WhatHouse? Southern March 2016

Your local

property paper,

delivered to your doorLondon & Southern Edition

March/April 2016

London, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Isle of Wight – Find your new home at Whathouse.com

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH P8 MORTGAGES P23 BUDGET P41 INTERIORS P42 GARDENING P46

For further information telephone 01753 336594, email [email protected] or visit www.stjosephsgate.co.uk

St Joseph’s Gate, Lawrence Street, Mill Hill, London, NW7 4JZ

2 and 3 bedroom apartments from £875,000 - £1,850,000

Final elegantly appointed apartments now released Completions from March 2016 Available to view Information Centre and Showhomes open daily 10am - 5pm

Computer generated illustration indicative only.

One of the most exclusive addresses in Mill Hill.

The first step – six great starter homes P6

Why buy a new build home? P3

Halebourne House, Halebourne Lane, Chobham, Surrey GU24 8SL Email: [email protected] www.halebournegroup.co.uk

c o n t a c t + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 2 7 6 8 5 6 4 4 9 f o r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n

To download the Halebourne App

D e s i g n & B u i l d P l o t s Ava i l a b l e C o b h a m W e n t wo r t h E s t a t e A s c o t

The Halebourne Group

The RidgeR I D G E M O U N T ROA D S U N N I N G DA L E S L 5 9 J Q

10 l u x u r i o u s a pa r t m e n t m a n s i o n s c o nc i e rg e s e r v i c e s e c u r e b a s e m e n t pa r k i ng p r i va t e t e r r ac i ng t o a l l a pa r t m e n t s

Clarence HouseR E G E N TS WA L K A S COT S L 5 9 J Q

t h i s m ag n i f i c e n t h o u s e i s s e t i n a b e au t i f u l ly l a n d s c a p e d s o u t h fac i ng g a r d e n , a r r a ng e d o v e r t h r e e f l o o r s

Design and Build Opportunities Available Stamp Duty Incentives

BerrocB U T T E RST E E P R I S E A S COT S L 5 8 A X

a n e l e g a n t c o u n t r y m a n s i o n s e t i n 3 . 5 ac r e s o f s o u t h fac i ng g a r d e n s

Available

Summ

er 2016

Show Hom

e

Open March 2016

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes new build 3

Welcome!

his March’s Budget speech merely confirmed one or two of the changes to the property market previously

introduced, with the Lifetime ISA the only brand new announcement with effect on potential homebuyers – and even that is a very similar product to the Help to Buy ISA he brought to the market last November.

Some of us will certainly be disappointed that the Chancellor did not clarify – or modify – last year’s stamp duty changes for buy-to-let and second homes, where a 3% surcharge will be charged from 1 April 2016, adding thousands to the buyer’s bills.

There were hopes that the proposals may have been changed to make allowance for parents aiming to help their offspring onto the property ladder. This would seem to be a reasonable exception to the rule, acknowledging the family assistance many buyers rely on and also potentially meaning those fortunate enough to benefit from family financial assistance would leave government Help to Buy finance (a finite amount of money) to those without that assistance.

In Scotland, where Help to Buy has only just been re-introduced, Barratt Homes has already alerted buyers to the possibility that the first year’s new finance might run out this summer. In the UK as a whole, 150,000 buyers have already been able to find a new home thanks to Help to Buy but the money won’t be provided forever and it would be nice to think the taxpayers help was going to those that really need it most.

Spring is a really important time of year for homeowners and buyers - the weather starts to give homes a better appearance to buyers, while longer days (and the Easter holiday) provide time for major DIY projects inside and outside the home.

Judging by my inbox, the number of events and launches happening in the new homes market is really hotting up (more so than the weather) so if you’re in the market for a new home and weren’t able to make the most of the Easter break, I’d suggest this is a great time to make a concerted effort to see the tremendous array of new homes coming up for sale.

If you’re looking for that dream home – happy house-hunting!

KeithKeith Osborne, editor. [email protected] @keithosborne69

TWhy buy a new build home?What are the reasons why house-hunters should consider buying a new build home? rand new is special. Many

house-hunters simply love the ‘blank canvas’ of a brand new home. In the same way that

being the first driver in a new car has a special feel to it, so does a moving into a home that no-one else has lived in, where everything is brand new and up-to-date and you can decorate to your own taste.

If you buy early enough, at the off-plan stage, you may be able to get the housebuilder to make changes to the layout, fittings and finishes to really personalise your home.

IT’S HASSLE-FREEYou won’t have to worry about a forward chain when you’re arranging to exchange contracts and move in.

THERE ARE INCENTIVES TO BUYThere are hundreds of housebuilders in competition with each other, so you may find some of them offering helpful schemes to sway you to buy with them, such as a part exchange deal, or paying estate agents’ fees when you sell your existing property. And of course there are government-funded assistance schemes such as Help to Buy and Shared Ownership on some properties.

THE LATEST STANDARDSNew-build homes are built to high standards of workmanship, energy efficiency and sustainability – far more so then even ten years ago. This means they don’t leak heat like many older homes, and are therefore far cheaper to run. New boilers, bathroom sanitaryware and kitchen appliances will use fewer resources than older models, too, making your home kinder on the environment.

GUARANTEES ON QUALITYEvery new home must come with a guarantee on structural work (most often ten years). Some housebuilders also provide further guarantees on items not covered by the structural warranty, for example on appliances, plumbing etc, providing further peace-of-mind.

THE LATEST SPECIFICATIONHousebuilders are providing ever-higher internal specifications to meet the demands of today’s homebuyers. For example, you’ll commonly find an en suite shower or bathroom and fitted wardrobes to the master bedroom, larger homes may come with separate utility rooms off the kitchen,

and many homes come with multiple TV and telephone points, while some will be wired for sophisticated home technology.

SAFETY AND SECURITYImproved regulations mean that

today’s new homes are generally much safer and more secure than older homes. The latest standards require the use of fire-retardant materials, smoke alarms, door and window locks and security lighting.

B

Hertfordshire estate agency Sewell & Gardner says:

“ Buying a new build eliminates the stress of an onward chain and gives buyers the chance to start with a blank canvas, which can be tailored to their own tastes.

“ There are also a number of practical benefits including lower bills as a result of the latest heating systems, glazing and insulation. New homes also come with a ten-warranty, protecting buyers from structural defects.

“ Another benefit, which is often overlooked, is the rare opportunity to buy something new that doesn’t immediately depreciate upon purchase. Unlike a car for example a new home is supported by the local residential housing market meaning that (in the current market) you are likely to see appreciation on your asset from day one.”

EXPERT VIEW

A chance to win £50

One of our new followers from 1 to 30 April 2016 will win

£50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers

It couldn’t be simpler – just ‘follow’ us on Twitter (@What_House)

Managing director Daniel Hill

Editorial director Rupert Bates

Editor Keith Osborne [email protected]

Chief sub-editor Suzanne Frost

Designer Sarah Davies

Contributors Nick Parkhouse Richenda Oldham Fiona Brandhorst Helen Christie

Sales director Adrian Talbot [email protected]

Sales Bob Faulkner [email protected]

Sales Charles Spiteri [email protected]

Cover photo: Gleneagles in Kingswood, Surrey from Sothebys International; 01932 860537

Keith Osborne started writing about property 14 years ago and has been editor of Whathouse.com since 2010. He is currently a columnist in housebuilding trade magazine Show House and

has previously written for Homes Overseas magazine. He has also been a part of the WhatHouse? Awards judging panel for a number of years.

Rupert Bates, editorial director of WhatHouse? has been a property journalist for 25 years. He is an award-winning writer who started on local newspapers before becoming a columnist on The Daily

Telegraph. He presents the annual WhatHouse? Awards, edits leading housebuilding magazine Show House and is property correspondent of The Field magazine.

@What_HouseWhat House?

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG T: 020 7940 1070 E: [email protected] W: www.whathouse.comPrinted by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2016 Globespan Media Limited

WhatHouse?, ISSN: 02691310

Marketing Suite and Showhomes open:Thursday - Monday 10.00am - 5.00pm (Sunday 4.00pm)

www.theacademywoolwich.co.uk or call: 020 3689 7811

A selection of just 20 beautifullyconverted apartments and houses

LATEST RELEASEEAST OFFICERS’

QUARTERS

1 bedroom apartments from £330,000, 3 & 5 bedroom houses from £750,000Last few 2 & 3 bedroom properties available in The Parade from £485,000

OVER

50% SOLD

NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

NHBC is registered in England and Wales under company number 00320784. NHBC’s registered address is NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK5 8FP.

NHBC – the mark of a quality home

J441 09/15

Before you buy a new home, make sure it has Buildmark, which provides you with 10 years’ warranty and insurance. Then you’ll know it’s good quality and that your investment is protected.

0844 633 1000 www.nhbcnewhomes.co.uk

6 six appeal Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

A new phase at this popular long-term development, on the site of the former Royal Naval Dockyard has just been released and it benefits from some of the best views that the scheme has seen so far – including green open space, picturesque Upnor Castle and across the River Medway.

With Chatham on the High Speed rail link, these new homes would be a great alternative for a first-timer stretched for a suitable new home in the capital; here, the money will cover something special and yet still within easy reach of central London. Parklands, the first

phase of new homes at Azure, comprises of a selection of three- to five-bedroom houses.

Iain McPherson, director of Countryside Maritime says: “The development is…attracting first-time buyers from London looking for more value for money and an idyllic, riverside location with a better quality of life, but still with a fast commute into London.”

Help to Buy is available on selected properties.

From: CountrysideContact: 01634 891200

Spring Walk in Willenhall, West Midlands From £127,995

This starting price is a real bargain for first-time buyers, under the stamp duty threshold – a further saving over some more expensive homes. It’s ideal for local workers and commuters: Walsall’s main station is just a mile away and junction 10 of the M6 less than three miles.

The lowest-priced two-bedroom ‘Keinton’ mid-terrace house style has two parking spaces, a smart kitchen with Bosch oven and hob, a cloakroom and generous living/dining room with French doors to the garden. There are fitted wardrobes in the master bedroom.

Eden Valley is within easy walking distance of Walsall’s town centre, where ongoing retail and leisure developments are further

reinforcing its reputation as a major Black Country shopping destination. The town also has plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs.

The marketing suite in Holden Crescent is open on Mondays from 11.00am to 5.00pm and from Thursday to Sunday from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

From: Lovell Contact: 01922 460313

Eden Valley in Walsall, West Midlands From £124,950

Two-bedroom apartments, perfect for someone taking their first step on the property ladder, are among the final homes for sale at this popular development. Elaine Taylor, regional sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey, says: “The two ‘Belford’ properties we have left are sure to be a hit with first-time buyers.”

Buyers should ask the housebuilder about a range of incentives and assistance schemes to make the buying process easier and more

affordable.The development is a great Black Country

base, with Willenhall’s town centre just a mile away, and it is located just four miles from both Walsall and Wolverhampton, from whose stations Birmingham is easily reached.

From: Taylor Wimpey Contact: 01858 461111

Azure, St Mary’s Island, Chatham, Kent • From £370,000

Six appealOur pick of starter homes perfect for first-time buyers

For the latest on the property market @What_House six appeal 7

Wyre Meadows in Pershore, Worcestershire • From £177,995

Drummond House, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich, London • From £83,750 (25% share)

Emerald Gardens in Wembley, London • From £370,000

Emerald Gardens offers 475 private apartments in seven buildings, just minutes from the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium and the regeneration of Wembley Park as a shopping and leisure destination. The remaining one- and two-bedroom apartments for sale can be moved into later this year.

The majority of the apartments have their own private patio, balcony or terrace, with some having views towards the stadium or over the surrounding area and London skyline.

The development includes a gym (which is opening this summer), private cinema room and residents’

club room, as well as benefiting from a 24-hour concierge.

The development is situated in zone 4, with fast Tube and rail services speeding towards central London in as little as 12 minutes. The area has a wide range of established and new amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops and the London Designer Outlet – a haven for those looking for fashion bargains.

Secure underground parking is available at additional cost.

From: Quintain Contact: 020 3151 8621

Drummond House is one of three current Notting Hill Sales’ developments offering first-time buyers waterside living in the capital without the need for a huge bank balance, thanks to the government-backed Shared Ownership scheme.

This development provides 75 Shared Ownership apartments as part of Royal Arsenal Riverside, Berkeley Group’s £1.5bn mixed-use

regeneration scheme,. The selection of contemporary properties includes one- and two-bedroom apartments with additional on-site facilities including shops, a museum, residents’ gym, ferry dock, cafés, a pharmacy, pub, Tesco, play area and concierge service.

Woolwich is convenient for central London and Docklands, thanks to National Rail and DLR

services, and from 2018, the Crossrail service with commence at Abbey Wood, stopping at Woolwich on its fast journeys through the centre of the capital towards Reading and Heathrow.

From: Notting Hill SalesContact: 020 8357 4444

First-time buyers can benefit from one of the great pluses of new build homes at Wyre Meadows, because if they reserve early enough they can get the best deals and specify their personal preference on some of the finishes in their new home.

A range of two- and three-bedroom homes would be perfect for someone buying their first property, alongside four- and five-bedroom homes for those moving up the property ladder.

Carol Selway, head of sales at Persimmon Homes South Midlands, says: “We are already seeing a steady increase in buyers wanting

to get ahead of the game and purchase their new home off-plan and we can offer a number of benefits to reward early-bird reservations.

“Buying this way means purchasers can secure their preferred property and location within the development. In addition, reserving at this stage means customers can truly personalise their home by choosing from a range of fixtures and fittings such as kitchen units, flooring, tiles or accessories.

From: Persimmon HomesContact: 01386 579637

8 property of the month Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Follow the Meridian line

For the latest on the property market @What_House property of the month 9

ormans Park is a private residential park with its origins in the 19th century. The Park nestles on the West

Sussex and Surrey borders. This tranquil environment is surprisingly close to London with excellent transport links, Dormans Park having its own train station. Given its proximity to London, you still benefit from easy access to the countryside and the south coast. Lingfield is a few miles away with its well-renowned racecourse and local facilities.

Meridian House is the latest home from Tkei Homes, covering just over 3,000 sq ft including five double bedrooms, three en suites, one family bathroom, a large open-plan kitchen and family room and three further reception rooms. The garden is beautifully landscaped and overall the property has mature screening to offer plenty of privacy.

As you approach the property via the electronic wooden gates, there is plenty of parking outside the double garage. The block paving sweeps round to the steps with built-in lighting, taking you to an attractive tile-covered porch.

As you enter through the front door, you are greeted with a generous hallway with beautiful Porcelanosa tiling that stretches through to the kitchen and family room. The large picture window over the staircase adds to the feel of this impressive entrance. The hallway panelling is a lovely addition together with the underfloor heating.

The kitchen is a contemporary take on a shaker-style kitchen with hand-painted doors in charcoal grey. The two ovens, a microwave, coffee machine, dishwasher, five-ring gas

hob, in-built counter-top lighting and other details make this a great place to cook, and the breakfast bar keeps the whole environment social.

The breakfast area leads through to a bright family room, helped by the dual-aspect views of the garden and the glass lantern above.

The living room is generous in size enhanced by the attractive stone fireplace and wood-burner with French doors leading to the garden. There are two further reception rooms with large attractive bay windows, both of which can offer multiple uses.

A dressing area adjoins the master bedroom, complete with ample built-in wardrobes and drawers, while a beautiful en suite features Porcelanosa tiling, integrated storage and underfloor heating. The remaining double bedrooms are all generous rooms, two of which have their own ensuites.

Tkei Homes has successfully built many homes across Surrey, Sussex and Kent, from single-home to multiple-unit developments, ranging in price from £500,000 to £2m. All properties usually include designer kitchen, underfloor heating, Villerory and Boch bathrooms and in-built music systems.

Forthcoming developments will include four detached family houses in Cuckfield, West Sussex and three detached five-bedroom properties in Beckenham, London. Details will be launched later in the year and will be available in 2017.

Meridian House in Dormans Park is available now for £1.25m.

Find out more at [email protected]; 01932 837690

A brand new home on the exclusive Dormans Park estate exemplifies the work of Tkei Homes

D

• Large entrance hall and WC• Living room• Kitchen/dining family room• Utility room• Two further reception rooms• Master bedroom with en suite and dressing area• Two bedrooms with en suites• Two further double bedroom• Family bathroom• Double garage• Parking• Electric gates

FEATURES OF MERIDIAN HOUSE:

We’re open for business, whatever the climate.

For the last 40 years, through all market conditions, we’ve consistently lent to residential property developers. So if you’re looking for funds, you won’t find a more experienced, flexible and reliable business partner.

To find out how we can help your development, please call Close Brothers Property Finance on 020 7655 3655 or visit closepropertyfinance.com

Close Brothers I Modern Merchant Banking

C54427 CBPF_EG_Blue_297x210.indd 1 23/04/2015 11:38

How would you describe this well-heeled enclave of NW8? I’ve been a resident of St John’s Wood for over 30 years and watched it become one of the most desirable destinations in London. The tranquillity of its tree-lined avenues and parkside walks contrast with the vibrant high street, which continues to attract young professionals, families and celebrities who have been charmed by the proximity to the City and West End and a cosmopolitan and fashionable ambience. But there is also a strong village-like sense of community, which is rarely found in London.

How have property prices performed recently? St John’s Wood has seen continuous growth in popularity reflected by a 2.6% increase in sales values and a 14.1% rise in rental values in 2015,

the biggest increase registered across prime central London (PCL). In addition, the area has been achieving gross yields of 3.8%, compared to the average gross yield of 2.92% in PCL over the same period, highlighting St John’s Wood’s popularity not only as a residential destination, but also an investment hotspot.

Is there a good mix of property types to appeal to buyers? Most of St John’s Wood is a conservation area with many of its properties listed by English Heritage. It was the first part of London to modernise its housing stock from the terrace model symbolic of the Victorian Era to the airy villas seen today. You’ll find stunning Regency houses, early Victorian terraces, semi-detached villas and large detached houses, the period beauty of the area contrasts with the landmark contemporary luxury developments such as The Atrium, Embassy Court, Imperial Court and Pavilion Apartments.

What can you tell us about the so-called micro-markets of St John’s Wood?Our research has identified three distinct areas: the east side, west side and the high street. The east side comprises the area between Queen’s Grove and Prince Albert Road, and is considered the most exclusive area popular with Russian, Jewish, French, north American and Indian HNWIs, who over the past seven years have

snapped up turn-key mansions. It’s also known as a celebrity hotspot with Kate Moss, Paul McCartney and Joan Collins among the many famous faces who have owned property here. Houses are priced between £3m to £50m; flats £2.5m to £15m; rents £3,000-£10,000 per month.

The west side has a range of property from classic 19th-century houses and detached villas with swimming pools to ultra-luxurious developments some of which overlook Lord’s Cricket Ground. It’s popular with British HNWIs, avid cricket fans and wealthy Indian families and has recently gained the attention of savvy investors. Hamilton Terrace is one of the best addresses in this area. Clifton Hill, Carlton Hill and Marlborough Place achieve 10% to 20% lower premiums compared to the east side.

The village-style high street is the third market, located just to the north of Regent’s Park with its independent boutiques and varied eateries. The beautiful red brick mansion blocks date from the Edwardian and Victorian era. The quaint side streets such as Charles Lane, Wellington Place and Ordinance Mews are popular residential addresses among professionals and young couples looking to benefit from the privacy of the mews and the proximity to the high street. Houses range from £2m to £4m; flats: £800k to £2m; Rents: £500 to £2,000 per week.

You can find out more at www.rescorp.co.uk; 020 3348 8000

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes london 11

Agent insightWe speak to Vic Chhabria, director of Rescorp Residential, for his views on the prime central London hotspot of St John’s Wood

A collection of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom homes across London with fl exible buying options available.

PRICES FROM £255,000

DISCOVER MORE AT NETWORKLIVING.CO.UK

Speak to Sales Advisor regarding fl exible buying options. Terms and Conditions apply. Prices are correct at time of going to press.

ith its stunning riverside views looking towards Canary Wharf and the City, Royal

Arsenal Riverside is already home to 5,000 residents who benefit from an array of high quality restaurants, bars and shops. With the DLR and National Rail station on its doorstep, local buses just a short walk away, an on-site Thames Clipper pier and London City Airport close-by, residents can enjoy easy access to the whole of London and beyond.

In 2018 Royal Arsenal Riverside will be home to the new Royal Arsenal Woolwich onsite Crossrail station, making it one of the best connected areas in London outside of Zone 1, with a journey to Canary Wharf taking 8 minutes, Liverpool Street 14 minutes and Bond Street just 21 minutes.

Once the site of a domestic rabbit warren in the grounds of a Tudor house, in the late 17th century the area was developed for the manufacture of munitions, expanding the base at Gun Wharf. By World War 1 the Royal Arsenal had grown to cover 1285 acres and employ almost 80,000 people. Although closed as a factory in 1967, the Ministry of Defence didn’t move out until 1994 and for years the site has been a well-kept secret.

With many of the former factory buildings falling into disrepair, the last 15 years has seen Berkeley Homes meticulously restoring the Grade I and

II listed buildings which sit in harmony amongst the sympathetically designed new homes.

The latest addition to Royal Arsenal Riverside was unveiled in the form of Pavilion Square in October last year, which nestles alongside two of the oldest buildings on the site which were constructed in 1894-6. This former ammunition laboratory which manufactured gunpowder, shell cases, fuses and paper gun cartridges, will now be part of the 169 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, 26 Manhattan Suites and 24 penthouses.

Set around a central courtyard with thoughtful landscaping, this highly anticipated new addition boasts its own luxurious spa, 20m swimming pool, high specification gym and cinema room all ensuring a relaxed, contemporary lifestyle.

Piers Gough from CZWG Architects LLP worked with Berkeley Homes to design Pavilion Square and said: “Pavilion Square is in a uniquely privileged position adjacent to Sir John Vanbrugh’s powerful Royal Military Academy, the beautiful Royal Brass Foundry and the oldest buildings at the Arsenal – the two former gunpowder laboratory pavilions. This contemporary architectural design is intended to make a strongly mannered addition to compliment these great historic buildings.”

This dedication to preserving has not gone unnoticed with many residents citing this as an important

aspect of their decision to move to Royal Arsenal Riverside. Mr and Mrs Hunt bought a Penthouse in Naval House in 2013, following their decision to downsize, and said: “You get a real sense of history when walking around. As soon as we walked onto the development we were delighted with what we saw in the form of the amenities on site and knew this was somewhere where we wanted to live.”

Working in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Berkeley Homes is developing a new Cultural Quarter as part of the Royal Arsenal Riverside Explore (RARE) offer, attracting visitors as well as residents to this first-class destination.

In February this year Dash Arts signed a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Borough of Greenwich to create a new performance centre on Royal Arsenal Riverside.

A regular farmers’ market already takes place twice a month alongside three bars and restaurants, a doctor’s surgery, dentist and onsite Tesco, whilst Both Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s will soon open their doors to customers.

The riverside location regularly hosts international events such as the historic Tall Ships Festival, which attracted over 35,000 visitors a day during the five day event. An even bigger festival is planned for April

2017 when 40 ships from around the world will descend on Greenwich and Royal Arsenal Riverside to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Canadian Confederation.

Councillor Miranda Williams, Cabinet Member for Culture and Creative Industries at the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “This is an incredibly exciting vision. It’s about putting Woolwich and the borough firmly on the map as a leading cultural destination and it is an important part of our wider regeneration story. We’re bringing some beautiful disused buildings back into use that offer a unique facility and a perfect setting for an arts and culture base. The Royal Arsenal is being transformed with new homes and high quality open spaces, all set along a wonderful riverfront.”

With Tall Ships set to continue over the coming years at Royal Arsenal Riverside, residents with a river-facing view in the Waterfront will be perfectly positioned to watch these beautifully crafted ships pull in and out of Royal Arsenal Riverside dock, while enjoying the fantastic festival feeling way into the night.

A selected range of these Manhattan suites are still available to buy with facilities including a brand new 24-hour Concierge, state-of-the-art gym and spa with a 20m swimming pool.

In addition to this, the surrounding area will also become a focal point for the community as the new four acre Waterfront Park, designed by renowned landscape architects Gillespies, will connect the 1km of Riverwalk to Woolwich town centre, the new Crossrail station and beyond.

Homes currently available in Pavilion Square and Waterfront start at £440,000 . For more information about the homes available at Royal Arsenal Riverside please call 020 8331 7130 to speak to a sales consultant or visit www.royalarsenalriverside.com

Be part of the history at Royal Arsenal Riverside

W

12 advertorial Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

* Approximate travel times for Crossrail taken from Royal Arsenal Woolwich. Source: www.crossrail.co.uk. Computer generated images are indicative only. Prices and information correct at time of going to press.

www.royalarsenalriverside.co.ukProud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Royal Arsenal Riverside is an outstanding riverside location, with an ever expanding range of residents’ amenities, and is ideally situated for a the forthcoming on-site Crossrail station.

Manhattan Suites, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available.

Prices from £440,000. Call 020 3797 4963 to register your interest.

Sales & Marketing Suite and Showhome open daily 10am to 6pm (Thursdays until 8pm). Imperial Building, No. 2 Duke of Wellington Avenue, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich, London SE18 6FR ROYAL ARSENAL

WOOLWICHCANARY WHARF

8 MINUTES*LIVERPOOL STREET

14 MINUTES*BOND STREET22 MINUTES*

HEATHROW50 MINUTES*

WATERFRONT II

For the latest on the property market @What_House advertorial 13

Park ViewCoventry Road, Hinckley LE10 0NU

Visit: redrow.co.uk/parkviewCall: 01455 698336

Pennine GrangePennine Way, Tamworth B77 4JF

Visit: redrow.co.uk/pennineCall: 01827 902025

Image typical of Redrow homes. Price correct at time of going to press.

VERY EXCITING

Redrow homes have undeniable kerb appeal with distinctive, detailed architectural touchesthat set them apart from the competition. Very Inviting, Very Inspiring, Very Redrow.

NEW SHOWHOMES

COMING SOONWe are pleased to announce that we will be opening the doors to our beautiful

showhomes at Park View, Hinckley and Pennine Grange, Tamworth in July. Come alongto Park View, Hinckley, today where the Marketing Suite is now open and we have

a selection of 3 and 4 bedroom homes available from £224,995

Hinckley and TamworthTO

14104 Park View+Pennine Grange WHMN 340x265 wc220615.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2015 12:13 Page 1

WHERE IS IT?This popular borough is in the south-east of the capital, bordered on the north side by the River Thames and on other sides by the boroughs of Bexley (east), Bromley (south) and Lewisham (West).

WHO LIVES THERE?The current population is just shy of 270,000 and, like many London boroughs, has a very diverse mix of residents, with around 90 languages spoken. The population increased by 40,000 from 2001 to 2011.

WHAT IS THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE LIKE?Greenwich is a Labour stronghold – all three of its parliamentary seats are held by the party, while the borough’s council has a 43-8 majority of Labour over Conservative. The council has been run by Labour since 1971. The borough was given royal status in 2012.

WHAT DO HOUSES COST?Halifax reported that Greenwich has the fastest-growing house prices in

2014, surging 26.4% in a year. Land Registry figures from January 2016 show an average price of just over £397,000 in the borough, up 14.2% in a year.

REGENERATIONGreenwich is one of the busiest London boroughs for regeneration, with a number of very large projects underway to redevelop or re-purpose some areas as well as smaller projects. Nearly 39,000 new homes are planned for construction in the period 2013-2028.

Greenwich PeninsulaThe area around the O2, on the distinctively shaped Peninsula opposite Docklands, has begun a massive transformation which will include the provision of 15,000 new homes. Though over 20% of these are set to be ‘affordable’, the master plan has caused controversy for the number of homes planned and their effect on local infrastructure.

KidbrookeThe Kidbrooke Village project is well underway and has won numerous awards. The former Ferrier Estate – a

notorious council estate completed in the early 1970s – is being replaced by Berkeley Homes with nearly 5,000 new homes over 20 years, together with a new transport hub, landscaped areas, employment opportunities and a hotel.

WoolwichBerkeley is also overseeing the redevelopment of the old Woolwich Arsenal. While retaining a number of historic buildings, the project has transformed the 88-acre site and well over 5,000 homes are planned in all, with around a third already built. Woolwich will benefit from a new station for the Crossrail project, which will provide much-improved connections through central London.


NEW HOMES

Enderby Wharf Barratt London

In the spotlight: Royal Borough of GreenwichTens of thousands of new homes are transforming this historic borough.

Overlooking Woolwich Common, the Royal Military Academy is now being restored and converted to homes. Many will be within the original Grade II* listed buildings and have a wealth of original featureas. The quadrangles and parade grounds are being developed into squares and

boulevards for residents to enjoy. Woolwich Arsenal DLR station is nearby and the area will also benefit from Crossrail when it starts in 2018.Current prices start at £340,000.

Find out more at www.theacademywoolwich.co.uk

The Academy Woolwich Durkan Estates

Enderby Wharf sits in with west-facing views to the city and Canary Wharf and boasts over 200 metres of river frontage. Once completed there will be 891 new homes, including studios and one-, two, three- and four-bedroom apartments and penthouses. The development

is within easy reach of Greenwich Park and a number of the boroughs excellent transport links. Prices currently start at £600,000 for a three-bedroom home.

Find out more at www.barratthomes.co.uk

Greenwich Millennium Village Countryside/Taylor Wimpey Central LondonGreenwich Millennium Village takes up 72 acres of Greenwich Peninsula and will provide 2,700 new homes alongside new commercial space and a brand new primary school. There will be a new village green at its heart, with numerous garden squares and public spaces. It’s on the doorstep

of the other regeneration on the Peninsula, including the Ecology Park and the events and leisure facilities of the O2.The current range of apartments available start at £410,000 for a one-bedroom unit.

Find out more at gmv.gb.com

Living in a new village in London erkeley Homes East Thames,

in partnership with the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council and the Greater London Authority,

is undertaking one of the most dramatic and ambitious regeneration projects in Europe – the award-winning Kidbrooke Village.

Due for completion in 2030, this new village for London will have nearly 5,000 new homes, comprised of four distinct neighbourhoods that include Meridian Gate, Blackheath Quarter, Kidbrooke Village Centre and City Point.

Over 1,500 residents already call Kidbrooke Village their home, including Mr and Mrs Sutton who live in Merlin Court and were attracted by what the village could offer them.

“When we were looking for a new home we wanted somewhere that had convenient transport links, green

spaces and amenities in the area such as a local supermarket, doctor’s surgery, good schools and the ability for us to work from home.

“It was just by chance that we drove past, saw the development which looked fantastic and decided to visit the sales and marketing suite. After listening to what was available and the future phases for Kidbrooke Village, we knew it was the perfect place to bring up our young family and run our law firm that we set up two years ago from home.”

Having previously been renting in Lewisham, Paul and Xiaofang decided to take the plunge and buy their property off plan: “It was a big step for us as we had never bought anything this way before so it was something new to us and a good opportunity.

“However we could not have made a better decision. Throughout the whole process Berkeley kept us informed

about what was happening and that was very reassuring. We have already made many new friends, in what is a very multicultural environment.”

As part of their yearly service charge, residents at Merlin Court have access to a private gym, swimming pool, cinema room, concierge and business centre facilities. Aspects which, according to Paul, have really made a difference to their lives.

“We have incorporated a lot of the facilities into our lifestyle. We go to the gym together at 8am in the morning five times a week and this allows us to spend some time together at the start of the day. The business centre facilities are also very impressive as they allow us to hold professional meetings, or even use them as an office which is incredibly convenient.

“This is aided by the fact that Kidbrooke Station can get us to

London Bridge in 15 minutes from London Bridge, Canary Wharf in 22 minutes and Victoria Station in 28 minutes.”

One of the most prominent elements of Kidbrooke Village is the amount of open space at the site: “There are 136 acres of open space here and the trees that have been planted really do make it something quite special. You would think you were in the countryside, with so much green space on show.”

These open spaces at Kidbrooke Village provide opportunities for community events to take place such as the Kidbrooke Summer Festival, which saw a range of musicians perform alongside free fun fair rides.

At Christmas, the Village Square was a hive of activity as residents and visitors got into the festive spirit with musicians and local groups coming

together to performing some classic Christmas songs and witness the official switch on of the Christmas tree lights.

It is this attention to detail that really adds to the development of the area according to Xiaofang Sutton: “There is a real sense of community here already. As a mum with young children I could not have asked for anything better.”

This opinion is shared by retiree Marista Field, 72, who sold her converted warehouse apartment by the river in London two years ago to buy a new-build apartment at Berkeley’s Kidbrooke Village.

“What I love most about Kidbrooke is the landscaping – it’s beautiful to look at and is noticeably attracting more people to the area for picnics and socialising. You can really tell that community is at the heart of the development.

B

16 advertorial Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

For the latest on the property market @What_House advertorial 17

“The village already has some great amenities – I’ve got my dentist here and use the café regularly for meeting friends. Living here I can walk everywhere and, if I need them, the transport links are fabulous.”

With many local amenities in the area already, Xaiofang is excited about future plans which will be taking place in Kidbrooke Village over the coming years.

“The plans for the new village centre played another part in us moving to the area. The Square will see a host of new commercial outlets and provide a real focal point for the community, with shops and bars. There will also be office space available within the centre and that is something we will be looking to pursue for our business. All of this means we can see ourselves staying at Kidbrooke Village for a long time.”

The opportunity to purchase in the heart of the Village Centre could be yours with a selected range of one, two and three bedroom apartments still available, including a number of Manhattan suites, which will be in close proximity to the new train station.

Homes currently available in Blackheath Quarter start from £510,000 in Merlin Court whilst properties at The Square start at £395,000 For more information about Kidbrooke Village, call 020 8150 5151 to speak to a sales consultant or visit www.kidbrookevillage.com

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Delivered in proud partnership with:

1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments from £377,500

Call a member of the sales team on 020 3813 9658 to register your interest

Sales & Marketing Suite and Showhome now open daily 10am to 6pm (Thursdays until 8pm). Wallace Court, 40 Tizzard Grove, London SE3 9FD

www.kidbrookevillage.co.uk

THE SQUAREONLY 15 MINUTES TO LONDON BRIDGE*

KIDBROOKE STATION

LONDON BRIDGE15 MINUTES†

WATERLOO EAST19 MINUTES†

CANARY WHARF22 MINUTES†

FAR REACHING VIEWS

Prices correct at time of going to press. Computer generated image depicts The Square at Kidbrooke Village Centre and are indicative only. †Source: www.tfl.gov.uk

Hackney

NewhamTowerHamlets

WalthamForest

HaringeyRedbridge

Barking &Dagenham

Havering

Enfield

Barnet

Harrow

Brent

Ealing

Hillingdon

Hounslow

Richmond uponThames

Kingstonupon

Thames

Merton

Sutton

Wandsworth

Croydon

Bromley

Lewisham

Bexley

Greenwich

SouthwarkLam

beth

Islington

Camden

City of London

City of W

estminster

Kensington

& C

helsea

Ham

mersm

ith

& Fulham

Bentley Place is an elegant collection of new homes in the sought-after area of Bentley Heath, north London. Situated in between Barnet and Potters Bar, Bentley Heath offers a peaceful setting with green open spaces on the fringes of Wrotham Park Estate. The development features just nine detached three- and four-bedroom family homes, set in landscaped grounds with off-road parking and garages arranged around an attractive private avenue.

Each home has been individually designed, built and finished

to Heronslea Group’s exacting standards, with bespoke interior design and layouts perfect for modern family living, the highest specification and the latest appliances.

The development is close to Hadley Wood station with connections to Moorgate in just over 30 minutes.

Price: From £750,000Find out more at www.heronslea-group.co.uk; 020 8441 9555 (Statons)

18 london For the latest on the property market @What_House

London new homes round- up – our pick of the capital’s current new builds

ome industry insiders are foreseeing a significant decline in overseas interest in the prime central London (PCL) property

market, with one of the most significant factors the hikes in stamp duty on luxury homes introduced in December 2014, but buyers are still likely to want to buy if they can find good value, perhaps in less expensive areas close to the most sought-after addresses.

The latest research from estate agents Kay & Co, with data analysis by Dataloft, reports residential property in Bayswater and the Hyde Park Estate districts in the W2 postcode remain undervalued compared to neighbouring areas in western central London, and that, as a result, values transaction levels are starting to rise there. The research shows an average price of £1,342/sq ft compared to £1,729/sq ft across the PCL area – and are around

20% less than in Marylebone and 40% lower than comparable homes in Mayfair.

Martin Bikhit, managing director of Kay & Co, says: “New luxury developments throughout the W2 postcode will reach build completion in 2016 and this will boost prices even further. Given the current lull in the market there is now an opportunity for buyers to purchase at a discount and reap the rewards over the next 18 months to two years.

“Homes in highly desirable roads such as Connaught Square and some buildings facing Hyde Park can be purchased for between £2,000/sq ft and £3,000/sq ft – a healthy discount on 12 months ago. During 2016 we forecast that price growth will be steady and sustainable.”

As ever, there is plenty going on all over Greater London when it comes to new homes, and our pick shows there is something to suit a very wide range of buyer budgets:

S

This development was launched in mid-March, providing a substantial collection of new build apartments to join the town’s property landscape. These new homes will provide views across Fassnidge Park, with the majority benefitting from their own private balcony or terrace.

The development is only a couple of minutes away from local shops and restaurants, including two major shopping centres, The Pavilions and Intu.

Dale Wagstaff, finance director for Howarth Homes, says: “For investors keen to exploit the anticipated capital growth potential in Uxbridge, Panorama provides a great investment opportunity. With properties being launched off-plan, there is the potential for a rise in capital value prior to completion in 2018.”

Price: From £224,995Find out more at 01895 233999Panorama in Uxbridge, Hillingdon (Howarth Homes)

King’s Cross Quarter in King’s Cross (Regal Homes)

This is a collection of eight new and renovated three-, four- and five-bedroom lifetime family homes, situated on the former grounds of the Sisters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul convent and school.

Located on The Ridgeway – one of the most sought-after areas in Mill Hill – these homes are set around a delightful village green and the backdrop of a historic Victorian chapel. These properties are close to excellent schools, local amenities and transport links and provide both privacy and high security, with a gated entrance, underground parking and video entry system.

Luke Winham of Vision Residences says: “The Village Green is a very special place to live. The setting of the development has been enhanced by the stylish balance between traditional build and contemporary design, so that each home benefits from exceptional attention to detail and the latest technology.”

Price: From £1.795mFind out more on www.thevillagegreennw7.com; 020 8731 9500 (Glentree)Bentley Place in Bentley Heath (Heronslea)

The Village Green in Mill Hill (Vision Residences)

King’s Cross is fast becoming one of London’s core business hubs, with Facebook, Google and Amazon relocating their head offices to the area. This luxury scheme is not only close to these major employers, but is well linked to destinations in and out of London, being located just minutes from King’s Cross and St Pancras International stations.

This development comprises 118 Manhattan suites (studios), one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom penthouses. A high-quality specification resonates throughout each apartment,

ranging from integrated kitchens fitted with matte German designer units, quartz stone worktops and Bosch appliances, to hotel-inspired bathrooms. Each apartment also has access to private outdoor space.

Residents-only facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness suite, a spa, complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, and a cinema room. There is also a 24-hour concierge and round-the-clock security.

Price: From £740,000Find out more at 020 7328 7171

Hackney

NewhamTowerHamlets

WalthamForest

HaringeyRedbridge

Barking &Dagenham

Havering

Enfield

Barnet

Harrow

Brent

Ealing

Hillingdon

Hounslow

Richmond uponThames

Kingstonupon

Thames

Merton

Sutton

Wandsworth

Croydon

Bromley

Lewisham

Bexley

Greenwich

SouthwarkLam

beth

IslingtonCamden

City of London

City of W

estminster

Kensington

& C

helsea

Ham

mersm

ith

& Fulham

This low-rise scheme will comprise 240 apartments in seven blocks, with 151 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for private sale and 69 one- and two-bedroom homes available via Shared Ownership.

L&Q’s research has ascertained that the price per square foot of property in Canada Water rose about 19% in 2015, but is still some 25-40% less expensive than neighbouring areas such as Bermondsey, Wapping and Canary Wharf.

Cathy Lloyd, sales and marketing director for L&Q, says:

“Quebec Quarter makes a major contribution to the regeneration of this increasingly popular area. The three-bedroom private sale units, a number of which are available in the first release, are considerably larger than the average for London, so we anticipate a good deal of interest from young families, as well as young professionals and first-time buyers for the smaller units.”

Price: £770,000Find out more at www.quebecquarter.co.uk; 0333 0033 663

Vita, Ruskin Square in Croydon (Places for People)


Horizon London in Seven Kings, Redbridge (Surrenden Invest)

Another development ideally placed to benefit from the Crossrail/Elizabeth line services being introduced in 2018/19, this east London scheme is just a short walk (5-7 minutes) from Seven Kings station and a 10-12 minutes from Ilford station. It offers a range of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments that will make excellent rental properties for young professional commuters

Environmental matters have been critical to the development’s

design, including green ‘living’ walls, photovoltaic cells on the upper levels, rainwater harvesting and a centralised heating system. These features will lower energy consumption and reduce residents’ energy bills.

Price: From £233,000Find out more at www.surrendeninvest.com; 020 3372 6499

Quebec Quarter in Canada Water (L&Q)

Cedarwood Square in Deptford (Lendlease)

Just launched for sale, Cedarwood Square is the first collection of 203 homes at The Timberyard Deptford, providing a collection of one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and four bedroom townhouses, surrounded by 28 acres of green space.

The development will create a new Waterline linear park, which will run the entire length of the historic route of the Grand Surrey Canal, allowing residents to enjoy riverside and parkside living.

All apartments and townhouses will also include either a balcony or terrace in addition to light and spacious open-plan living spaces

and interiors finished with timber flooring and floor-to-ceiling double glazed windows. The whole development is powered by an eco-friendly on-site energy centre.

The high street is a short walk away and there are excellent transport links to Canary Wharf and London Bridge (12 mins).

Subject to final planning consent, construction will start on site in mid-2016 and the first phase of homes is expected to be completed in winter 2018.

Price: From £399,950Find out more at www.thetimberyard.london; 020 3815 9000

Launched at the end of February, this 25-storey tower provides residents with exceptional views of Canary Wharf and the River Thames. The development will provide a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, each with its own private balcony or terrace. The top two floors of the building are taken up by a duplex, with a substantial private terrace and two balconies providing far-reaching views across London’s skyline.

Residents will have a 24-hour concierge service, private gymnasium and a tree-lined, landscaped piazza with fountain jets.

With Crossharbour DLR station just a minute’s walk from The Liberty Building, it’s a perfect base for commuters, with Canary Wharf just four minutes away and Bank only 15 minutes away. When Crossrail arrives in 2018, journey times from Canary Wharf through Central London will decrease, with Liverpool Street six minutes away, Bond Street 13 minutes and Heathrow 39 minutes.

First completions at The Liberty Building are expected from Spring 2019.

Price: From £495,000Find out more at www.telfordhomes.london; 020 3538 4859

The Liberty Building in Limeharbour (Telford Homes)

Vita is a 22-storey tower taking shape next to East Croydon train station, with a nine-storey plinth with 161 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouses. Designed by Stirling prize-winning architects AHMM, the scheme is scheduled to be complete by the summer. All of the properties have large private balconies and benefit from a roof garden and landscaped private garden at ground level.

Elliott Stiling, sales and marketing director at Places for People, says: “Vita has attracted strong interest from local people and first-time buyers, with 60% of apartments already sold.”

The new marketing suite is now open seven days a week from 10.30am to 5:30pm to help potential homebuyers get a taste of the luxury accommodation available at Vita.

Price: £POAFind out more at www.vita-ruskinsquare.co.uk; 020 8681 8132

• Fantastic Investment opportunities• Stunning 17th floor terraced views• 24 hour concierge• 24 hour gym• Underground parking*• Outside space with every apartment• Show homes available to view

Spectacular London views minus the London prices.

ISLAN

DISLA

ND

ISLAND 1 NEWGATE, CROYDON, SURREY CR0 2FB

A gated development of stylish1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

*Subject to availability

Contact haart Croydon 020 8680 0283www.island-croydon.co.uk

HELP TO BUYAVAILABLE!

• Fantastic Investment opportunities• Stunning 17th floor terraced views• 24 hour concierge• 24 hour gym• Underground parking*• Outside space with every apartment• Show homes available to view

Spectacular London views minus the London prices.

ISLAN

DISLA

ND

ISLAND 1 NEWGATE, CROYDON, SURREY CR0 2FB

A gated development of stylish1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

*Subject to availability

Contact haart Croydon 020 8680 0283www.island-croydon.co.uk

HELP TO BUYAVAILABLE!

Mortgage Advisers

WhatHouse-FTBHS-FP.indd 1 29/02/2016 11:35

mortgages 23For the latest on the property market @What_House

f you are looking to get a mortgage, there are lots of ways in which you can help to increase your chances of being accepted. Thinking about what

your bank or building society will want to know in advance of your application is crucial to maximising your chances of getting the home loan that you need. Of course, there are also ways in which you can harm your chances of getting a mortgage. Here are five things to avoid if you don’t want to be turned down.

MISS PAYMENTS ON OTHER DEBTSThe vast majority of lenders carry out a ‘credit search’ on mortgage applicants. This means that they will access your credit file to establish how well you have managed your credit in the past.

If you have missed payments on other mortgages, credit cards, store cards, loans or other finance in the last few years this can adversely affect your credit score. It will make it much less likely that you’ll be accepted for a loan.

If you want to get a mortgage you need to make sure you manage

all your credit carefully and make all payments on time.

BECOME SELF-EMPLOYED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE APPLYING FOR A MORTGAGEBanks and building societies all need proof of your earnings. Whether that is payslips, your P60, accounts, or your tax return, a lender will want you to evidence your income.

If you’re self-employed a lender will generally need your accounts for the last two or three years. If you are newly self-employed it can make it very difficult to get a mortgage simply because you can’t prove a track record of your earnings.

SPEND ALL YOUR CASH ON GOING OUTSince April 2014, lenders have an increased responsibility to ensure that you can afford to pay your mortgage. Banks and building societies have started to look in forensic detail at your outgoings - not just on credit

commitments but also on how much you spend on clothes, eating out and even gambling.

If you spend every last spare penny on restaurant meals and going out it will make it much harder for a lender to demonstrate that you will be able to afford your new mortgage, particularly when interest rates rise in the future.

THROW AWAY ALL YOUR PAPERWORK

If you are one of those people who

doesn’t keep their payslips, bank statements or official documents then you may also find it hard to get a mortgage.

Banks and building societies will ask you to produce a range of documents in order to be approved for a home loan. This will include salary slips, bank statements and other items such as your P60 or proof of your life insurance. If you don’t have this information, it will be hard to get the mortgage you need.

PLAN TO START A FAMILY IMMEDIATELYSomewhat controversially, it has emerged over the last couple of years that borrowers who intend to start a family - or where one party is pregnant already - are finding it harder to get the mortgage they need.

Lenders apply strict affordability tests and many have concerns that borrowers won’t be able to afford both their mortgage and the childcare costs associated with starting a family.

I

Five things not to do if you want a mortgageNick Parkhouse show you the pitfalls to avoid for a successful mortgage application

arch 2016 is the seventh anniversary of the Bank of England cutting interest rates to their

historic low of 0.5%. Despite the cost of borrowing having fallen to record levels in that period, mortgage rates in the UK are still continuing to fall for many.

For seven years, borrowers have benefited from the Bank of England Base rate remaining at a historic low. And, despite no change to the base rate, mortgage rates in the UK continue to fall as

competition between lenders drives down the cost of deals.

Recent figures published in The Guardian have revealed that the average mortgage rate has fallen by around a third over the past six years, saving borrowers £270 a month on a £200,000 mortgage.

Separate data from the Bank of England shows that the average cost of a five-year fixed-rate mortgage for a borrower with a 25% deposit has fallen from 3.98% to 2.77% since 2009. Rates on two-year deals have fallen from 3.98% in 2009 to 1.95% today.

Mortgage expert David Hollingworth warned that borrowers should not get complacent, reminding borrowers that while the base rate has languished at 0.5% for many years, at some stage it will rise.

“It is wise to prepare for this change, and take action,” he says. “This includes taking the opportunity to cut the rate you’re paying with ongoing competition between lenders and attractive deals around. Also, prepare for a rise by overpaying to get rid of debt more quickly.”

WEALTHY HOMEBUYERS BEING DENIED THE BEST MORTGAGE DEALS

While competition between lenders has driven down rates, many of the wealthiest homebuyers are being denied access to the very best deals, despite exemptions to affordability rules that should allow them to borrow the amounts that they need.

In April 2014, the Financial Conduct Authority imposed constraints on affordability for mortgage borrowers under the Mortgage Market Review. However, that process exempted high

net-worth borrowers, defined as those earning more than £300,000 a year or with more than £3m in assets.

Nearly two years later, many high street lenders are failing to use the exemption for fear of falling foul of the regulator. This has forced many wealthy clients to turn to private banks for a mortgage, meaning they can’t access the very best deals in the market.

“The exemption is out there and available, yet the vast majority of lenders are choosing not to use it,” says mortgage expert Mark Harris. “I think it’s fear of getting on the regulator’s radar for doing something out of the ordinary.”

M

Mortgage rates continue to fall – but not for wealthy borrowersLending criteria mean high net-worth individuals may not be offered the cut-price rates available, says Nick Parkhouse

HOMEISWHEREYOURMUMIS...

You can download every issue of South free of charge to read on your favourite device londonpropertyreview.co.uk

WhatHouse Ad.indd 1 26/02/2016 09:14

We are Europe’s largest privately owned provider of estate agency. We offer a bespoke advisory, land source, building, planning and sales & marketing service to developers, house builders, RSLs, and funders of residential and mixed use projects throughout the UK.Our unique and expansive array of services include strategically positioned land and new homes in London’s most vibrant marketplaces, with a comprehensive ‘one stop shop’ service.Our award-winning services incorporate the latest innovations and technology, whilst our specialist management team are some of the most highly trained individuals in the business.

SERVICES INCLUDE:• Land sourcing • Brand identity and logo design• Award-winning bespoke apps, pictures & aerial videography• Major online presence encompassing Rightmove, Twitter, Facebook• Specialist new build and mortgage division• New build legal desk• Assisted move and part exchange• Professional launches • Revitalise existing developments with redesign and relaunch

The ‘one stop shop’ bespoke service for developers

NEW HOMES NEW HOMES NEW HOMES NEW HOMES LANDDavinia White David Frost Carla Longworth Harrison Coates Sholto SilvestriDivisional Director Regional Sales Manager Marketing Manager Marketing Manager Land [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

LONDON OFFICE – LAND & NEW HOMES

Tel 020 7237 5116 | www.spicerhaartlandandnewhomes.co.uk

• A stunning selection of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments within a converted laundry factory

• Open plan living with high specifi cations throughout• Apartments are fully integrated and controlled by a complimentary iPad – curtains,

underfl oor heating, TV and sound systems• Ethernet connections and HD-quality Sky TV to all rooms• 24 hour recording system for the underground parking

• Alarm system to all apartments• Daikin Air source• Turnham Green Tube station is a 12 minute walk• Chiswick railway station is a 4 minute walk• 190 and E3 buses are a 5 minute walk • Award winning pubs and restaurants nearby• Next door to the famous Hogarth’s House

NEW RELEASE Hogarth Views - Chiswick, W4 OVER50% SOLD

Spicer Hart_Fullpage.indd 1 08/03/2016 15:03

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Spicer Hart_Fullpage[2].pdf 1 08/03/2016 15:32

ulti-award-winning housebuilder Weston Homes has officially launched its latest development in Kent,

with the first properties for sale at Langley Square in Dartford.

The waterside ‘garden village’ is set on the former Wellcome factory site, just minutes from Dartford station, which was recently brought within the zone 6 Oyster card boundary. The 400 new homes will comprise a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom

apartments and penthouses.

The development fronts onto an historic millpond and the River Darent and its leafy roads will incorporate a large village pond, a new local high street with around 29,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, and

landscaped green spaces.

This is quite a transformation for the former industrial site, which hosted a paper mill for nearly 40 years before it was replaced by the pharmaceuticals factory founded by Henry Wellcome and Silas Borroughs in 1889. In its Edwardian heyday, the factory site covered 33 acres and employed 1,300 people. The entire site will provide over 1,000 new homes in addition to shops, offices, public open spaces and playgrounds.

Bob Weston, CEO of Weston Group, says: “We are delighted to launch

Langley Square. The £90m garden village has transformed disused brownfield land into high-quality residential housing and commercial space, creating an attractive and enjoyable place to live. Langley Square is ideal for those looking to own a new home in a country village setting and benefits from excellent connections and outstanding lifestyle facilities on the doorstep.”

The new apartments at Langley Square are priced from £204,995.

Find out more on www.whathouse.com

kent 27For the latest on the property market @What_House

ordwainers is a fine Grade II listed former Kentish hall house in the village of Leeds, recently sympathetically updated

to create an atmospheric country house. This fascinating property boasts a number of outstanding architectural period features including beams and timbers, mullion windows, Gothic arches and leaded light metal framed windows. Some of the stone was reputedly reclaimed from Leeds Priory, which was dissolved in the mid-1500s.

These original features are complemented by a range of high-specification improvements and the addition of an extension at the rear, where the bright and airy breakfast room is located. Here, underfoot, there are remarkable Jurassic limestone floor tiles displaying ancient fossils. The drawing room has a beautiful stone fireplace and wide oak flooring, while in the sitting room the focus

is an inglenook fireplace with wood-burning stove and herringbone-design brick flooring.

The kitchen/breakfast room comprises neutrally toned cupboards with granite and timber worktops and two butler sinks. A cellar provides useful further storage space. There is also an adaptable ground- floor bedroom and shower room. On the first floor, the master bedroom features a fine stone fireplace and dramatic vaulted ceiling with en suite incorporating a shower and slipper bath. There are three further bedrooms: two interconnecting and one with stairs to ground floor. There is also a family bathroom with roll-top bath and separate shower cubicle.

The property is set in 1.8 acres of landscaped gardens with established trees enclosed by mature hedging providing utter privacy and seclusion. The Warren is a detached building currently used as an office. There

is also a timber-built stable block with direct access to the paddocks at the rear.

The pretty Wealden village of Leeds has two pubs and nearby Maidstone provides comprehensive shopping, restaurants, Hazlitt Theatre, and Mote Park with its extensive grounds, leisure and recreational facilities.

A variety of state and private schools include Sutton Valence Junior and Senior Schools, Dulwich Preparatory at Cranbrook and secondary and grammar schools at Maidstone.

Bearsted Station has trains to London Victoria in 69 minutes and Ashford International Station provides services to London St Pancras from 37 minutes. The M20 gives access to Dover, Folkestone and Ashford International and also to the M25 for Gatwick and Heathrow Airports.

Find out more at www.jacksonstops.co.uk; 01580 720000

Period property of the month with Jackson Stops & Staff

C

A Wellcome changeWeston Homes launches 400-home development in Dartford

M

CALL: 01753 336552 | EMAIL: [email protected]

VISIT: WWW.TAPLOWRIVERSIDE.CO.UK

The highly anticipated first release of three, four and five bedroom luxury houses will soon be launching at Taplow Riverside. These beautiful homes are set amid landscaped parkland between the Thames and Jubilee rivers, with a number of moorings available*.

Please contact us to register your interest and to find out more about this extraordinary opportunity for luxurious riverside living.

* Subject to availabilty. Computer generated image is indicative only and subject to change. Showhome photography is indicative only of a previous Berkeley showhome. Lifestyle photography is indicative only.

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Coming Soon: Taplow RiversideREGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY

Wentworth, SurreyBeautifully presented, recently refurbished detached character home in a south facing half acre plot, situated on the Wentworth Estate. 5 bedroom suites, fabulous entrance hall, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room with family area, snug area, utility, cloakroom, summer house, garaging, delightful private south facing gardens.

KnightFrank.co.ukOffice: 01344 840020 [email protected]

Guide price: £3,500,000

KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk

Wentworth, SurreyStunning brand new house with the accommodation arranged over three levels extending to just under 6,500 sq ft. Spacious reception hall, 4 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast area, utility, 2 cloakrooms, 5 bedroom suites, leisure/bedroom 6, au-pair suite, south facing landscaped gardens. In all about 0.5 acres. EPC rating B.

KnightFrank.co.ukOffice: 01344 840020 [email protected]

Guide price: £3,650,000

hampshire 31For the latest on the property market @What_House

Find out more at 01243 531010

Rural living

This impressive and imposing Grade II listed Georgian home has immense charm and character. The property, believed to have been built in 1810 by Sir William Knighton, was granted planning permission in 2008 to convert into three substantial wings. Cadlington Hall is the more prominent wing and benefits from many traditional features including high ceilings, tall sash-style windows, wooden and flagstone flooring and ornate fireplaces.

The property has been tastefully converted and modernised and offers around 5,345 sq ft of spacious family living. There are three reception rooms to the ground floor including an impressive drawing room with high ceilings approximately nearly 12 ft in height. The first floor consists of five double bedrooms, two with en suite bathrooms, a dressing area and family shower room. The freehold property is being offered to the market with no onward chain.

Cadlington Hall, Cadlington House, Waterlooville – £1.2m

Hope Cottage is an attractive, well-proportioned family home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, two en suite, in a picturesque countryside setting with far-reaching views over farmland and open countryside. This period cottage was substantially extended and completely refurbished in 1996 to add a family room, dining room, kitchen and

conservatory to the original sitting room, utility and shower room.

The property is set well in its four-acre plot, offering fantastic equestrian facilities comprising three stables, tack room, barn and paddock. An outdoor swimming pool is also a feature of the spacious garden and there is plenty of off-road parking, making it a perfect family home.

Hope Cottage, Hipley – £1.1m

This month, we head to the country to view two fabulous rural homes currently for sale in Hampshire with Humberts

The Frost report or some, the choice of a

buy-to-let property might be the result of an arduous research process, weighing up pros and cons and

calculating numbers before plumping for the most promising candidate. But not for John and Teresa Frost!

Though the couple had been following progress on Linden Homes’ Froyle Park development in Hampshire for some time, they hadn’t considered taking a look until Teresa’s sudden impulse to go in and see the show home first-hand.

From there, it wasn’t long before the couple were jumping into ownership of a one-bedroom apartment at the scheme, located in the village of Upper Froyle, just a few miles north-east of Alton.

“She happened to pop in one day

for a nosy around,” explains retiree John, “and from the moment she found the show home she was hooked! It’s not hard to see why: the show homes at Froyle Park are so beautifully dressed. In fact, she loves it so much it’s almost become a weekly visit for us – she just can’t stay away! After the first look round we did a little more investigating and decided it would be the perfect place to invest.”

The area doesn’t have any comparable new developments under way, and Linden Homes reports a healthy interest from investors in the range of properties available at Froyle Park.

“[The development] and the surrounding areas are beautiful, it’s easy to see why people would want to live here. Upper Froyle is a lovely part of the world and I would encourage

others to take a look. As it happens, it’s so lovely that my wife and I are looking to move here ourselves!” adds John.

“Because of the enviable location and the quality of the homes, it wasn’t difficult to find a tenant,” he says. “In fact, we already had someone lined-up before we’d even completed on the property. The thing about the homes at Froyle Park is the quality and I really believe that high-quality homes attract high-quality tenants.

“I wanted a professional and someone who would look after the property and that’s exactly what I

found – it was a piece of cake really. I think the location is very appealing to a lot of people.”

The development is just a short stroll from the local pub and a cycle-ride away from picturesque Alton, a market town with a vibrant mix of cafés, shops and restaurants on offer. The village is also well connected to London (via A3 and M3 and Alton’s station) and via road to Guildford, Farnham, Aldershot and Winchester.

Susan Whiting, marketing manager at Linden Homes South, is not surprised about the Frosts reaction

to their visit to the Froyle Park show home: “It’s great to hear that Mr Frost was so taken with the development that he has decided to look for a home for himself here. For people seeking a smart investment, Froyle Park is the ideal location. Nearly 15% of the properties have sold to investors to date and with a selection of apartments and houses still available, I’d advise anyone interested to come down and find out more.”

Find out more at www.lindenhomes.co.uk; 01420 384394

FCouple find an unexpected investment property at Froyle Park

01707 [email protected] www.charteroak.co.uk

Capitalise on a high yielding asset that retains scope for capital appreciation with a three-year guaranteed income scheme offering up to 10% net p.a.

Situated in high rental performing South West Cornwall, our luxury fully furnished lodges come with an inclusive, hassle-free management and letting service.

Lodges can be purchased free of stamp duty, conveyancing fees and council tax; and have a 125 year licence with no transfer fees.

Prices from £145,000.

Call us today to find out more

EXCEPTIONAL | ASPIRATIONAL | LUXURIOUS

Up to NET P.A.10%Lodge investment

16269_Charteroak_WhatHouse_Ad_V3_Layout 1 19/02/2016 17:14 Page 1

ASHBY, BUCKLAND, CAPEL AND

CHARLWOOD

FOUR SUPERB 3 BEDROOM HOMES

DUNSFOLD

A FIVE BEDROOM DETACHED HOME WITH

ITS OWN DRIVEWAY

Situated on quiet and leafy Windmill Drive in Leatherhead. The Windmills is an exclusive

development of just four beautiful 3-bed houses & one

5-bed detached house all with anexceptionally high specifi cation.

Prices from £724,950.

For further information and to make an appointment to view, please call Patrick Gardner on 01372 360832.

WINDMILL DRIVE, LEATHERHEAD, SURREY KT22 8PB01932 586 777 www.rushmon.co.uk 01372 360832 www.patrickgardner.com

STUNNING NEW SHOWHOME OPENS SATURDAY 2ND APRIL 10AM TO 4PM

RshmWndmlSHOpenFeb16-SD210x297-FINAL.indd 1 23/02/2016 12:32

Show and tell

ayley Holland, senior interior designer at Vogue Showhomes, worked on the new ‘Haydock’ show house at CALA Homes’

Priest Hill Heights. She says: “A show home is very important as it shows visitors how the space can be used and allows people to imagine themselves living there.

“Richer metallic colours such as bronze and copper are continuing to be a top story in interiors. We have incorporated this in the ‘Haydock’ by using copper highlights and rich burnt orange tones as our colour accent throughout the home, but using it in different ways to create a different mood for each room.”

Hayley’s top five design tips for the latest interior design trends:

1. FORMAL DRESS FOR DINNER

Although we love our informal family spaces where we can all get together for relaxed weekends, we are seeing

the return of the formal eating space. The ‘Haydock’ has a wonderful separate dining room perfect for hosting grown up dinner parties or Sunday lunch. Use symmetry to create a formal mood like we have at Priest Hill Heights. A central chandelier finishes the look in this very sophisticated space.

2. COPPER COOLCopper is such a versatile tone. Use it in its matt form and pair it with warm neutrals to create an inviting ambience with burnt oranges and sunset tones like we have in the bedrooms. Or use it in its metallic form to create a sleek modern look like we have in the kitchen. The copper accessories contribute perfectly to the contemporary feel of this family room.

3. FEATURE FURNITURETo create a show home look use a single, standout piece of furniture in a room. Whether it’s a sumptuous sofa, an amazing bedstead or a sleek sideboard, every home has to have its

hero piece. In the sitting room we used a rich burnt orange crushed velvet coffee table placed in the centre of the seating area. This bold colour makes a statement against a soft taupe on the walls and cream fabric on the upholstery.

4. TURN UP THE TEXTURE

Fusion of textures is still a top trend. Think about layering contrasting textures and patterns to create an opulent look like we have in the stunning master bedroom suite at Priest Hill Heights. Mixing soft velvets, smooth metallics, luxurious sequins, faux furs and glamorous glass furniture creates a room which is so very lavish, warm and inviting.

5. BOUTIQUE FINISHWhen you’re thinking about the look for your bedroom, create the feel of a boutique hotel by using a simple template: a central bed with large feature headboard, symmetrical

bedside tables, matching lamps and a feature chair or sofa. Keep your bed linen crisp and your cushions perfectly arranged and it will be like sleeping in a top hotel. You can change the look of your bedroom easily by updating your cushions, throws and accessories.

Priest Hill Heights is an exclusive collection of just 15 five- and six-bedroom family homes set off Reigate Road adjacent to the Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Priest Hill nature reserve. Prices currently start from £1.425m.Find out more at www.cala.co.uk; 020 8394 0950

H

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes surrey 35

A life of luxury Gleneagles, Kingswood – £2.775m

This imposing property is located in the Wentworth golfing estate, with generous gardens and grounds extending to approximately 1.2 acres. Approached through a gated entrance leading to a large drive with ample space to park several vehicles, this delightful property provides two floors of accommodation that includes a large galleried hallway, a generous kitchen/breakfast room with doors leading to the terrace, dining room, family room, drawing room, study, utility room and two guest cloakrooms. The first floor provides five generous bedrooms with four en suite facilities. The principal bedroom offers a dressing area, bathroom and balcony with views overlooking the gardens to the rear. The property also provides a useful self-contained annexe facility, which is located above the double width garage.

The landscaped rear garden backs on to the 18th tee, offering an excellent degree of privacy, and features a sun terrace ideal for outdoor entertaining.

Perfect for families seeking world-renowned schools including Eton College, Papplewick, Sunningdale, St Mary’s, Hurst Lodge, St Georges and St John’s Beaumont, there are also two well-regarded international schools, the ACS and TASIS nearby.

The local shops of Virginia Water provide an excellent range of day-to-day shopping needs along with cafés and restaurants. Sporting facilities include golf at Wentworth and Sunningdale and horse racing at Ascot and Windsor. Virginia Water has direct trains to London Waterloo in approximately 45 minutes. Heathrow is nine miles away.

Byron House, Wentworth – £4.6m

This month, Sotheby’s shares two remarkable Surrey homes currently on the market. Find out more on www.sothebysrealty.co.uk; 01932 860537

A stunning contemporary home situated in one of Kingswood’s most sought-after roads. Built by Whiteoak Developments as one of a pair, this outstanding property with four bedrooms, each with a balcony, and six reception rooms offers the ultimate location capturing panoramic views to the rear over Kingswood Golf Club’s 18th fairway. With an extensive range of striking features combining floor-to-ceiling bi-folding doors, air conditioning and high-specification technology throughout, the contemporary interior offers spacious family living with large, open-plan areas, gym, cinema and games room

presented over three floors. The landscaped gardens provide

an ideal outdoor entertaining area with attractive lawns and areas of decking along with a spa pool with mood lighting, hot tub, ornate ponds and further water features.

The village of Kingswood is close by with an excellent range of local shops and restaurants and the area offers a wide choice of state and independent schools. Kingswood has a mainline rail service to London Bridge in approximately 47 minutes. The M25 is accessed via Junction 8 (1.7 miles) with further connections to the motorway network along with Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

The designer talks through the new show home at luxury scheme in Epsom

Green Park

Chelsea Embankment

Battersea Park

The CityThe Shard

F I N A L T W OH O M E S N O WR E M A I N I N G

T H E T O W N H O U S EC O L L E C T I O NSTUNNING 4 & 5

BEDROOM TOWNHOUSES

IN BATTERSEA PARK ROAD

PRICES FROM £1,795,000TO £1,995,000

CALL: 0207 228 0174 OR FIND OUT MORE

ONLINE AT SHANLYHOMES.COM

SHOW HOME AVAILABLE

Location photography of Battersea and surrounding areas. Prices correct at time of press.

The Townhouse Collection is an exclusive selection of elegant 4 and 5bedroom homes perfectly located moments from Battersea Park withexcellent transport links into the city.

These impressive townhouses have been built to the highest standardfeaturing a luxury specification, flexible layouts as well as private gardens,terraces and secure underground parking accessible via a car lift.

The Townhouse CollectionBATTERSEA PARK ROAD, SW11 4NB

Land & New Homes

“Luxury handmade furnituredesigned and made exclusive for you”

T: +44 (0)208 529 2222E: [email protected]: www.leberta.co.uk7 Hall Lane, Chingford, London E4 8HH

Opening hoursMon-Sat: 10:00-19:00

“We don’t just sell furniturewe create living spaces”

“Handcraftedby master craftsmen”

Leberta_What_House_Newspaper.indd 1 26/02/2016 11:27

01237 459 998 | Grenville Wharf, 6a The Quay, Bideford EX39 2HW

morrisandbott.co.uk

Northam - North Devon

£720,000

6 | 4 | 3 • Panoramic Views• Includes 3 Bedroom Cottage• Private Mooring• 0.5 Acres Fronting River

• Successful Holiday Let• Double Garage• Extensive Panoramic Views• EPC Rating - E

For full details, or to view more of our portfolio, visit our website

Join us and be a part of our success.

Voted Best Holiday Accommodation Provider for Customer Service.

Interested in letting?

What House - Yeoldon.indd 1 24/03/2016 15:05:12

Midhurst, West Sussex – a buyer’s guide

ith only a few properties left for sale at The Lanes, one of the most popular phases

on the development, Countryside is urging house-hunters in West Sussex to act quickly to secure a brand new home at Wickhurst Green, in Broadbridge Heath.

The area’s appeal to homebuyers is typical of that in a county where 80% of the land is rural and half is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Broadbridge Heath also benefits from proximity to Horsham, which offers excellent commuter links to London and elsewhere, and a number of highly regarded schools close by, including Tanbridge House, Forest, The Weald, Millais and Farlington.

The Lanes at Wickhurst Green offers two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom properties. Andrew Loveday, sales director at Countryside, comments: “The Lanes has proven extremely popular, which is why there is only a handful of properties still available. Purchasers have seen the potential in

investing in a family home here, which once their children have moved out, they can downsize from and cash in on the significant price increase. We urge potential purchasers to come and view the final remaining homes, so that they do not miss out on this fantastic chance to secure a home in this prime area of the south east.”

Among the house types remaining for sale is the ‘Wakeford’, a four-bedroom, three-storey family home which offers over 1,500 sq ft of accommodation, and the three-bedroom ‘Churchill’. Both property types are centred on an open-plan living/dining area which is perfect for family life and entertaining visitors. There’s also the two-bedroom ‘Heydon’, ideal for those looking for a cottage-style abode. Prices for the last homes at The Lanes start at £305,000.

As with all house types at The Lanes, each home has a high-quality kitchen and a private garden. The development itself has a range of green open spaces which can be navigated on foot or by bike safely by all members of the family. The village

centre provides shops, sports facilities and a primary school.

Connections from The Lances include the A24, offering direct access into London to the north and Worthing

to the south, while Gatwick is only 17 miles away and Heathrow is just under an hour distant. There are regular bus routes from Broadbridge Heath into Horsham, where rail services to London

Victoria and London Bridge have a journey time of under 55 minutes.Find out more at www.thelanes-wickhurstgreen.co.uk; 01403 24214

W

Last chance at The LanesFinal few properties for sale at Wickhurst Green phase

sussex 39For the latest on the property market @What_House

A PIECE OF HISTORYThe market town of Midhurst is slap bang in the middle of the South Downs, which is a protected area, so in terms of future development buyers can take some comfort that the rural nature of the surroundings will not change. And it means lots of walking and cycle trails are close by. Once people discover Midhurst’s fantastic history they are hooked. The magnificent ruins of Cowdray Park and the Norman castle are popular tourist attractions and Goodwood is a short drive. Ruth Rendell also set many of her Inspector Wexford novels in Midhurst and there’s a literary trail. The town is a delightful mix of medieval, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture with a huge range of upmarket shops, cafés and delis, everything from cream teas to tapas. Popular schools

include the Midhurst Rother College, judged outstanding by Ofsted with a catchment of around 400 square miles drawing students from the surrounding villages and market towns.

PROPERTY FOR ALL TASTESIn and around Midhurst you’ll find a range of fantastic properties from old medieval houses and cottages to more modern properties within walking distance of the centre. Couples in their 30s with children head this way, usually from London, looking for a lovely family home for up to £1.5m that they’ll probably stay in for the next 30-odd years. Many downsizers move back to the town to be near the shops and restaurants. Our job is to find the perfect home for our clients that meet their search criteria and often that’s one that’s not actually on the market. My extensive network of contacts enables me to find out who is thinking of selling in West Sussex but may not have, for one reason or another, taken the plunge to market their home.

A QUEST FOR VILLAGE LIFEQuite a few of our clients wish to search for a property in the surrounding villages, many of which have great primary schools and lively communities. Lurgashall village is very popular and you can see why, as it’s a quintessential English scene set round the village green with its

own cricket team. The Noah’s Ark Inn is well supported by locals and those coming from further afield and the village hall holds regular events. Fernhurst has a good primary school, as has Stedham, whose Hamilton Arms is famed for its Thai food as well as a traditional English menu. Stedham’s watermill was used for manufacturing blotting paper and St James’ Church is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The string of Harting villages to the west of Midhurst are also popular.

WELL CONNECTEDCommuters tend to drive the 10 miles to Haslemere for the fast train into London Waterloo in just under an hour. Some prefer to catch the train at Petersfield, an 18-minute drive, and slightly longer commute just to get a seat. Midhurst is around 55 miles from London and 12 miles to Chichester. Gatwick is 33 miles and just over an hour via the A272 while Heathrow is also just an hour by car, so it’s still a good option for our clients who travel regularly for business or want to get away quickly on their holidays. Sailors quite like the fact that they are so close to Chichester Harbour.

Haringtons acquire residential property in London and houses, farms and estates in the country on behalf of private clients on an exclusive basis.

Jamie Freeman, director and country homes specialist at search agent Haringtons takes a look at Midhurst and its surrounding villages

Find out more at www.haringtons-uk.com; 020 7661 9388

01237 459 998 | Grenville Wharf, 6a The Quay, Bideford EX39 2HW

morrisandbott.co.uk

Higher Clovelly - North Devon

£925,000

4 | 3 | 3 • Idyllic Lifestyle Business• 3 Luxury Holiday Cottages• Sea/Countryside Views• Popular Situation

• Grand Period Main Residence• Garage and Parking• Gardens and Paddock• Located on Over An Acre Plot

For full details, or to view more of our portfolio, visit our website

Voted Best Holiday Accommodation Provider for Customer Service at the 2015 British Travel Awards.

Looking to let your property? Be a part of our success

What House - retreat.indd 2 26/02/2016 10:23:53

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes budget 41

Budget reactionWhat the property industry has to say hancellor

George Osborne has presented his eighth

Budget and among the many new announcements are a number of factors affecting the UK’s homeowners, house-hunters, housing market and property industry. While there maybe wasn’t as much housing news as hoped for, news of the Crossrail 2 has been well-received, and WhatHouse.com has gathered more reactions from the leading experts in the property industry.

C“As Crossrail 1 has demonstrated, major infrastructure projects can have a serious regenerative effect and unlock new opportunities for housing by boosting connectivity within cities.

“Investment into key infrastructure like Crossrail 2 is infinitely more useful in helping to deliver real affordability into the market than many of the short-termist housing initiatives we have seen recently. Opening up new areas of London as viable locations for housing will increase choice for hardworking Londoners looking for sensibly priced homes.““A threshold on how many homes the stamp duty surcharge applies to is also crucial for institutional landlords and investors. The aim of delivering more homes will not be achieved if investors are put off from creating large developments of new homes to begin with.”

“It was pleasing to see that the Office for Budget Responsibility has predicted a steady growth rate in the British economy of around 2% until 2020. This, when combined with the announcement of the Crossrail 2 north-to-south train line through London will positively affect the London property market, as we have seen areas such as Paddington benefit from investment and rising property values due to the original Crossrail.

“We welcome the announcement that Capital Gains Tax is to be cut, as it allows greater investment into London; we hope to see more people investing in the London property market as a result of this policy. Unfortunately, the higher rates of stamp duty land tax that were announced in 2015 and the 3% surcharge on buy-to-let properties and second homes will continue to stifle the property market in London.”

“The UK is in desperate need of a housing policy which caters for the long-term, reflecting the future needs of a growing population and changing demand for property type and tenure, which looks beyond the next parliamentary period. We are also in desperate need of more homes. We need more incentives, and easier processes, for small and medium-sized housebuilders to get building.

“Lifetime ISAs, outlined today, are another supportive measure for first-time buyers and are a significant boon for those looking to save for a home. However, this is another measure which boosts demand and today we heard very little about supply – increasing housing supply is key to easing property price growth.

“The confirmation that there will be a 3% stamp duty surcharge for second home owners is a real blow – and the brunt of this change will be felt by tenants and not landlords. There was no detail given today in the Chancellor’s speech and there are many questions unanswered.”

Nick Leeming, chairman at Jackson-Stops & Staff

“The country’s housing shortage can only be solved by boosting the supply of new homes, and the government could have gone further in making this a priority. While the Lifetime ISA is a positive step forward that will make it easier for people to save for a deposit on a home, more should have been done to bring housebuilding

into greater focus. In his budget, George Osborne claims to put the next generation first, but this missed opportunity means that the supply of homes will continue to be low, leading to greater pressure on prices, which will largely affect first time buyers in the majority.”

“In the buy-to-let sector we have seen a surge in purchases ahead of the extra 3% stamp duty for landlords being introduced in April, but we’re now likely to see a significant fall in buy-to-let purchases as soon as the new measure is introduced. That might result in a levelling out of prices but it will also mean less investment into new build buy-to-let properties, which is essential for anyone who cannot afford to buy, especially in London. Tenants are likely to be the biggest losers as landlords pass on the increased costs through rent rises.

“The property market appears to have been spooked by uncertainty around Brexit in the last month, with fewer people selling, and this was the government’s chance to support the residential market.”

Paul Smith, CEO of haart estate agents

Martin Bikhit, managing director of Kay & Co

“Today’s announcements by the Chancellor will have come as no real surprise to those looking to buy an investment property in coming months. George Osborne has maintained his earlier pledge on stamp duty, holding strong on the changes already announced, which in turn means that those investors with their fingers on the pulse will not have experienced any kind of real shock to the system today.

“Giving the green light to the HS3 Manchester to Leeds line will also massively grow investment prospects in the Northern Powerhouse, improving transport links and high-speed travel. Overall, I would say that this budget has confirmed that there is no better time to look north, however, with the dream buy-to-let conditions created for the Northern Powerhouse.”

Jonathan Stephens, Surrenden Invest

Steve Sanham, development director at HUB

42 interiors

1 Pretty personalised linen storage basket; £17, www.giftwrappedandgorgeous.com

2 Hand-carved mahogany Salome mirror in silver leaf finish; £2,000, www.devon-devon.com

3 ‘Pebble’ soap dispenser; £36.99, www.wayfair.co.uk

4 Ergonomically designed giraffe toothbrush holder; £8, www.pinksumo.com

5 Pluto ceramic gold rabbit pot (the perfect holder for cotton buds); £13.50, www.scandinavianshop.co.uk

1

Quirky goldfish-shaped gadget, which separates egg yolks from egg whites; Yolkfish egg separator, £7.95,

www.thekitchengiftco.com

There are some cracking good kitchen accessories out there. Richenda Oldham has fun finding egg-themed kitchen kit

Kitchen eggs-travagance

Go sculpt an egg with this eerie egg-a-matic skull mould; £8.99,

www.kitchencraft.co.uk

Holy hard-boiled eggs Robin! Batman egg cup and bat toast cutter; £9.99, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Tick-tock fried egg wall clock; £30, www.etsy.com

Store your eggs in date order on this egg skelter (it takes up to 24 eggs); £23.95, www.annabeljames.co.uk

Richenda Oldham picks her must-have accessories for the bathroom

43 5

2Bathtime treats

For the latest on the property market @What_House

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes interiors 43

Space missionGalley kitchens are surprisingly versatile and offer heaps of design potential. Richenda Oldham checks out the many advantages of a size-zero kitchen ust because your kitchen is

long and narrow or has tricky proportions, doesn’t mean that it can’t be a fully functioning and efficient space built with style and ergonomic precision,

which is where the galley kitchen comes into its own.

Galley kitchens take their name from the compact kitchens on ships and are a highly efficient means of optimising space, by concentrating storage and work surfaces into a small area. Professional kitchens have a similar layout based on the classic work triangle, with hob, cooker, sink

and fridge arranged in this pattern for maximum productivity.

One of the biggest problems with galley kitchens is to prevent them from feeling like corridors, particularly if they have an entrance at either end. You can break up the run of units by creating an asymmetrical layout with a mixture of tall units and base units on one side and a single run of base units on the opposite wall.

From a safety point of view, in an open-ended galley kitchen with a high traffic flow, you could have the hob and the sink on the same side, to avoid having to turn around with a pan of

boiling water in your hand just as a small child comes charging through.

MAXIMISING SPACEIf your kitchen is closed off at one end, there are a number of ways to prevent it feeling like a dead-end alley. If you have a window, then it is important to make the most of this and not to block it in any way. You could consider having a stool next to it (but no table), so someone can perch on it while reading or chatting on the phone. If there is no window, a mirror will give the illusion of a larger space or it could be turned into

a feature wall using a block of colour (paint or tiles) or a stunning mural (a trompe l’oeil window or feature), or even blackboard paint to create a giant board for shopping lists or fun drawings.

GALLEY WITH ISLANDSAn island is also ideal for breaking up a larger room - for example a single good-sized room could become an open-plan kitchen cum living room with a galley layout at one end, with an island running parallel to the units. The island can also double as a dining area/breakfast bar, and separates

the galley kitchen from the sofas/armchairs of the living area.

STREAMLINE FOR SUCCESSTo keep the space flowing in your galley kitchen, it needs to feel as streamlined and sleek as possible. So for contemporary kitchens choose glossy white or pale coloured units and opt for push-click doors with no handles. A bank of floor-to-ceiling cupboards on one wall will also help to eliminate clutter and will add to the feeling of order.

J

White reflective high-gloss cabinets make this sleek contemporary galley kitchen appear wider than it is; Callerton Valencia kitchen, from £15,000, www.kitchensinternational.co.uk

The breakfast bar in this streamlined kitchen replaces a run of units and breaks the space up efficiently to form a practical work area, which is also ideal for socialising; Urbo and Metro matt lacquer bespoke kitchen with Corian and oak work surfaces, from £40,000, www.roundhousedesign.co.uk

Recycled unpainted timber, a mellow brick chimneybreast and open shelves filled with kitchen paraphernalia, give this traditional kitchen warmth and individuality of character; custom-built units, from £12,000, www.themaincompany.co.uk

This room’s tall ceiling has been taken full advantage of to create an impressive traditionally styled kitchen with a magnificent focal point created around the range cooker; bespoke hand-painted kitchen by Tom Howley, from £35,000, www.tomhowley.co.uk

This linear minimalist galley kitchen features handleless tall units with integrated appliances concealed behind the doors, while the long central island forms a breakfast bar cum food preparation area; Largo-FG and Avance FG kitchen in frosty white, from £15,000, www.leicht.com

44 interiors

Bathing bellesRichenda Oldham throws caution to the wind and goes in search of bold bathrooms that are not for the faint-hearted here comes a time when

a chaste white bathroom with not an impeccable towel out of place just won’t cut the mustard. It

has a place, make no mistake, but just occasionally it’s good to embrace a more adventurous path and to break away from what is safe and classical.

So if you thirst for a little pizzazz, try these creative touches…

If the thought of using colour in a bathroom is too daunting, then start by introducing a few colourful accessories, such as towels, bath mats, pictures, soap dishes and vases. If all goes well, move on to a few vibrant tiles, in the form of a splashback or a chic little band of mosaic tile. Next, try painting a feature wall in your chosen vibrant shade.

Flooring is a good way to add

texture and interest; there are certainly plenty of vinyl floorcoverings, offering a wide choice of wood, stone or marble effects. A striking chequered floor used with a neutral scheme can add a massive wow factor to a bathroom.

The metallics trend can be used to great effect in a number of ways. For starters, there are some fabulous roll-top baths out there in copper, silver or gilded finishes, or incorporate some beautiful metallic tiles, which can look incredibly sophisticated when used strategically with bold colours. Try a combination of large rectangular matt black tiles teamed with smaller square gold tiles, or opt for delicate shimmery silver diamond patterned tiles – amazing as a feature wall behind a plain white freestanding bath.

Mirrors can really open up a

bathroom, making them appear larger than they are. They also have the advantage of intensifying the effect of colours both on the walls and in the furniture/accessories, particularly when an entire wall is covered with a single mirror panel or mirrored tiles with a burnished metallic finish, which has a warming effect.

Patterns are ideal for making big bold statements in a bathroom. Geometric patterned wallpapers and tiles, especially in monochrome, will give your bathroom incredible depth and definition. While mosaic tiles used on the main wall in a wet room will create a striking focal point, particularly if the showerhead is a modern oversized type. A clear glass screen, which appears to float without fixings, will also open up the space and enhance the tiles.

T1 If your heart is set on wooden flooring

in your design -ed bathroom, then opt for a luxury vinyl version, which looks just like the real thing. Maritime Pine 24854 from Moduleo’s Select range; from £19.99 per square metre, www.moduleo.co.uk

2 A glamorous pink and white freestanding bathtub is the focal point in this sleek contemporary bathroom, Bettehome Oval Silhouette bicolour enamelled steel bath in violet and white; £6,980, www.bette.co.uk

3 Victoria suite, from £1,594; Hylton metallic effect acrylic bath in copper, £2,550; www.heritagebathrooms.com

4 The deep blue sea and all its mystery is the theme behind this dramatic teal and black bathroom, Vittone freestanding bath in black; £799, www.bathrooms.com

5 A striking black and white geometric marble tiled floor underpins this elegant art deco style bathroom; www.devon-devon.com

1

4

3

5

2

For the latest on the property market @What_House

46 armchair gardener Find your new home at Whathouse.com

plant has to be tough if it is to survive in my house. They are either overwatered or gasping for a drink and shedding

dry brown leaves in protest at their lack of care. I’m ashamed to say, it’s a kind of all-or-nothing scenario.

They deserve better quite frankly, particularly in view of the valuable work that they do in keeping me healthy. Plants are our natural partners when it comes to gases - they absorb the carbon dioxide that we exhale and then release oxygen. Even at night, when photosynthesis stops, certain plants such as orchids and succulents continue taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Plants also help prevent dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs and in a modern world of efficient, tightly sealed, centrally heated buildings, they improve the quality of indoor air. Not only that, they have been shown to improve the way we work, by increasing memory retention, productivity and concentration.

On top of all the health benefits, plants add aesthetic value to our homes, providing vitality, colour and texture. Bringing a garden (of sorts) indoors provides a certain feel-good factor that can only come from the satisfaction of nurturing a living thing. Best of all, anyone can own and care for a house plant.

CHOOSING AN INDOOR PLANTThere are a number of key factors that will influence your choice of houseplants. Where you intend to keep them, how much space is available,

how much time you intend to dedicate to their care and of course what types of plant you prefer will steer you down certain plant paths.

Many houseplants are tropical species, which thrive in warm, humid conditions, with some sun and hopefully not too many draughts. However, hallways are prone to fluctuating temperatures and draughts, so will need tougher plants to cope with these changing conditions.

• Bathroom - peace lily, African violet, zebra plant, umbrella plant

• Kitchen - African violet, begonia, busy Lizzie, creeping fig

• Bedroom - azalea, chrysanthemum, cyclamen, feather palm, hyacinth, orchids

• Living room - devil’s ivy, spider plant, Swiss cheese plant, yucca, shrimp plant

• Hall - asparagus fern, false castor oil plant, grape ivy, devil’s ivy

CARING FOR YOUR PLANTSAvoid overwatering (which is the number one killer of houseplants) as this can cause root death and the collapse of the plant. In general, keep soil moist, but not wet. In winter, reduce watering gradually, but ensure the plant has moisture around its leaves by misting the plant daily.

Plants will need feeding, as every time you water them, essential nutrients are leached out of the soil. Liquid feeds are a good choice, but most plants should only be fed between March and September when they are actively growing.

Bloomin’ lovely!Richenda Oldham goes in search of indoor plant life for a healthier way of life

A

Spider plants are adaptable and considered one of the easiest houseplants to grow. They can be grown in a variety of conditions and are ideal for novice gardeners

Lemon trees offer year-round interest with white fragrant flowers and small fruits, but remember they need high levels of light

Hyacinths are popular bulbs with colourful, highly fragrant flowers. They are ideal indoor plants as they can be easily grown in containers

The aloe vera plant is a handy succulent plant to have around as its leaves contain a clear gel with healing properties

With their stunning flowers (purple, pink, red, blue and white) and hardy attributes, African violets are perfect houseplants, which look good in containers or hanging baskets

PURE TASTINGINSTANTBOILINGCHILLEDSPARKLINGWATER ON TAP.

THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED DRINKING WATER APPLIANCE. Whatever your style, there is now a Zip Tap to suit. The newly launched HydroTap Arc, Cube and Elite models complement any kitchen, while offering fi ltered boiling, chilled and sparkling water, instantly.

Featuring advanced 0.2 micron fi ltration system, excellent energy effi ciency and compact under-sink command centre, the new taps will appeal to those who crave style as well as substance.

Find out how you can enjoy the life-changing benefi ts of a Zip Tap.

Call 0845 6 005 005 to arrange your free consultation or visit zipwater.com/uk

Product shown is the HydroTap Cube in matt black

One of the tallest residential towers in Europe, South Quay Plaza has much to offer. With a unique combination of spectacular London views,

eye-catching architecture and first class amenities; all built and designed with the exceptional quality that naturally comes with a Berkeley home,

South Quay Plaza isn’t just about living up high. It’s about living tall.

L I V E T A L L

Prices from £690,000. For more information, call 020 3813 9593.Sales and Marketing Suite open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companiesProud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

www.southquayplaza.london

Pri

ces

and d

etai

ls a

re c

orre

ct a

t tim

e of

goi

ng to

pre

ss.

Com

put

er g

ener

ated

imag

e dep

icts

Sou

th Q

uay

Pla

za a

nd is

indic

ativ

e on

ly.

WhatHouse? Southern March 2016

Documents

Transcript of WhatHouse? Southern March 2016