Cambridge Property Edition November

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LOCAL PROPERTY NEWS

Property Edition | November 2013 | 3SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

i, and thanks for turning to this November issue of Property Edition – we’ve got lots of local property news

to report this month.Help to Buy, the Government’s new scheme

to help more people buy their own property, is the big story of the moment, and looks like good news at last for those of us who have been finding it hard to get on the property ladder over the last few years. Originally geared towards buyers interested in new homes only, as of last month, the scheme now also applies to existing properties too. So get your nose in some brochures and start planning your next move. There’s more information, as well as commentary from local agents, inside.

Signs that confidence is finally returning to the property market are everywhere. We recently chatted to those in the know about what this means in the long term for

Cambridge; find out what they had to say on page 10. And, as ever, we’ve had fun discovering the prettiest, most exciting homes currently available in Cambridge, including a charming cottage with bags of character and a roomy, modern apartment in a period building just north of the river.

We’ve also exposed some of the big turn-offs when viewing a property...

Over on the new homes side, developments across the city are seeing their apartments selling like hot cakes. Kaleidoscope off Brooklands Avenue has just one flat remaining, while Ceres has sold all but five of its sleek, chic properties, positioned conveniently next to Cambridge railway station.

If you’re still on the lookout for a contemporary Cambridge pad, there’s a new development going up at Great Kneighton – read about it on page 32.

WELCOME

WELCOME TOPROPERTY EDITION

COVER IMAGEParkside Place One of the hottest new developments in Cambridge, these 99 apartments, situated above the new Cambridge Fire Station, have now completely sold out.

KEY ACCOUNTS MANAGERGeorge Pearson 01223 499464 [email protected]

JENNIFER SHELTON, FEATURES EDITOR [email protected] 01223 499463

8 | Property Edition | November 2013 SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK

PROPERTY

PROPERTY NEWSEdition takes a look at the latest happenings in the buzzing local property market

WORDS JENNIFER SHELTON

SPACIOUSCHESTERTON FLAT

COUNTRY COTTAGECharming chocolate box cottages don’t come any prettier than this one in High Street, West Wratting. Grade II listed, with plenty of original features, it comes with two bedrooms, a living room with inglenook fi replace, dual-aspect kitchen, bathroom and beautiful lawned garden. The property is approached via a gravel driveway, providing additional parking to the good-sized garage.

The cottage is well placed for access to Cambridge, the A14 and the M11, while occupying a quiet, village location. It’s on the market for a guide price of £285,000. For more information or to view, call Carter Jonas on 01223 368771.www.carterjonas.co.uk

A fantastic fl at within a large Grade II listed property has come onto the market with Radcliff e and Rust. Originally a 17th century manor house, it now provides modern yet characterful accommodation within walking distance of the city centre.

The accommodation comprises a spacious reception hall with lots of storage, a recently fi tted kitchen/breakfast room, a living room, three bedrooms with original fi replaces, a modern bathroom and a cloakroom. There are communal gardens and there’s off -street parking, and local amenities nearby. The location looks set to benefi t from the arrival of the Chesterton railway station in 2015.

The property, which feels more like a family home than a fl at, is on the market for £450,000. Contact 01223 307898.www.radcliff eandrust.co.uk


PROPERTY

Despite common concerns that house prices could spiral out of control, most people do not think that this will lead to a housing bubble, a recent survey has found.

House prices are rising again, with confi dence returning to the housing market, but with a lack of residential property available to purchase, some economists have raised fears that house prices could once again soar far too quickly.

However, the recent Property Tracker Report from the Building Societies Association (BSA) shows that just two per cent of consumers are worried about another housing bubble being created by property prices rising too high, too quickly.

CONFIDENCE RETURNING TO THE MARKET

Cameron Ewer (right), from Strutt and Parker’s Cambridge offi ce, commented: “These fi ndings show that most people believe that talk of a bubble is a major exaggeration, created by the media. Capping house price growth at fi ve per cent would be a naïve solution. What we need to do is form a stable market where housing is aff ordable, and if we can get the supply and demand levels correct, then a free market will fi nd its own level.”

The BSA says that market sentiment is looking up, with a fi fth of those surveyed reporting that they thought the market was stable. In addition, 60 per cent of consumers think that house prices will continue to ascend over the next 12 months, which is the highest number since the survey started in 2008.

Signs of recovery in the property market have been widely debated over the summer and the BSA says that the survey confi rms the public’s ‘improved attitude’ towards the housing market.

Cameron concludes: “Only a few months ago, the same correspondents were talking about the fi rst green shoots of recovery and hopes of better times being on the horizon. The truth is that the residential property market is now beginning to stir again, and there are defi nitely better levels of activity, but we’re still a long way from the market overheating. Talk of another housing boom and of rapidly rising property values is very premature.”For more information visit www.struttandparker.com

Signs that the housing market is recovering are everywhere, but is it now in danger of overheating? Don’t panic, say the experts – and most of us aren’t


PROPERTY

ast month saw the launch of the Government’s Help to Buy scheme – three months earlier than

originally planned.The fi rst phase of the Help to Buy

scheme – which was launched in April this year – was restricted to the purchase of brand new homes only, but this second phase of the scheme will be available for existing property too, to a ceiling of £600,000. This second phase will see the Government underwrite 15 per cent of the mortgage value on a property which, in practice, should see people in a position to buy a residential property with only a fi ve per cent deposit with lenders who sign up to join the initiative.

While buyers looking to deploy this second phase of the Help to Buy scheme to assist their property purchase have, from 7 October, been able to apply for loans earlier than fi rst anticipated, they will not be able to complete the purchase under the scheme before January 2014.

David Bentley, partner at Bidwells, commented: “I think this is quite a bold move by the Government as there are some very strong areas of activity throughout London and the South East, and Cambridge has witnessed an exceptional trading period throughout 2013 with anticipated price growth to reach double fi gures by the year end.

“Even in a strong economy such as Cambridge, our housing stock is still woefully undersupplied, and unless the second stage of Help to Buy refreshes the second-hand market’s stock levels, I have no doubt the city market will place the inevitable pressure on city values.”

Richard Hatch (pictured), a partner at Carter Jonas in Cambridge, commented: “Confi dence in the UK housing market and confi dence in property values is a positive economic indicator that governments of recent times have been keen to foster. Any action by the present administration to support the current levels of confi dence is to be welcomed.

“Concerns that the bringing forward of the launch of the second phase of the Help

to Buy scheme may overfuel house prices should be tempered by the fact that, now, the Bank of England’s Finance Policy Committee (FPC) is charged with reviewing the impact of the Help to Buy scheme on an annual basis – as opposed to its previously intended position of review only after three years.

“This autumn is poised to be the most active season for house purchasers and sellers since the mid-years of the last decade and we are well placed to help those with property interests in Cambridge and its surrounding sphere of infl uence.”

Richard Hatch

HELP TO BUY


PROPERTY

Nobody wants to turn up to a property viewing and fi nd dirty dishes in the sink, toys all over the fl oor or that the bins haven’t been emptied. It’s enough to put many people off buying – but a survey of over 100 estate agents found that almost a third of homes are untidy when potential buyers arrive to view.

The UK’s leading estate agents noted that nearly 30 per cent of all properties are not tidy when viewers arrive to inspect property to buy. Further research from Move with Us has shown that 22 per cent of potential homeowners are also put off by a messy or cluttered property when searching for their next home.

Robin King, director at Move with Us, who conducted the survey, comments: “It’s interesting to see that homeowners are failing to carry out the most simple of tasks to help them sell their home, such as making sure it’s clean and tidy ahead of viewings.

“Any professional estate agent will do their utmost to help sell a property, but their eff orts will be immediately undone if the moment a potential buyer walks through the door, they see a property that’s a real mess.

“Sellers should work in partnership with their estate agent, and take action to ensure their property is attractive to potential buyers. A little elbow grease could mean the diff erence between selling a property or not.”www.movewithus.co.uk

EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION?Mike Bidwell, director at Fine & Country Cambridge, discusses howaccess to education can impact the price of your property

Buying a new home is an emotional decision, but paying for proximity is also an important concept when considering the value of your property. Access is often a consideration in the property purchaser’s mind, so being situated close to a station, for example, is likely to add value to a property.

The proximity to a good school is also high up on the priority list. A ten per cent increase in the SAT pass rate at the nearest school adds an average of 3.3 per cent to the price of a typical house, according to research by Nationwide Building Society.

Given the importance of a good education, and the impact a school can have on the value of a property, it is important to be fully informed on

the catchment areas for schools when selling your property, and for buyers, it is important to research which schools will be available to the children who will be living in the property. Naturally, a good estate agent should have detailed information about schools in the area, including fees, Ofsted reports, grade averages and other important developments.

On balance, the extent to which primary school performance aff ects property prices will depend upon the range of schools in the area. Naturally there are a number of factors that are equally important, or more so – adding fl oor space with an extension is still likely to add more value to a property than the proximity of a good school. How close schools are, however, is still something that parents are likely to consider when buying a home. Given this, it’s something that should always be taken into consideration when marketing your property.

For more advice on buying or selling, contact Fine & Country on 01223 363700.www.fi neandcountry.com

HOW CLEAN IS YOUR HOME?

FAMILY HOME CHANGES HANDSA property that has been in the same family for nearly 80 years has just been sold in the city. Situated in Cambridge’s Millington Road, Newnham, the iconic property is a stunning example of modernist architecture, and was designed by the architect Marshall Sisson in 1935 for the then Laurence Professor of Classical Archaeology and his wife. The six-bedroom property has remained largely unaltered since then, and was sold through Bidwells last month for £1.75 million.www.bidwells.co.uk


PROPERTY

New facts and fi gures on the Cambridge property market, as featured in Savills’ recent databook, make for encouraging reading. The results were put together based on solid fi ndings from local sales and lettings, and show price movements, reasons for buying and details of who is buying and renting in the Cambridge area.

Encouragingly, average values have risen by 22.3 per cent over the past fi ve years, from 2008 as the housing crisis had taken its hold across the country, to 2013, as that grip seems to be lessening. Similarly, growth from the past year is up 6.2 per cent – another positive fi gure. Still, Cambridge avoided the worst of the recession, as Savills’ Ed Meyer explains:

“Such is the appeal of the area and the lack of stock on the market that we were expecting this level of growth. And in fact, were you to focus on the Cambridge city market alone, the fi gures would probably be higher, up approximately ten per cent year on year.

“Although we saw a slowdown in 2008 and the beginning of 2009, confi dence never really left the Cambridge market and whilst some parts of the UK have struggled, Cambridge forged ahead. Given low stock levels and the success of the city, we expect price growth to continue.”

The databook also reveals that more London buyers are looking to Cambridge, and 17 per cent of buyers are international.

“We are seeing a lot more London buyers locally, attracted by good schools, a good commute and the prospect of capital growth,” Ed continues. “Many are prepared to sell in London and rent here until they fi nd the right house. All types of property appeal.”

Predictions, though always hard to make, also look good for the next year and beyond, with an expected 4.5 per cent growth for 2014 and 20.4 per cent by 2017.

“I expect the number of investors to continue to rise, especially below £600,000, which is a bracket where prices may grow signifi cantly as a result of the Help to Buy scheme,” Ed concludes.www.savills.co.uk

CAMBRIDGE: IN NUMBERS

A cluster of just three distinctive detached houses, Rayleigh Close is an exclusive new development situated on the sought-after south side of the city, close to the railway station and a range of good schools.

Each house off ers fi ve or six bedrooms, beautifully appointed kitchens and bathrooms (plus en- suites) and light, open living spaces, together with spacious parking for two cars and landscaped gardens. Prices range from £1.75m-£1.95m and viewing is by appointment only. Contact Bidwells on 01223 841842.www.bidwells.co.uk

RAYLEIGH CLOSE

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This popular suburb offers plenty of amenities and close proximity to central Cambridge, minus the hefty price tag. We find out why so many local buyers are after a bite of the cherry

hose wanting to live close to the city centre but avoid the hefty Cambridge price tags have traditionally looked

to Cherry Hinton as a desirable option. Situated just four miles south of the city centre, the village – now really a suburb – is separated from town by the grounds of Cherry Hinton Hall: a handsome residence which hosts the Cambridge Folk Festival every summer.

A great place for families, the area is comprised mostly of semi-detached properties, with many good-size rental options too. Its proximity to a number of big Cambridge employers, including Addenbrooke’s, Fulbourn Hospital and Capital Park business park, lends added appeal for workers. With that, you’re on the right side of town for Cambridge railway station, offering super-speedy connections into London.

“There’s a broad range of properties in Cherry Hinton, providing housing from a one- to four-bedroom level, as well as quite a few flats. All of these properties will sell quite readily,” says Andrew Bradshaw, director at Bradshaws estate agents. There’s also a strong rental market, as he explains: “As a peripheral area it’s a good choice, and there’s a number of large employers nearby, such as Addenbrooke’s and Marshalls, which attract lots of people who rent rather than buy.”

As well as the traditional period and post-war properties, the area is also home to new homes development Aspire, an attractive community of sizeable properties by Bloor Homes. It aims to offer the best of both city and village living, with

stylish homes designed with all-modern conveniences in mind, set within open, leafy surroundings. Aspire properties range from two-bedroom properties, ideal for couples, to bigger, family friendly, five-bedroom homes.

While Cambridge is just a short drive, moderate cycle or easy bus ride away, Cherry Hinton itself is also well-equipped with everyday amenities and community facilities, from a sports club and library to the attractive Cherry Hinton Hall Park, with its large duck pond, children’s play area and leafy avenues.

“There are many good local facilities and most day-to-day needs are catered for,” says Andrew. “There’s a chemist, doctors’ surgery and a high street parade of shops…

CHERRY HINTON


SPOTLIGHT ON

Aspire aims to offer the best of both city and village livingwith stylish homes designed with modern conveniences

PROPERTY


and you can get across to the peripheral roads without having to cross the city. There are lots of reasons people are drawn to the area.”

Cherry Hinton is also the location of the award-winning Cambridge Wine Merchants’ wine shop and wine school, where they hold regular wine-tasting events. But it’s the Cambridge Folk Festival which puts Cherry Hinton on the national map. Next year will be the festival’s 50th anniversary, and it continues to attract some of the biggest names in music. Paul Simon was on the bill in its first year, while Richard Thompson and Laura Marling have played in recent years. Tickets sell out fast and the event receives extensive coverage on BBC Radio 2, as well as other national media outlets. Cherry Hinton has another claim to fame, having been home to Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett for the last 25 years of his life.

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Cherry Hinton is hugely inviting for those looking for the Cambridge lifestyle – without the budget. Its community facilities, schools and proximity to Cambridge station add to its widespread attraction

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1) AspireBloor Homes’ chic new development has plenty on off er for families and upsizers. A four-bedroom townhouse, The Darwin, is available from £460,000 and comes with a spacious living room with French doors to the garden, a garage and en-suite to the master bedroom, or choose the fi ve-bedroom Selwyn starting at £485,000. Contact Bloor Homes: 01223 243157. www.bloorhomes.com/developments/aspire

PROPERTY

WHAT CAN I GET FOR MY MONEY?

2) Lucerne CloseThis top-fl oor studio apartment in Cherry Hinton comes in at a guide price of just £115,000, and is on the market with Bradshaws. The property features a bed/sitting room, dressing room, separate kitchen and bathroom, plus communal gardens. It’s just two miles from Cambridge rail station and would make an excellent fi rst-time buy. Contact Bradshaws on 01223 472011.www.bradshawsresidential.co.uk

3) Fulbourn Road A deceptively spacious property, this detached family home off ers three bedrooms, a living/dining room, kitchen/breakfast room and shower room. There is also a good-sized rear garden, off -street parking is provided and the property benefi ts from having no upward chain. It is on the market for £299,950 with Vincent Shaw. Contact Vincent Shaw on 01223 243900. www.vincentshaw.net

£299,950

The area is also served by the Cherry Hinton CE Primary School, situated on the High Street near the church, and The Spinney Primary School and Colville Primary School. For secondary education, see the Netherhall School found towards the south of the village, or St Bede’s comprehensive school, while two independents, Cambridge International School and Holme Court School, are located at Cherry Hinton Hall.

With its broad-ranging appeal, prices here stand up well against other areas of town and sellers in the area are often likely to fi nd a lot of interest from prospective buyers looking for a bite of the ‘Cherry’.

“Of the suburbs, it’s not the most expensive but it’s certainly not the cheapest,” Andrew explains. “We have a studio fl at for sale, and we sold a three-bedroom modern detached property there recently within fi ve weeks.”

£115,000 SOLD

STC

£460,000

Sellers in the area are oftenlikely to fi nd a lot of interestfrom prospective buyerslooking for a bite of the ‘Cherry’

PROPERTY


To buy or not to buy? In a city teeming with renters, we examine the financial implications and offer advice, for those on both sides of the tenancy agreement

f you wanted to create the perfect conditions for a busy rentals market from scratch, you’d almost certainly end up

with a city looking very much like our own. It’s the Cambridge factor that does it:

the inward flow of academics, students and workers that are drawn by burgeoning employment opportunities, yet not necessarily ready to tie the knot – in property terms at least – by buying.

“It’s a university town, we have close proximity to London, we have the pharmaceutical companies, the Science Park, research companies and Addenbrooke’s as well, and we have a well-known tourist industry too,” says Anton Frost, a director at Bradshaws. “All those things add up and make it a buoyant place.”

You’ll often hear talk of the Cambridge bubble and with good reason, agrees Nick Diggle, co-founder of Martin & Co. While outsiders might think of the rental market here as being student led, what insiders see is the influx of highly trained professionals

who have probably had the biggest impact in terms of rental demand. “You have science and technology firms and it’s the base for start-ups as well. It means the economy here is perhaps more resilient than other areas of the country.”

Rationally, it’s not hard to understand why the many graduates, technology, or scientific specialists who aren’t planning to settle down in one area any time soon might opt for a hassle-free lifestyle as far as their home is concerned. When you’re in a demanding job, the attraction of a turnkey lifestyle where the landlord takes the hassle is undeniably appealing. But is renting really the right economic choice when the property boom just keeps on booming?

A recent survey from Halifax suggests that while renting was the sensible option five years ago, the position has now reversed. Back then, home owners paid out around 50 per cent more each month than renters. Today, homebuyers’ monthly costs are around ten per cent less. That figure certainly strikes a chord with property

experts here, who say that rental prices are creeping ever closer to London figures. One study (by www.easyroommate.co.uk) put student rents second only to those in the capital – and it’s a similar picture across the board. “Renting is expensive in Cambridge,” agrees Nick Diggle.

“Ultimately, it’s a small city with lots of potential tenants chasing finite stock and prepared to pay a premium to live close to the centre,” he says.

While there’s constant across-the-board demand, Victorian terraces and one-bedroom flats will always attract particular interest from professionals and young couples, explains Bridgit Knowles, senior associate at Carter Jonas.

Families, on the other hand, tend to rent in the surrounding villages, believes Accent’s Cambridge branch manager, Sarah Cox. “It’s partly because family-sized properties are very expensive and partly because there are more facilities, schools and family homes.”

For anyone worried that they’re missing a trick by not buying the roof over their

WORDS CHARLOTTE PHILLIPS

GENERATION RENT?

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heads, Anton Frost has some pragmatic advice. If you’re likely to be upping sticks every three to five years, the high upfront costs of buying aren’t likely to make sense, he feels.

“With the deposits as they are, it can be tough to afford a house. You would essentially be paying fees and duty each time.” On a property costing around £330,000, the average for our area, stamp duty alone will be the thick end of £10,000. It’s a lot of money to lose if the market starts to dip, he points out.

For those still in doubt, a new online ready reckoner launched by Savills in association with the Telegraph aims to show you instantly whether you’d be better off renting or owning, by comparing your current costs with those you’d notch up if you bought – and working out how long it would take for you to be better off.

For the moment, however, renting appears to be an increasingly popular option. Bridgit Knowles reports not only steady levels of interest but a speedier transaction rate – and a willingness to sign on the dotted line rather than indulge in extensive negotiations. “A lot of properties have let on first viewing and we’re getting good rents at full price,” she says.

While the whole ritual of making and remaking offers remains a feature of the housebuying process, Anton Frost says that renters tend to view things rather differently. In terms of the price quoted, what you see, he says, is often what you get. Recently, when two applicants both made identical offers, one upped his to the full asking price. “It’s a case of people factoring in that there isn’t much room for movement,” he says.

While turn of speed may be important, it’s also vital that tenants pay close attention

to their rights. Sarah Cox points out the importance of ensuring that they protect themselves from bad lettings agents while checking that they belong to a professional body such as ARLA, RICS or NAEA and are also members of Safe Agent. Crucially, it means that tenants have redress if problems do occur.

“Letting agents are not regulated by the Government,” she points out. “Whilst there are a number of regulations such as the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, and Gas, Fire and Electrical Safety Regulations, not all agents will abide by these, and nothing can be done to stop unqualified or incompetent letting agents from practising.”

The bottom line is that tenants live in safe, well-maintained properties, thinks Nick Diggle. “Like landlords, agents have a duty of care to ensure these things, from gas safety checks and having proper inventories, are in place.”

The law these days ensures that the balance of power is a fair one, he thinks. “That’s the new world order and I’m very glad it has changed.”

Finally, urge local agents, it’s important that tenants keep to their side of the agreement. “Make sure the rent’s paid on time and care for the property as if it were your own,” urges Anton Frost, fresh from dealing with the demolition of a tenant’s kitchen ceiling after an unreported leak caused extensive damage. “There’s got to be common ground.”

As to the future? “Renting is more centre stage in the UK,” believes Nick Diggle. “When you’ve seen house drops in the last five years, it’s a more practical option – giving people a vital hedge against volatility as they rent and allow the market to stabilise.”

Whether you own a portfolio of properties or are looking to let your first property, it is wise to seek legal advice when drawing up tenancy agreements. The laws and regulations around letting property change regularly and landlords are required to comply with ever-increasing levels of statutory regulations. It is important to know your rights and responsibilities. The most common type of agreement is an assured shorthold tenancy. This type of tenancy gives landlords certain rights including the ability to terminate the agreement after six months. Landlords must comply with certain requirements such as:

Protecting the tenant’s deposit in a Government-approved scheme

Repairing any structural or exterior problems with the property Ensuring the safety of any electrical and gas appliances

Insuring the property

In return tenants are required to: Keep the property in order Pay the agreed rent promptly Comply with any other terms and conditions contained in the agreement

If the property you wish to rent out is mortgaged, you are obliged to inform your lender of your intentions. Your lender will need to consent to your property being tenanted. If your existing lender isn’t willing to lend on a property that is not owner occupied, you will need to change your mortgage to a buy to let loan. With so much to think about when drafting a tenancy agreement, getting the help of a solicitor will ensure your rights are protected.

On a property costing around £330,000, stamp dutyalone will be the thick end of £10,000. It’s a lot to lose

Property law solicitors Houlden Sweeney advise on tenancy agreements

PROPERTY

SIGN UP TO THE EDIT NEWSLETTER AT CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK30 | Property Edition | November 2013

BOOMTOWN BULLETIN


All the latest from Cambridge’s new property developments

A spacious apartment situated right by the River Cam is available through Radcliffe & Rust. Nestled between the river and Midsummer Common, it benefits from modern, open-plan accommodation in a peaceful setting, just outside the city centre – which is a short, ten-minute walk away.

The property for sale includes an entrance hall, spacious living and dining

area, kitchen area, study, master bedroom with en-suite, second bedroom and a family bathroom. You’ll also have the luxury of wonderful river views from your own private balcony, while secure underground parking is also provided.

A guide price of £475,000 is invited. Contact 01223 307898. www.radcliffeandrust.co.uk

RIVERSIDE PLACE

Apartments are currently available at The Levels, on Hills Road – including this two-bedroom leasehold flat. With a guide price of £295,000, it provides spacious, modern accommodation including a kitchen with integrated appliances plus a dishwasher; a smart bathroom and en-suite; open-plan living space; underfloor heating throughout; a video-entry system; additional storage plus secure parking, with space for your bike, too. The Levels is perfectly situated for the railway station, while a cinema, restaurants and Cambridge Junction are across the road. For more information call Bidwells on 01223 841842.www.bidwells.co.uk

The Levels

PROPERTY

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One of the hottest new developments in Cambridge, these apartments, situated above the new Cambridge Fire Station, have now completely sold out after launching onto the market five months ago.

Parkside Place, set right on the edge of the historic Parker’s Piece (the birthplace of modern football, no less), has everything you’d want from a brand-new stylish city apartment, from crisp, open-plan living space to luxury bathrooms.

One of the development’s towering features are the spectacular views it affords over the Cambridge skyline, stretching across Parker’s Piece and to the historic University spires beyond.www.parkside-place.com

COVER STAR: PARKSIDE PLACE

The first of three rather special homes on Trinity Lane is now available for purchase.

The large family home has six bedrooms – with the potential for three more – and is approached via a gated entrance, leading to a private drive with double garage. The large grounds extend to around half an acre, with mature lime trees and hedges giving way to a natural stone terrace.

The accommodation is over four storeys – including basement and attic. It includes natural oak staircases and a stunning kitchen, master bedroom with en suite and walk-in wardrobe plus under-floor heating at ground floor level.

The property is on the market for £2.75 million. For more information contact Bradshaws on 01223 472011. www.bradshawsresidential.co.uk

First of three spectacular homes released

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Plots are still available at Trumpington Place, a new development of just 13 contemporary-style homes coming soon to Cambridge.

Three homes have already been sold, but several more still remain on the market, offering flexible living accommodation set over three floors, including three/four bedrooms, gorgeous kitchens, bathrooms and en-suites, welcoming living rooms and either a second reception room or home office. The homes will also benefit from private, enclosed gardens and safe cycle storage.

Prices start at £470,000. Contact Bidwells on 01223 841842 or TuckerGardner 01223 845240.www.tuckergardner.com

The new show home is open at Paragon, Great Kneighton, offering a glimpse of what living at this contemporary residential development in Cambridge might be like. The properties on offer range from apartments and small starter homes with two bedrooms up to larger four-bedroom family properties for those needing that extra space. What’s more, the government’s new Help to Buy scheme is also available at the development, meaning a five per cent deposit could be all you need to own your own home.

The homes are situated just under three miles from Cambridge city centre, and prices start at £223,950. Contact 07827 955551.www.bovishomes.co.uk

Snap up a new homes at Ceres Just five properties remain at Ceres, Hill Residential’s brand new collection of stylish apartments next to Cambridge railway station. Each flat features large picture windows, carefully designed layouts and either one, two or three bedrooms.

The location is proving one of its top selling points, being just a stone’s throw from the mainline station, offering fast links to London. Meanwhile the city centre is just a 10-15 minute walk away (or even quicker by bike!).

Remaining properties start at £494,950 for a two-bedroom, fifth- and sixth-floor duplex apartment. For more information, call 0844 225 1977.www.ceres-cb1.com

e is

The final remaining properties at Kaleidoscope are on the market, and developers Crest don’t expect them to linger for long. After all, properties in the two latest blocks, the Cyan and Aqua buildings, were snapped up and demand proved just as high for their latest phase, The Orchid building – with almost all apartments selling out before they were even officially released. Now, just two two-bedroom apartments remain, although further phases are set to be announced in 2014. Annette Cole, sales and marketing director for Crest Nicholson Eastern, said, “Kaleidoscope has proved consistently popular with purchasers since the first properties were launched in 2008, but even we were surprised at the level of enquiries we received about The Orchid building – before we’d even put the apartments on the open market.”

An award-winning development of contemporary homes, arranged around landscaped communal grounds, Kaleidoscope gives access to Cambridge, the train station, many of the city’s top schools and Addenbrooke’s. The remaining apartments are priced from £330,000. www.crestnicholson.com/kaleidoscope

Help to Buy at Paragon

TRUMPINGTON PLACE

Kaleidoscope

Cambridge Property Edition November

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