which has a kitchen, dining and reception area.  The second floor landing also has space for a study.
The building is of a very good standard with a porter, passenger lift and very well kept common parts.
Located in Britton Street, the scheme is located just across the road from Farringdon tube/rail and couldn’t be easier for transport links. The popular development has a porter and lift and is in walking distance of the City.
Guide price of £1.1 million. Contact E A Shaw on 020 7240 2255 for more details.  

Docklands
Pan Peninsula is a luxury development comprised of two interlinking towers standing 40 and 50 storeys high. Designed by architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Pan Peninsula will be one of the tallest residential buildings in Europe when completed in 2009.
Residents will be able to enjoy an extensive range of five-star, hotel-style facilities including Docklands’ largest private 14,000 sq ft health and fitness suite with lap pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room and comprehensive gymnasium. There will also be an exotic holistic spa, private residents’ cinema showing art-house films and new releases, signature restaurant, sky lounge cocktail bar, valet parking and business facilities. Occupants will also have exclusive access to a dedicated concierge 24 hours a day.
A selection of studio suites, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments are still available. Studio suites start at £356,000, one-beds at £510,000 and two-beds from £650,000. Contact Pan Peninsula’s marketing suite on 0800 404 8844.

Islington
L’ Ecole, a former Victorian schoolhouse, is the dramatic transformation by London-based developers Carrot. The development consists of two buildings sitting side-by-side – one being the former schoolhouse, the other a contemporary new build.
The Victorian element of the scheme has been transformed into 24 apartments spread across three floors, including three penthouse apartments complete with private terraces on the top floor. The apartments include a number of original features, with double-height windows and high ceilings.  Many apartments have a glass-fronted mezzanine level overlooking the living spaces and the garden providing an abundance of natural light.

The new build element is contained within an unusual contemporary-designed U-shaped building which is partially cedar-clad. There are 28 spacious apartments spread over five floors, including a further three penthouses. The front elevation has a stunning glass-enclosed winter garden., offering all year round seclusion and serenity in the heart of the city.
L’Ecole close to Upper Street and its amenities which include boutiques, brasseries and bars.
Contact Chanan Aharonoff from DTZ Residential on 020 7710 8111 for further information.

Bloomsbury
The Store Street scheme is a collection of 11 high standard specification one- and two-bedroom apartments above retail units.
Situated on the doorstep of Bloomsbury, Fitzrovia and Soho, the development offers easy access by foot to Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road, along with accessibility to the Northern, Piccadilly and Central tube lines.
For more details contact Marc Isaacs from DTZ Residential on 020 7408 7505.

Docklands
A 1500 square foot apartment has become available in a landmark development at No.1 West India Quay.
Located on the 21st floor, the property boasts two large bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, solid wood flooring and an open-plan kitchen/reception area. The apartment also benefits from towering views over the dock and Canary Wharf.
No. 1 West India Quay is located within easy walking distance of the Canary Wharf business district and nearby shops, bars and restaurants and boasts 24 hour concierge and underground parking.
On the market for £950,000. Leasehold. Call 020 7510 8300 or visit Chesterton.co.uk for more information.

Lewisham
Once complete, Silkworks will provide a total of 270 city suite, one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments designed to provide a contemporary lifestyle to fit perfectly within the urban environment.
Interiors have been intelligently designed for low maintenance living with contemporary kitchens and areas for living and entertaining. Large windows, light and spacious rooms, finishes of the highest order and specifications of an exceptional standard are featured within the apartments at Silkworks. Many of the properties include balconies or roof terraces.
The scheme is located close to Lewisham mainline train, which provides direct routes to London Bridge in eight minutes and London Victoria in less than half an hour. Lewisham Bus Stations is close by, and the development also provides easy access to the area’s road networks, offering easy access to the M25, M23 and M20. With the added benefit of its proximity to London’s City Airport, residents at Silkworks are perfectly situated to take advantage of the area’s transport hub.
Apartments are available from £239,999 for a one-bedroom apartment and £310,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Contact St James Urban Living on 020 8469 0077 or visit silkworkslondon.co.uk.

The smaller ‘boutique’ development will be immune from the downward pressures of the property market in 2008 due to continued demand for high-specification apartments in popular postcodes according to estate agent Hurford Salvi Carr.

Paul Driscoll, director of Hurford Salvi Carr’s City branches, expects to see demand continue to outstrip supply in this niche market.

Driscoll says, ‘So far we have experienced very little slow down in owner-occupier enquiries for one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses in boutique developments in areas such as Clerkenwell, Bloomsbury and the City. Aspirational, design-driven developments in key locations have a strong target market that includes successful young bankers, lawyers and creatives who have a clear idea of what they want and the income to finance it.’

A good example of this type of development is The Wenlock Building in Islington by hip developers Modern City Living and Londonewcastle and marketed by Hurford Salvi Carr. Only fourteen apartments remain since its launch in mid 2007 with completion expected in 2008. Situated on the Regent’s Canal and a short walk Upper Street, Islington and Shoreditch, The Wenlock Building is ideally located for City Living and boasts an interior specification guaranteed to impress both friends and family!
Another such development is 7 Lothbury, EC2, the conversion of a Grade II listed Italianate building directly opposite the Bank of England. Residents will benefit from integrated BOSE entertainment packages in all apartments.

‘This is an amazing conversion of just 11 one and two bedroom apartments and a penthouse with roof terrace. The limited availability of these apartments adds to the exclusivity of the address and the period architecture and interior features appeal to buyers’ love of design, both traditional and contemporary,’ comments Paul.

Hurford Salvi Carr will be offering a number of smaller boutique developments later this year in central locations such as Fetter Lane, Hatton Garden, Farringdon and Chamber Street near Tower Hill Station.
Prices at Wenlock Building start from £425,000
Prices at 7, Lothbury start from £825,000
For further sales information, please contact Paul Driscoll at Hurford Salvi Carr on 020 7250 1012.

Amanda Shiel takes a look at the latest riverside developments

Isle of Dogs, London
The apartments at Ontario Tower provide a variety of layouts, each with stylish, contemporary, low-maintenance interiors and a high specification which includes comfort cooling, fully fitted kitchens and luxury shower rooms, bathrooms and en suite facilities decorated with Carrera marble flooring and wall tiling, and high-quality suites with chrome fittings.
The development is in a prime riverside location with spectacular panoramic views over the river spanning from Greenwich to Canary Wharf and down to London City Airport with the popular O2 Arena directly opposite.
Ontario Tower is adjacent to both East India and Blackwall DLR stations, while the Jubilee Line underground station at Canary Wharf provides fast links to Central London. London City Airport is only ten minutes away and operates to more than 25 international destinations, making the development an ideal base for business travellers.
The current release of Ontario Tower’s final phase of premier apartments is the last chance to purchase property in this iconic building. Prices start from £675,000. Contact the sales and marketing suite on 07000 701 701or www.newprovidencetv.com

Vauxhall, London
Having transformed the previously derelict site into one of London’s most central riverside developments, St George has created a new and exciting cultural environment for the South Bank area. The latest building, Kestrel House, continues to add to this lively cosmopolitan destination by Vauxhall Bridge.
Internally, the homes are of a high specification. The custom designed kitchens offer integrated appliances, composite stone worktops and stainless steel cookers. Bathrooms boast white sanitaryware with chrome finish taps and thermostatically controlled showers.
For more details visit stgeorge-wharf.com.

Hammersmith, London
Formerly a Thames Water pumping station, St James Homes has transformed the outstanding Grade II listed London landmark into 43 elegant riverside homes combining cool modernity with stunning Victorian architecture.
The scheme retains the original pumphouse red brick façade with grand arched windows that afford most apartments views across the River Thames.
All apartments are fitted with video entry phones, and the scheme includes a porterage service and secure parking. Residents also have access to a private entrance to the Thames path and communal landscape gardens.
Internally, kitchens and reception rooms merge into spacious and flexible living areas, while the master bedrooms are spacious with en suite facilities and fitted wardrobes.  Apartments also benefit from a private balcony that extends out from either/or both the reception area or master bedroom.
Prices of the two remaining penthouses £565,000 and £2.03 million including car parking. To view the show penthouse contact the marketing suite on 020 8563 9139. 

Gravesend, Kent
The Embankment comprises one- and two-bedroom apartments. The development’s central location in Canal Road places residents literally minutes from the town of Gravesend, the surrounding countryside and the River Thames.
Gravesend station is less than a mile from The Embankment and offers direct services
into London Bridge with a journey time of about 50 minutes and the Dartford crossing
is just eight miles from the town providing easy access to the M25.
For international travel, City Airport is just over an hours drive away, Ashford International Station just a 50 minute drive and the Channel Ports of Dover and Folkestone approximately 55 and 45 miles away respectively.
Prices range from £177,500 to £220,000. The sales and marketing suite plus two show apartments are open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm. Call 01474 568436 or visit bellway.co.uk.

Woolwich, London
Royal Arsenal is a new residential hub and community in Woolwich, created by Berkeley Homes East Thames on the site of a former centre for military equipment and munitions manufacturing. The scheme fuses converted Grade II listed buildings with contemporary new build architecture offering new homes, office space, leisure outlets and landscaped communal areas.
The Armouries, a collection of new build apartments, is the latest phase available for sale at Royal Arsenal. Prices start from £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, from £290,000 for two-bedroom apartments and from £315,000 for three-bedroom apartments.
One apartment also remains in the converted MyHQ building, a two-bedroom apartment priced at  £320,000. For further information and to arrange a viewing of the new show apartments, contact the sales and marketing suite 020 8331 7130 or visit royal-arsenal.co.uk.

Maidenhead, Berkshire
Avior comprises six two-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom penthouse, and each unit has at least one balcony with direct river views.
The development has been built to a traditional design featuring the best in environmental building techniques and materials. Extensive insulation, low energy lighting, under floor heating and double glazed UPVC windows all help to keep energy costs down, while integrated fridge-freezers, dishwashers and washer-dryers all come as standard. The professionally designed kitchen also features granite worktops and a stainless steel oven, hob, hood and microwave, while the bathrooms boast ceramic floor and wall tiles, chrome fixings and contemporary wall-hung sanitary ware.
Maidenhead is located within easy reach of London, Windsor and the numerous business centres along the M4 corridor. Heathrow is just 17 miles away.
Only three two-bedroom apartments remain. Prices start from £520,000.
Contact Braxton’s (selling agents) on 01628 674234. Alternatively visit shanlyhomes.com.

Royal Docks, London
RoyalQuay is a stunning residential and commercial property development at the former Albert Basin. Comprising of 446 apartments - ranging from one-bedroom up to three-bedroom
penthouses – the development will be built in phases over the next few years around a newly-constructed yacht basin.
A key focal point of the development is the restoration of the Grade II listed Gallions Hotel, which is being brought back into use as a café, bar and restaurant with small office suites and a health and fitness club.
Designed by architects Jestico & Whiles to resemble ocean liners, three of the ten apartment buildings have been built on the dock itself, rising from the water’s edge. The newly built marina also gives an idyllic waterside setting for residents of this development.
Prices start from £275,000. For more details call 0207 055 0141.

The market may be slowing but would-be investors are as keen as ever to make the right deal. Johnny Turner looks at the apartments, the incentives and the locations that are set to sway buy-to-let purchasers

The holy trinity of property investment is low capital outlay, attractiveness to good-quality tenants and the prospect of realising good capital gains once it comes time to sell. Sounds simple, really.  But it may seem to the novice investor that he is being asked to predict the future.
During times like now, when the housing market is the subject of so much speculation, so to speak, many are confused about whether it is wise to even consider entering the buy-to-let market, or extending their investment. And definite answers are not out there; any prospective investor has to think about his own position, and place the wisdom of any possible outlay within a wider context of the potential for a downturn. It’s always good to play ‘what-if’ over market variables such as interest rates, house prices and lender friendliness, as well as more personal considerations like future employment prospects, pension circumstances and your attitude towards risk.
For those who do decide to invest in property, aiming towards new build is an increasingly popular course of action, as it lends itself to a low-maintenance style of stewardship – something that sets it apart from the needy, less energy-efficient Victorian conversion flat, for instance. And with house prices having hit a period of much slower growth, the new homes market seems to have stopped racing ahead price-wise, the better for the average would-be investor to jump on board.
In a very up-and-coming part of London, Bermondsey Square is a mixed-use development with history as well as modern style. Centred around the site of the original Bermondsey Antiques Market, this will take the shape of 76 bespoke apartments, with other amenities including an art house cinema, boutique hotel, offices, restaurants and bars.
Those from around London and beyond will be glad to hear that the weekly Antiques Market will be back once the regeneration scheme is completed; the new space will have enough space for up to 200 market stalls, and will feature other regular markets such as fashion and farmers markets. There will also be one-off events including outdoor cinema, making this area even more than ever a destination for leisure-seekers.
Other nearby attractions, such as Zandra Rhodes’ Fashion and Textile Museum are evidence of a new ‘coolness’. Other nearby attractions, such as Borough Market, the Tate Modern and other South Bank must-sees, are firm London favourites, and the wealth of good transport ticks yet another investor-friendly box.
Bermondsey Square, situated at the junction of Tower Bridge Road and Long Lane, is part of what Southwark Council call a ‘strategic site’. A combination of archaeological interest and bomb damage in the area has meant the area has been underdeveloped – a rarity in London! The neighbourhood is currently home to a diverse mix of architecture, including Georgian, Victorian, loft apartments and 20th-century warehouse buildings.
Under the aegis of Igloo Regeneration Partnership, the new nine-story Bermondsey Square residential building will both have contemporary timber and perforated steel construction and display a section of the ancient remains from the 11th-century Abbey Church in a glass cube within one of the proposed restaurant units.
Bermondsey Square is due for completion in July. Call 020 7420 3023 or 020 7629 3344 or visit bermondseysquare.co.uk.
Milliners Place is the conversion of a former hat factory with the addition of three new buildings on Midland Road to create 119 luxurious one, two and three bedroom apartments. Situated in the town centre, Milliners Place is a five minute drive to the M1 making the North and South of England easily accessible and short walk to the train station, which offers the town’s commuters fast trains to London’s St Pancras in just 23 minutes and an easy commute to Luton Airport.
Redeham Homes has sensitively converted Milliners Place to retain the building’s original Georgian architecture, whilst creating stylish apartments that maximise the available space and light. The apartments have been built to a high specification including a choice of kitchen designs incorporating an integrated stainless steel oven, extractor hood, fridge / freezer and washer dryer. Redeham Homes recognises that different purchasers prefer different apartment layouts to suit their lifestyles and so have created properties that have open plan, semi-open plan and separate kitchens.
The contemporary bathrooms include Roca Laura wall-hung white sanitaryware complemented by Grohe fittings, thermostatic showers and heated towel rails. To provide purchasers with an added level of style and luxury, a range of the apartments include en suite facilities to the principal bedroom. A selection of the apartments benefit from balconies or terraces.
Private parking is also available at the development. Milliners Place is ideally situated for residents to take advantage of the facilities and amenities that Luton has to offer. The Arndale Centre, which has over 120 shops, is within easy walking distance, whilst Luton offers a diverse range of restaurants, bars and leisure facilities.
Prices for the remaining apartments at Milliners Place start from £130,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £170,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Call 01582 456 692 or see redehamhomes.co.uk.
In Birmingham, a city that is seeing some exciting regeneration, Imagine Homes has just acquired The Exchange, an exciting new buy-to-let opportunity. This selection of stylish one-, two and three-bedroom new build apartments is in a highly sought-after location within the famous Jewellery Quarter. With a great selection of bars, restaurants and shops on the doorstep, the city centre hotspots are within easy reach. Birmingham New Street railway station is within walking distance and London is just an hour and a half away by train; road links are also comprehensive, with the M5, M6, M40 and M42 within easy reach. For frequent flyers, Birmingham International Airport is also nearby.
Birmingham has seen a £450 million redevelopment of the Bullring and Mailbox shopping centres. The Jewellery Quarter itself has undergone significant regeneration, with £250 million of public and private money invested over the last ten years, and its reinvention as a sustainable and inclusive urban village will be complete by 2010.
Grant Bovey, CEO of Imagine Homes, says, ‘We are delighted to offer property investors a rare investment opportunity in such a sought-after location. Continued regeneration and inbound investment will continue to encourage strong capital growth and rental demand.’
Imagine Homes offers its customers a worry-free way to invest in residential buy-to-let, sourcing quality new build opportunities in excellent locations with strong capital growth and rental prospects. Imagine Homes also finds the tenants, manages the property and guarantees the customer a unique rental return of 7.5 per cent of the purchase price per year for two years.
Prices at The Exchange currently start at £143,000. For further details and to register your interest telephone 0800 458 5050.
Imagine Homes has many other buy-to-let properties available throughout the UK. Visit imaginehomes.co.uk to find out more.
At Imperial Wharf in perennially popular Fulham, St George has released Parkside Apartments, which include beautifully specified two- and three-bedroom apartments and two stunning three-bedroom penthouses which offer exquisite river views over acres of landscaped parkland and courtyards.
Interior designed by Taylor Howes, winners of the recent Andrew Martin international interior design award, the apartments incorporate an all-new enhanced specification, including: comfort cooling; stunning contemporary designed fitted kitchens; luxurious bathrooms with stone paneled heated walls and floors as well as bespoke shower enclosures with feature chrome rain showers; and a new state-of-the-art integrated home entertainment system.
As with many of the better London developments, Imperial Wharf has on-site facilities that means lifestyle and entertainment options are right on your doorstep. It incorporates the popular Young’s Waterside bar and restaurant, along with a range of other fine restaurants. There is also a wine bar, a hotel, a family indoor play centre and a childcare and education centre.
Transport connections are great, which means good-quality tenants and owner-occupiers alike will find the location friendly. Connections with the City and West End include an enhanced local bus service, and the proposed new Imperial Wharf railway station, which will provide direct links with Clapham Junction for London’s railway network and West Brompton for the underground. Fulham Broadway and Parsons Green tubes are also within walking distance.
For further details contact the sales and marketing suite on 020 7610 9693 or visit imperialwharf.com.
In West Drayton, Middlesex, St George’s Parkwest is a stunning new development of one-, two and three-bedroom apartments that will be welcomed by prospective first-time buyers, particularly those who want to let a room in their flat in order to help with the mortgage.
The contemporary Manhattan Apartments and the versatile Duet Apartments both make sharing easy, offering two identical master bedrooms, each with an en suite and its own balcony. For the buyer who wants that bit extra there is a collection of stunning penthouses. These exceptional three-bedroom split-level apartments are situated on the top floor of the building and offer superb panoramic views of west London as well as a huge amount of versatile space.Parkwest’s specialty is modern, flexible accommodation with high specification at a surprisingly affordable price.Buyers these days are busy, a fact that is taken into account by St George in its provision of amenities at Parkwest. There is a residents’ gym, business centre, 24-hour concierge and landscaped gardens. And commuters will love its location: the M4, M25 and Heathrow are just a couple of miles away. The area is home to a wide range of big employers, with companies such as BT, Cisco, Apple UK, Marks & Spencer, Sharp and Hasbro only a few minutes away.
Meanwhile, West Drayton station offers direct links to London with trains to Paddington going every half-hour and taking approximately 25 minutes. And the recent announcement that Crossrail has been given the green-light means Parkwest will eventually have direct connections to Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and Liverpool Street. For students, the world-famous Brunel University is just a few miles away.
And the best news? That you can buy an apartment in Greater London with this level of style, space and convenience at prices starting at £194,950. Get further information on 01895 449009 or visit park-west.co.uk.Bristol is one of the UK’s most popular spots. It offers a lifestyle that has big city elements without the constant thrum of pressure that London dwellers face. At Glaze, located just off Nags Hill in the sought-after St George area, Linden Homes is creating a development of just 22 one- and two-bedroom apartments.These properties are ideal for those who are ready to get on the property ladder, not to mention buyers looking for a secure investment opportunity.St George’s cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it a much-loved area of Bristol. It has an assortment of restaurants, shops and boutiques catering for every taste. Commuters are also well served, with services from Bristol Temple Meads reaching London in approximately an hour and three quarters, and Virgin Cross Country trains serving the North, Midlands and the South Coast. For drivers, the nearby A4 and M32 offer both easy access to the heart of Bristol and good links to the M4 and M5.Two bedroom apartments are priced from £146,995, and there is also just one one-bedroom apartment priced at £124,995. For further information visit lindenhomes.co.uk. Also from Linden Homes, the Verve development on Mill Street in Slough offers just the type of sleek, modern apartments that investors are looking for – and with a new buy-to-let incentive on offer, investment purchasers will be even more impressed.
The developer has joined with Campsie Estate Agents to offer an innovative assured rental scheme, which offers customers £950 a month for two years.
This will enable investors to enjoy a hassle-free buy-to-let experience providing not only two years’ guaranteed rental income – whether the apartment has a tenant or not – but also a free management service from Campsie, a free furniture package which becomes the property of the landlord after two years and a fully fitted kitchen complete with oven, hob and stainless steel chimney hood to make the two-bedroom apartments even more sought-after.
Helen Todd, sales and marketing director for Linden Homes Chiltern, says, ‘We are the first company in Slough, if not the country, to offer such a fantastic incentive to investors. With the average age of first-time buyers now 34 and many older customers looking to buy for their pension or children, the rental market is set to increase massively over the next ten years. And what better way to guarantee excellent returns than to take advantage of assured rental scheme.’
Matthew Seamons of Campsie Estate Agents in Slough, says, ‘We are delighted to be able to offer this scheme with Linden Homes – and investors can rest assured that we will offer our fantastic management service, as well as a furniture package to a high specification. This really is too good to miss out on and I would recommend investors to visit the show apartment at Verve today.’
The scheme is s ubject to scheme rules and on selected homes only. Two-bedroom apartments start at £217,950. These include parking and a high internal specification. Find out more about the assured rental scheme call the sales and marketing suite, open daily, on 01753 577277 or visit lindenhomes.co.uk.
Inspace Homes, known for its very affordable and investor-friendly London schemes such as EastSide, has now moved into Birmingham with its Mica Point development. This collection of 62 one- and two-bedroom apartments is housed in a four-storey building located on Great Colemore Street in the Lytham Croft area of Birmingham. Designed by architects BM3, the exterior blends brick, render and wood to create a contemporary structure perfect for the target markets of young professionals and buy-to-let investors.
Birmingham is becoming increasingly known for its provision of a luxury lifstyle, with its branches of Selfridges and Harvey Nichols – and of course it is still famed for its curry houses, award-winning restaurants and a host of exclusive bars and clubs.
Birmingham City centre is within easy reach, with Birmingham New Street station only a five-minute walk from the development. Here busy professionals will find fast and frequent services into London Euston with journey times around 90 minutes. Other destinations include Manchester, Nottingham, Edinburgh and Plymouth. For drivers, the M6 is just ten minutes away with its access to Staffordshire and the North. Birmingham International airport, which is only a 20-minute drive away.
Donna Smith, board of management partner at Connells, says, ‘The Birmingham City centre market still represents excellent value for money and a real opportunity for first-time purchasers or even seasoned investors to take advantage of the capital growth being recognised in regeneration locations. Inspace Homes are an extremely forward thinking developer who are determined to buck the trend and keep city centre apartments affordable to both owner occupiers and investors alike, with low headline prices that will attract the savvy buyers.’
Fraser Wells, managing director at Inspace Homes, says, ‘We expect Mica Point to be very popular. The development offers stylish properties at affordable prices in a vibrant and cosmopolitan area which will appeal for young professionals and investors alike.’
Building work has begun and the apartments will be launching early this year. To register your interest please contact Connells on 0121 54 4861 or visit mica-point.co.uk.
Uxbridge is yet another up-and-coming spot, thanks to a concerted regeneration effort that mixes residential property and retail and office space – the formula for success these days, both in terms of providing a convenient lifestyle and bringing would-be buyers the housing stock that the current market so badly lacks.
Over the years the town of Uxbridge in Hillingdon has evolved from a historic market town into a thriving metropolitan centre. The town is a hotspot for commercial property with a number of vibrant retail outlets and offices, first class educational opportunities and now a stunning new residential development located its heart called The Heights by leading developer Oracle Residential.
As home of the world’s busiest airport and one of London’s most successful centres for shopping, the Borough of Hillingdon is well positioned to increase its successes. There is a continuous demand for homes, shops and leisure facilities and with excellent transport options the area is set to grow and continue developing. On average, house prices in Hillingdon are 14 per cent lower than London, while prices for apartments are 37 per cent lower.
Darryl Flay, Managing Director Oracle Residential, comments: ‘Traditionally, government funding is diverted towards fashionable inner-city regeneration in areas such as Elephant and Castle and Croydon, however, in Uxbridge there has been a clear move towards regeneration and renewal of resources. We have spotted this trend and have positioned our newest development ‘The Heights’ at the heart of it all.’
At the centre of Uxbridge sits the local Borough of Hillingdon’s government and public services, while nearby are the campuses of leading schools Brunel University and Uxbridge College. The town benefits from excellent transportation links with the M40 and M25 motorways close by, a comprehensive bus network and Metropolitan and Piccadilly Line services via the London Underground. Heathrow Airport, the world’s busiest airport, is just 20 minutes away.
With over one million square feet of retail space, the town features two covered shopping centres, The Pavilions and The Chimes, as well as a large number of independent shops, a ten-screen cinema, three gyms, a nightclub, a and variety of bars, eateries and restaurants.
Darryl continues: ‘The Heights is perfectly positioned at the centre of Uxbridge for commuters to take advantage of the town’s excellent transportation links as well as the shops, restaurants and leisure facilities throughout. Uxbridge is expected to continue to develop and to become even more popular. New-build homes such as those at The Heights, that are bought early tend to rise in value faster than the national average and early investors in areas such as Uxbridge will benefit from the financial advantage of having a home that could be worth more than you paid for it when you move in.’
Uxbridge is a dynamic town; the town itself and the regions around it are changing and evolving to become high quality, highly skilled economies. The town benefits from a diverse workforce and an average of over 10,000 people from outside the Borough visiting daily. There are over 500 businesses in Uxbridge town centre and nearby including a significant number of UK and European headquarter offices such as Coca Cola, General Mills, Unisys and Xerox.
‘The Heights’, is a collection of one and two bedroom apartments that have been launched off plan and are located above The Pavilions, the award-winning shopping centre with a daily market and craft fair. An ideal location for quick and easy access to the local shops and nearby Uxbridge tube station, beautiful country parks, golf clubs and the Grand Union Canal are also within easy reach. Properties start from £199,950 and are ideal for investors and young professionals looking to take advantage of the great location and investment opportunity.
Apartments at The Heights have been designed to provide purchasers with everything they need for a modern home with ALNO designer fitted kitchens, stainless steel appliances and integrated dishwasher, fridge/freezer as well as a washer/dryer.
For those looking for a good commuter location, The Heights is ideal with nearby Uxbridge tube station (Zone 6) providing regular services into the City via the Piccadilly and Metropolitan Lines. International travellers will also benefit from the easy access to Heathrow via the Piccadilly line service. The West London Tram service should be ready in 2013, with a speedy link into London and White City’s exciting new Westfield London development.
Prices for The Heights start from £199,950 for a one-bedroom apartment. For further information contact Hamptons on 0845 643 0060 or visit theheightsuxbridge.com.
In sought-after Bristol city centre, Barratt has seen a lot of interest in its newly released phase of apartments at The Zone. More than 200 people registered interest in The Zone before its launch, a testament to the desire for both owner-occupiers and property investors for more apartments in the area. Visitors queued for the launch event and several homes reserved on the spot, says Barratt sales director Louise Ware.
’The Zone has been a huge success for Barratt since we first launched in Temple Quarter,’ she says, ‘and this latest phase of development has really wowed potential buyers. In addition to traditional apartments we launched the new citi-pads which have really captured the imagination.’
In addition to setting new benchmarks for city centre living, The Zone has the city’s first residents-only gym, available from move in date, as well as a car club and roof terraces which are adjacent to the cycle paths.
Once complete, The Zone will have 407 units – a mix of citi-pads, apartments and town houses. Its location, close to shopping, transport and leisure facilities, is proving perfect for first-time buyers, young professionals and investors. Prices range from £127,500 to £215,000. For further details call 0117 930 0705 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.
Following the huge success of its previous phases at Waterstone Park in Greenhithe, North Kent, Countryside Properties is now selling a range of homes at Fusion, its brand new collection of modern one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses set in the centre of this parkland development.
Waterstone Park has been proving extremely popular with London buyers looking for a highly specified and spacious home in an impressive location, yet at an affordable price – something now rarely found in London. The development is situated close to one of the UK’s most ambitious new regeneration schemes, Ebbsfleet Valley, which is set to become the South-East’s most sought after living environment outside of London.
Ian Hepworth, Sales Director for Countryside Properties, comments: ‘The response to our last phase at Waterstone Park has been outstanding selling over 80 properties in less than 12 months. As such, we wanted to give keen purchasers the opportunity now to buy off-plan for 2008 completions, to ensure that they don’t miss out on the chance to own one of these well-located, high quality homes.’
Waterstone Park offers a winning combination of impressive landscaping, great transport connections, convenient shopping and stylish architecture, far enough away from the pressures of city life, but with excellent facilities.
Waterstone Park enjoys an ideal location, with Bluewater on its doorstep, offering over 330 shops and with 40 cafés, numerous bars and restaurants, a Molten Brown day spa and a 13-screen multiplex cinema all under one roof, Bluewater offers a choice of shopping, dining and leisure facilities that is unrivalled outside of central London.
Residents also benefit from excellent transport connections, the M25, A2, M2 and M20 give convenient motorway access and Stone Crossing and Greenhithe railway stations are just minutes away, offering journey times to London of approximately 40 minutes. Furthermore, the new international and domestic station at nearby Ebbsfleet, due to open in 2009, will bring London within 17 minutes and from autumn this year the international services commence making Paris and Brussels reachable within two hours.
Prices at Waterstone Park currently start at £174,000 for one-bedroom apartments, £208,000 for two-bedroom apartments, £320,000 for three-bedroom houses and £385,000 for four-bedroom homes for all 2008 occupations.

Case study
Lee and Saori Kuroda-Perks are no strangers to property investment, having invested in several buy-to-let properties throughout the country in Wales and the North West over the past few years. With their latest purchase, at City Lofts Admiral House in Cardiff, which they bought off-plan, they are now enjoying a good rental yield and are on track for healthy capital gains.
Lee says the fact that the apartments were basically tenant-ready – and were sure to be attractive to prospective tenants – were two main reasons for the couple purchasing at this particular development. ‘City Lofts Admiral House appealed to us as it is well positioned to the city centre, with high-quality specification – I would live there myself! These combined benefits have been a great selling point to our tenants. As a result, we have had no problems in finding a tenant for the apartment and are pleased to say we achieve an average yield of about six per cent.’
Like many other smart investors, Lee and his wife prefer buy-to-let property that doesn’t require effort on their part. ‘We have always invested in new apartments so that we have not had to make any changes to the décor. City Lofts has provided us with a high-quality blank canvas so that all we have had to do is purchase furniture, saving us a lot of time and money.’
Cardiff has been the subject of major renewal over the past few years and property prices have been rising steadily. Recent research undertaken by Knight Frank, the selling agents for City Lofts Admiral House, has revealed that the South Wales market rose by five per cent in 2006, which, when the totals are tallied, is likely to be matched by last year’s rise.
City Lofts Admiral House is a collection of 167 one- and two-bedroom apartments set in a 15-storey refurbished office building on Newport Road in the city Centre. Designed by Conran & Partners, City Lofts Admiral House raises the style stakes in the Cardiff market.
Apartments are built to an very high standard and feature contemporary designs, with generous space and natural light adding to the feeling of luxury. All apartments benefit from Conran-designed kitchens and bathroom furniture, along with stone worktops, solid oak screens, custom designed fittings, ceramic tiling, laminated timber and carpeted flooring. Security is another plus, with a solid core oak-veneer entrance door, video entryphone system and concierge service.
The last remaining apartments are available, at prices from £210,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For further information please call the selling agents Knight Frank on 02920 472447 or visit citylofts.co.uk

Amanda Shiel takes a look at the latest developments in this county

Heybridge
The Lakes is a new homes development consisting of a mix of three-, four- & five-bedroom homes.
Among the selection currently available is the four-bedroom Ribble. This three-storey home dedicates its extra floor to the luxurious master suite, which has an en-suite shower room and built-in wardrobes. The home also has a family bathroom, large lounge, dining room/kitchen, downstairs cloakroom and understairs storage cupboard. Prices start at £338,995.
The five-bedroom Webburn comes with a detached single garage, en-suite shower room to the master bedroom, family bathroom, separate dining area, fitted kitchen, lounge and a family room.  This home also boasts three storeys, with the top floor dedicated to two bedrooms and a shower room. This is a great versatile area which can be used for anything from giving teenagers or an elderly relative their own space to a home office. Prices start from £475,995.
The three-bedroom Kennet, from £291,000, which comes with an en-suite to master bedroom, family bathroom, separate dining room, kitchen, lounge, understairs storage and downstairs cloakroom.
While the development itself enjoys a quiet, natural setting, busier surroundings can be reached very quickly in the shape of Maldon and Chelmsford, while London Liverpool Street is only 40 minutes away by direct rail link from Chelmsford or Witham stations.
For more information call 0845 676 0331 or visit redrow.co.uk.            

Brentwood
The Galleries is City & Country Group’s stunning conversion and renovation of the Grade II listed buildings of the former Warley Hospital. Each home is completely unique and has been designed to incorporate as many of the building’s original features as possible including vaulted ceilings, floors, doors, stone gargoyles, ornate cornices and stone arches together with the gothic influenced integral chapel.  
Fixtures and fittings have been carefully chosen to complement and emphasise the elegant features. There is a selection of individually designed luxury kitchens, which include stainless steel Neff appliances as well as an integrated dishwasher, washer/dryer and fridge/freezer to most apartments. Master bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms with sleek sanitary ware.
Prices for current availability start from £245,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, from £315,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £405,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. For more information contact City & Country Group on 01279 817 882 or visit the-galleries.net.


Lawford

Located within the extensive landscaped grounds of what was once a grand private mansion, Lawford Park consists of 41 three-, four- and five-bedroom houses and six two- and three-bedroom apartments.
The original mansion, Lawford Manor, was built in 1795.  Only two of the exterior walls of the house survive and Hopkins Homes is sensitively restoring the building to its former splendour and turning it into six stunning two- and three-bedroom apartments. The new homes, designed around tree-lined avenues, will reflect the grandeur of their setting with distinguished frontages of majestic proportions to create a lasting first impression.
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 with some of the homes incorporating feature towers. Each property benefits from large timber frame sash windows and French doors in the kitchen to make the most of the rural views across The Stour Valley and its water meadows.
Internally, each property has been designed with careful consideration to the internal layout to create light and airy spaces that are as practical as they are impressive.  Every home is finished to the finest specification and purchasers can take advantage of a luxury custom built kitchen package, choosing from a range of worktops, units and flooring and wall tiles to suit their tastes.
Ideally placed for commuters, Manningtree station is just 114 metres away and offers services into Liverpool Street, with a journey time of just over an hour during peak periods. The A12 is also easily accessible, providing routes south to Colchester, Chelmsford and London and north to Ipswich and the A14.
Only two five-bedroom properties remain, priced at £695,000 and £725,000 respectively.  
Call 01206 397024 or visit hopkinshomes.co.uk.

Brentford
BASE comprises 350 one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses. Approximately 500 metres from Brentwood train station, the development is located close to the town centre, which offers a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, shops, bars and a theatre.
Trains from Brentwood train station take just 38 minutes to London Liverpool Street and the M25, M11 and A12 are all within easy access.
One-bedroom apartments are priced from £192,500 and two-bedroom apartments are priced from £230,000. Prices for a three-bedroom townhouse start from £445,000.
For more information contact the Sales and Marketing suite on 0870 757 8384.  Alternatively, visit crestnicholson.com.

Little Canfield
Priors Green is a brand new village community that offers a wide variety of family housing.  With eleven different house designs, there is something to suit everyone. The homes feature carefully designed flexible interiors, gardens and parking to meet the needs of today’s active families.   
Offering a convenient location yet enabling residents to enjoy a rural lifestyle, the development is within easy reach of London, Cambridge and the surrounding villages. Direct trains to Liverpool Street leave from Stansted every fifteen minutes, and the journey time is just 45 minutes. There is also easy access to the M11, M25 and A120 and for international travel, Stansted Airport is just three miles away.
To help make moving home as smooth and hassle free as possible, Countryside Properties is offering buyers at Priors Green part-exchange on their existing property.  This means purchasers can avoid paying estate agency fees and move quickly, without the worry of having to secure a buyer for their home, the risk of their buyer pulling out, or experiencing the stress of broken chains.  
The Thatchams is the first phase of new homes available. Prices start at £247,500 for a three-bedroom detached house. For further details or to view the show homes, contact Countryside Properties on 01279 874973 or visit thatchams.com.

Chelmsford
Crest Nicholson has been awarded planning permission to build 119 two- and three-bedroom cottages and two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and 74 one- and two-bedroom apartments at its site in Great Baddow near Chelmsford. 
The properties at Clarion Gate will be centred around a striking village green.  The development will cleverly contrast the best of old and new, blending harmoniously with the existing street scene.
The southern quarter will draw on traditional local architecture while the properties to the north of the development will be more contemporary in style. Exteriors will incorporate traditional stock brickwork in terracotta, buff and yellow gilt complemented with rendering in a myriad of shades including white, jade, cream, beige, pale mauve and pale blue. Roofs will combine a mixture of clay and slate tiling in Old English Red, Smooth Brown and Riverdale Slate to add variety and colouring to the roofscapes.
Clarion Gate, due to launch early next year, is conveniently located on Beehive Lane, just 1.5 miles from the centre of Chelmsford and the mainline train station, from where London Liverpool Street can be accessed in just 35 minutes. The A12 is also within easy reach, providing excellent access to the M1 and M25. Alternatively, Stansted Airport is just under twenty miles away, for quick and easy access to the continent.
Prices have not yet been set but are likely to range from approximately £165,000.
For more information and to register interest for the forthcoming launch, contact Crest Nicholson on 01277 693230 or visit crestnicholson.com.

Little Dunmow
The much anticipated release of phase II homes at Persimmon Homes Essex The Poppies development in Little Dunmow have now launched.
Persimmon will be building a select number of homes at the site ideally designed for families, with a two storey traditional four-bedroom Lavenham design, priced from £380,000 and a three storey three-bedroom Lexton design which is priced from £320,000. All the homes have traditional front and rear gardens and generous parking facilities, ideal for families and keen gardeners.
Located within the popular Oakwood Park development near Felsted, The Poppies is flanked by tree lined boulevards reflecting its rural surrounding.  The site is superbly positioned for commuters with the M11 to London and Cambridge, A120 to Stansted Airport and Bishop Stortford all in close proximity.
For further information on the properties available contact the marketing suite, open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm on 01371 822096 or visit persimmonhomes.com.

Mistley
Just eight striking, expertly refurbished two-bedroom apartments remain available at Gladedale’s Mistley Quay development in Essex.
Located in the historic waterfront village, the sympathetically restored building is within a conservation area on Mistley Quay High Street. The converted Maltings buildings – dating back to 1896 – offer a blend of contemporary living against a backdrop of original features including exposed brickwork and beams.
A high standard of specification is demonstrated throughout, with countless chic accessories including contemporary Hansgrohe mixer shower and taps, Coram Optima shower screens and Raindance shower heads.
Retaining many of the building’s original characteristics, Gladedale has cleverly combined them with a wealth of new features including an innovative LexCom System which provides smart cabling for flexible home technologies and stylish fitted kitchens with a range of appliances including stainless steel hob, oven, telescopic extractor and integrated microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and slimline dishwasher.
Prices range from £270,000. Call the marketing suite on 01206 390 063 or visit gladedale.co.uk.

Maldon
Every aspect of Quest Place represents quality of life for local families. Being located in a conservation area, it has been designed as a sustainable development.  Small in scale – just 56 properties in all – it has an in-built feeling of community. Its location just behind the High Street means it’s convenient for local shops, but insulated from intrusive traffic and ideal for family living.
Purchasers are able to choose from a range of homes including four-bedroom houses which are ideal for young families.  There is also a range of beautifully designed one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.  All properties have their own designated parking area or garage.  
Maldon can be easily reached from the major road network and by train from London Liverpool Street station. The A12 is easily accessible and provides direct routes to Witham and Colchester as well as access to Chelmsford, Romford and Ilford. Commuters will benefit from trains running from nearby Witham and Hatfield Peveral stations into London Liverpool Street station in approximately 45 minutes.  
Prices at Quest Place start at £183,995 for one-bedroom apartment and £363,995 for a three-bedroom house. For more information contact the sales and marketing suite on 0845 6038168 or visit exploreliving.co.uk.

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

Reading
Centred round the conversion of the former Upcross Hotel, Upcross Gardens offers a unique blend of old and new.
The first phase to launch at the development is The Pavilion, a collection of just six new build apartments. The renovated Upcross Wing with its high ceilings and period features will shortly follow suit, and the North Wing, designed to seamlessly blend with the imposing original building, will be the final phase to launch.
The spacious apartments will enjoy a superlative specification. Kitchens will feature bespoke fitted units complemented by granite quartz worktops and a comprehensive range of appliances in a natural steel finish, including a four-ring gas hob, electric fan assisted oven, extractor hood, microwave and an integrated frost-free fridge / freezer, washer / dryer and dishwasher.
Bathrooms and en suites will be finished to equally opulent standards. Crisp white Roca sanitary-ware and contemporary chrome furnishings will give a timeless appeal, while bespoke fitted vanity furniture and chrome towel ladder radiators meet the demands of modern living.
The generous grounds evoke a feeling of seclusion that belies the development’s convenient location. Each apartment will also benefit from either allocated underground parking or a car port.
Prices range from £185,000 to £285,000 for one- and two-bedroom apartments. Call the marketing suite, open Thursday to Monday from 10am-4pm, on 0118 959 7173. At all other times contact Jane Knight at selling agents Haslams on 0118 960 1000 or visit millgatehomes.co.uk.

Newell Green
Millgate Homes has started work on four three-bedroom cottages in the sought-after rural parish of Newell Green.
The properties have been carefully designed to reflect the local vernacular, yet behind their quaint cottage-style exteriors lie spacious highly specified interiors designed to meet the demands of busy modern lives.
Newell Green Farm is perfectly placed for those who want to enjoy the best of town and country living. While Newell Green itself offers plenty of rural charm with a good country pub within a couple of hundred yards of the development, its location on the edge of Bracknell means that essential amenities and great transport links are within easy reach. A Tesco supermarket is roughly one mile away, Royal Windsor is within ten miles and cosmopolitan Reading with its renowned Oracle shopping centre and thriving nightlife is just 12 miles distant.
This location makes Newell Green Farm ideal for those working in the technology hub of Reading, or further afield – the M3 and M4 motorways are both easily accessible and Bracknell station, under two miles distant, offers regular services to London Waterloo in just over an hour.
The cottages are due for completion early in 2008. Visit millgatehomes.co.uk for more details.

Maidenhead
FairBriar is building Imperial Place, a collection of 28 traditional style two-bedroom apartments on Shoppenhangers Road.
Comprising four apartment buildings, the development is cleverly designed to give the appearance of large, traditional houses reminiscent of the grand mansions that can be seen along the waterfront.
The open plan layouts are spacious and light and allow for flexibility of use. The designer Alno kitchen comes complete with an integrated fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washer/dryer and oven with ceramic hob and extractor hood.
The bathrooms feature luxury Porcelanosa sanitary ware, ceramic floor and wall tiles and a heated chrome towel rail. There is oak laminate flooring to the hall and living rooms with under-floor heating throughout the apartment. Both bedrooms come complete with a natural fitted carpet and the master bedroom is en-suite with a built-in wardrobe. 
The building is within a secure gated environment with a lift servicing all floors. For added peace of mind each apartment benefits from an audio door phone entry and a full ten-year Zurich warranty
The development is situated just minutes from Maidenhead's mainline station. For international travel, Heathrow airport is less than 25 minutes away and for those who drive, the A404 leads to the M4 motorway.
Imperial Place will be built in four phases with the first homes expected to be ready for occupation in early 2008. Prices range from £360,000 for a two-bedroom two bathroom apartment. The sales and marketing suite is open Wednesday to Monday from 10.30 to 17.30. Call 01628 785 470 or visit imperial-place.co.uk.

Maidenhead
Reservations are now being taken for seven apartments at Longworth Drive. This select development comprises six two-bedroom apartments and a three-bedroom penthouse. Each unit has at least one balcony with direct river views.
Avior has been built to a traditional design featuring the best in environmental building techniques and materials. Extensive insulation, low energy lighting, under floor heating and double glazed UPVC windows all help to keep energy costs down, while integrated fridge-freezers, dishwashers and washer-dryers all come as standard. The professionally designed kitchen also features granite worktops and a stainless steel oven, hob, hood and microwave, while the bathrooms boast ceramic floor and wall tiles, chrome fixings and contemporary wall-hung sanitary ware.
Maidenhead is located within easy reach of London, Windsor and the numerous business centres along the M4 corridor. Heathrow is just 17 miles away.
Shanly Homes are offering part exchanges to customers buying properties before Christmas at Avior. They will also take care of estate agents fees and HIPs.
Four of the seven properties have already been reserved. Prices start from £520,000.
Contact selling agents Braxton’s on 01628 674234. Alternatively, visit shanlyhomes.com.

Reading
Barratt Thames Valley has launched The Crescent at its popular Shinfield Park scheme in Reading. This is the final stage of the development and offers a striking range of two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom townhouses and a two-bedroom coach house.
All of the homes in The Crescent will be ready to move into in June next year. If this is too long to wait, there is a collection of three- and four-bedroom townhouses and the last few detached houses available now. 
Reading’s central location plays a major role in the town’s popularity. It’s within half an hour’s drive of London, Maidenhead, Oxford and Slough. Bath and Swindon to the west and Basingstoke and Southampton to the south are also within commuting distance.
Barratt is offering a part exchange deal on all properties and will handle the HIP requirement on the old property. Buyers can also take advantage of Barratt’s ‘six of the best’ special offer where the housebuilder will pay the deposit and £1000 towards legal fees and all carpets, curtains, light fittings and a fridge/freezer will be included in the price.
Prices start from £239,950 for a two-bedroom apartment. Townhouses and detached houses are available to move into now and start from £369,950 for a three-bedroom townhouse and from £514,950 for a six-bedroom detached home. The sales and marketing suite and three showhomes are open seven days a week, from 11am-6pm. Call 01189 751267 or visit barratthomes.co.uk.

Bracknell
Created on the site of the former meteorological office, Celsius is a stylish development of 166 one- and two-bedroom apartments, set in large beautifully-landscaped gardens and offering gated undercroft parking. 
Each apartment has been designed to maximise space and natural light. Kitchens are fitted with dark granite colour worktops and integrated appliances by Symphony Kitchens. Bathrooms boast white sanitary ware with chrome finish fittings.
Bracknell offers excellent shopping and leisure facilities, including supermarkets, a ten-screen cinema, fitness suite, skating rink, swimming pools and an all-weather pitch.
Apartments started from £180,000. Contact Fairview New Homes on 01344 424319 or visit fairview.co.uk.

Slough
Aspects comprises of 197 apartments on Windsor Road.
The bright and spacious apartments have been thoughtfully designed with contemporary interiors including fitted kitchens complete with a range of integrated appliances, open-plan dining and sitting rooms and bathrooms with white sanitaryware and chrome fittings. Many apartments overlook beautifully landscaped grounds and some styles have balconies. An audio-entry system, undercroft parking and a residents gym are also included.
There are a range of bars, a department store, supermarkets and a cinema right on the doorstep and the centres of Slough and nearby Maidenhead offer plenty of shopping opportunities. Windsor, less than three miles away, has a variety of designer boutiques, bars and restaurants, in addition to its famous castle, Great Park and the River Thames. 
Aspects is located around two miles off the M4 (J6), offering convenient access to the M40, M25 and London Heathrow Airport. Slough railway station runs services to London Paddington with a journey time of around 20 minutes.
Prices are from £177,950 for one-bedroom apartments, from £234,995 for two-bedroom apartments and £294,950 for the last remaining three-bedroom apartment. Incentives are available. Contact the sales and marketing suite, open seven days a week from 11am-6pm, on 01753 574262 or visit  barratthomes.co.uk.

As the 2012 Olympic Games approach, areas in and around London are enjoying mass regeneration and improved transport links. Amanda Shiel takes a look at what’s on offer

Docklands
RoyalQuay, part of the Thames Gateway regeneration effort, is a stunning residential and commercial property development at the former Albert Basin. Comprising of 446 apartments, ranging from one-, two- and three-bedroom penthouses, the development will be built in phases over the next few years around a newly-constructed yacht basin.                                                                            A key focal point of the development is the restoration of the Grade II listed Gallions Hotel, which was built in the late 1800s to serve passengers from the liners travelling to and from the ports of the British Empire.
The hotel, which also became the local pub for dock workers, is being brought back into use as a café, bar and restaurant with small office suites and a health and fitness club.
Designed by architects Jestico & Whiles to resemble ocean liners, three of the ten apartment buildings have been built on the dock itself, rising from the water’s edge. The newly built marina also gives an idyllic waterside setting for residents of this development.                                
With excellent communication links - City Airport is close by and the A13 arterial road offers links west to Docklands and Central London and east to the M11, M25 and the national motorway network – RoyalQuay has begun to unlock the regeneration of this whole area, establishing a vibrant new waterside community and breathing new life into this historic part of London.
Prices at RoyalQuay start from £275,000. To register interest in the next release of apartments, call 0207 055 0141.

Barking
Discover is a new ultra-modern development of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments overlooking Barking Creek - one of the most exciting and fastest-developing areas of London.
Tastefully arranged around a series of landscaped courtyards in a character filled waterside setting, Discover offers a real opportunity to live in an area enjoying unprecedented investment and regeneration with the 2012 London Olympics and is set to become one of east London’s most desirable locations.
Barking Station to Fenchurch Street is only 15 minutes away by C2C or Silverlink, with the District Line from Barking providing great connections to virtually every other line on the underground.
By road, Barking currently offers easy access to the M25, M11, A406 North Circular Road, the A118 and the A13 - and there’s always City Airport to venture even further afield.
Prices at Discover start from £195,000. For more information, call 0800 432 0544.

Ebbsfleet
Phoenix Parc comprises 151 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 34 two- and three-bedroom houses. All the homes have been carefully designed and enjoy spacious layouts with a high level of specification.  
The development is perfectly designed for those with a love for high-tech creature comforts. All apartments come with provision for Sky+ and HD TV as well as pre wiring for a flat screen television in the lounge. Telephone points are situated throughout the apartment as well as electric under floor heating.
Phoenix Parc is in the heart of the Thames Gateway regeneration area and with the completion of the high speed rail link, travellers will be able to reach St Pancras in less than 20 minutes in 2009, whereas Paris will be a little over two hours away via Eurostar. Phoenix Parc is also ideally situated with those with a love for retail therapy, with the extensive Bluewater shopping centre, the largest of its kind in Europe, providing a range of high street names, luxury designer goods and boutiques stores.
Apartments start from £225,995. For more information on Phoenix Parc call 0845 4504360 or visit exploreliving.co.uk.  

Walthamstow
Uber comprises 100 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments on Erskine Road. The building has a cascading and ascending flat roof, sculpted with aluminium panels to give a dramatic profile. The development incorporates a secret garden, so residents can read a book and enjoy the sunshine without being overlooked.
Most apartments have glass panelled balconies providing buyers with outside space and there is also a video entry system in each property.  Internally, each apartment has a designer Urban Myth kitchen, which comes fitted with Smeg appliances, including a stainless steel electric oven, gas hob, integrated fridge/freezer and washer/dryer.  
Walthamstow provides residents with a wealth of amenities ranging from boutique market stalls to designer clothes shops in The Mall, Selborne Walk.  St James Street train station, near the high street, has regular direct trains to London Liverpool Street which take approximately 16 minutes.  Walthamstow Central underground station is on the Victoria line and trains to Oxford Circus take approximately 23 minutes.
First completions are expected in spring 2008. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start at £205,000 and at £260,000 for a two-bedroom, two bathroom apartment with balcony. The marketing suite is open seven days a week between 10am-5pm. For further information contact Higgins Homes on 020 8521 7885 or visit higginshomes.co.uk.

Woolwich
The Armouries, the latest phase at Royal Arsenal, offers studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
Royal Arsenal enjoys an established a thriving community, providing ready-made networking opportunities for newcomers and over the next year or so, the development will also boast a selection of bars and restaurants. Additionally, a brand new on-site food hall, operated by Couture, has opened in the MyHQ building and aims to bring convenience to residents and locals alike by offering gourmet foods and wines.  
Woolwich Arsenal train station is approximately 300 metres from the development, with trains running to central London in under 20 minutes. This service is to be joined by the DLR in early 2009 which will be extended to Woolwich Arsenal, with connections to London City Airport, Canary Wharf, Stratford and Bank. The Thames Clipper Fast Ferry service also stops at Royal Arsenal, offering a refreshing way to commute to Canary Wharf, London Bridge Pier and Tower Pier. Woolwich Town also boasts a daily market and numerous supermarkets.
The development is also well located for the 2012 Games. Olympic shooting events are to be held at nearby Royal Artillery Barracks and Olympic badminton, gymnastics, pentathalon and equestrian events to be held in neighbouring Greenwich.
Prices start from £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, from £290,000 for a two-bedroom apartment and from £315,000 for three-bedroom apartment. Also, one two-bedroom apartment remains in the converted MyHQ building priced at £320,000. For further information contact the sales and marketing suite, open daily from 10am-6pm, on 020 8331 7130 or visit royal-arsenal.co.uk.

Hackney
Queensbridge Quarter, which forms part of Hackney’s Holly Street regeneration programme, will feature 27 two- and three-bedroom houses, 83 one-, two and three bedroom apartments,  two penthouses and one studio apartment for private sale along with 40 affordable housing apartments.
Hackney’s revitalised High Street offers an array of shops, restaurants and bars allowing residents to enjoy London living in a more affordable setting than some other areas in the capital. Other draws for this market include the introduction of tube station in Hackney by 2010, which will link to south London.
Prices for apartments at Queensbridge Quarter start at £265,000. For more information contact Currells on 020 7241 4111 or visit queensbridgequarter.com/home.html

Clapton
Altius is a stylish development on Mount Pleasant Hill boasting spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, many with en suite facilities and generous balconies.  
The development offers an extremely good location with major road links to the A10, A13 and M25 within easy reach. Clapton train station is only a few minutes walk away with services into Liverpool Street (ten minutes) and out to Chingford and Hertford. Homerton to the south of Altius is on the London Overground line from Richmond to North Woolwich.
Clapton is already feeling the benefits of the Hackney Unitary Development Plan. Investors see the area as a stylish, up-and-coming location and with Canary Wharf and the Olympic venues close by, the area is set to become a hotbed for ambitious young people.  
Two-bedroom apartments are priced from £294,995 and three-bedroom apartments are priced from £344,995.
Visit georgewimpey.co.uk for more details.

Amanda Shiel takes a look at what’s on offer on this side of the Thames

Elephant and Castle
Oakmayne Plaza is a mixed–use scheme comprising three towers built around a vibrant and newly created market square. Alongside the 285 apartments the development will include offices, a multi-screen cinema, shops, bars and restaurants.
The development is located close to Elephant and Castle tube providing easy access to the City, Canary Wharf and West End.
Scheduled for completion in 2010. Visit DTZ Residential’s website at dtz.com for more information.

Battersea
Previously derelict brownfield land, Battersea Reach is a new urban quarter creating an exciting and cultural addition to this stretch of the River Thames.
With a lively riverside community and views across the river to Chelsea Harbour, Battersea Reach is fast becoming the place to be on the South Bank complete with riverside access for residents and the public alike.
The development also features a 300 metre riverside walkway, a Young’s waterfront bar and restaurant and award-winning landscaped gardens, which open up the area between Wandsworth and Battersea.
The marketing suite and show apartments are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm and 10am to 6pm weekends. Contact 020 7978 4141 or visit batterseareach.com. 


Lewisham
Once complete, Silkworks will provide a total of 270 city suite, one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments designed to provide a contemporary lifestyle to fit perfectly within the urban environment.       
Interiors have been intelligently designed for low maintenance living with contemporary kitchens and areas for living and entertaining. Large windows, light and spacious rooms, finishes of the highest order and specifications of an exceptional standard are featured within the apartments at Silkworks. Many of the properties include balconies or roof terraces.            
Energy efficient kitchen appliances, low water use bathroom fittings, solar thermal hot water and low energy use light fittings will be used throughout.                                                                       The scheme is located close to Lewisham mainline train, which provides direct routes to London Bridge in eight minutes and London Victoria in less than half an hour. Lewisham bus station is close by and the development also provides easy access to the area’s road networks, offering easy access to the M25, M23 and M20. With the added benefit of its proximity to London’s City Airport, residents at Silkworks are perfectly situated to take advantage of the area’s transport hub.      
Apartments at Silkworks are available from £239,999 for a one-bedroom apartment and £310,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Contact St James Urban Living on 020 8469 0077 or visit  silkworkslondon.co.uk.

Charlton
Sense7 includes a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and houses.
Internally, kitchens offer a choice of fitted units from the Symphony range complemented by marmoleum flooring. Bathrooms boast white sanitaryware, chrome fittings and ceramic tiling features.
Properties also include Ecoplay, a new water management system that uses bath and shower water to flush toilets. A heat exchanger is also available as an optional extra.
All houses have their own rear garden and parking facilities.
The development is well located for travel into the City. Charlton Railway station is within easy reach of the development and offers fast and frequent services to London Bridge, London Charing Cross and London Cannon Street. There are also a number of road links close to the development including the A2, which offers access into London or towards the Kent coast.
Charlton Village offers a historic atmosphere with an old village green and Jacobean mansion at its centre. The area is also home to the Thames Barrier and the Valley, the ground for Charlton Athletic Football Club. The former Millennium Dome has been transformed into a sports and music arena and lies next to an entertainment and leisure complex featuring a host of bars and restaurants as well as a 10-screen cinema.
Prices start from £226,500 for a two-bedroom apartment and £279,950 for a two-bedroom house, while three-bedroom properties are priced from £349,950. For more information on Sense7 or to arrange a viewing of the show apartment, contact the selling agent, Site Sales on 0870 445 0870.

Shirley
Asprey Gardens is a select development of just seven three-bedroom semi-detached and detached houses and a two-bedroom detached bungalow.
Each home will benefit from a quality finish and high specification, including designer fitted kitchens and contemporary bathrooms. Exteriors will blend modern design and traditional architecture.
Located just minutes away from Croydon by car, Asprey Gardens is ideal for families looking for a home in an established residential community near several excellent schools. Professionals will find commuting a breeze, with good road and rail links.
Prices for the homes at Asprey Gardens start from £399,950. Contact the marketing suite on 01689 806623 or visit aspreyhomes.co.uk.

Bermondsey
Bermondsey Square, a visionary mixed-use development, has been designed to form an integral part of the local community. 76 urban apartments are available, combining modern standards and function without diminishing the unique feel to each of the homes.
The apartments will be fitted out with contemporary kitchens including all integrated appliances, sleek modern bathrooms suites, fittings, pure wool carpets to the bedrooms and stunning oak wood floors.
Bermondsey Square is due for completion by spring 2008. For more information please see bermondseysquare.co.uk.  


Greenwich
Bellway’s Rubicon scheme comprises one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom penthouses.
Located in Tarves Way in the heart of Greenwich, Rubicon’s town centre location ensures a real urban buzz. As well as bars, restaurants and shops, you’ll also find theatres, a cinema, comedy club, and, of course, the famous Greenwich markets which add to the bohemian feel of the area.
The development is located just minutes away from Greenwich station with journey times to Charing Cross or Cannon Street taking less than 25 minutes. The M11 is just 12 miles away, connecting with the M25, and all three main London Airports, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted are within a 40 mile radius of Rubicon.
Prices begin at £270,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £290,000 for a two-bedroom home.
Penthouses are priced from at £360,000.
For further information, contact Bellway on 01689 886400 or 0208 858 5504. Alternatively visit   bellway.co.uk.

Eltham
Asprey Homes is offering a unique opportunity to own a brand new five-bedroom individually designed detached home on Court Road. Situated next to the golf club and within walking distance of Eltham palace, the exclusive home is set within a secure gated plot and has been thoughtfully designed with an impressive specification, aesthetically pleasing architecture and well planned, spacious accommodation.
The traditionally designed property is within ten minutes walk of a mainline rail station, which offers trains to London Bridge, Waterloo East and Charring Cross in as little as twenty minutes. Eltham town centre with its restaurants, high street shops, department stores such as Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury’s supermarket are also nearby.
Shawfield is priced at £2.1 million. For further information contact the appointed selling agents, David Evans, on 020 8859 5331 or King Sturge on 020 8318 5278. Alternatively visit aspreyhomes.co.uk.