We hear how Sunningdale House’s Amy Taylor believes it’s an exciting time and they’re just getting started...
Amy, can you tell us about your career journey that's led you to Sunningdale House?
I began working in new homes at the very start of my career, straight from school, beginning as a trainee sales advisor on site at 16 and working my way up the ranks into management. I have diversified into other areas of property, managing multiple estate agency branches, and new homes developments agency side for over seven years. I have worked for an array of developers, modular, traditional build, start-ups and PLCs over the years.
When the opportunity at Sunningdale came along, our CEO, David Pownceby, had such a clear vision of the business and such a keen interest in improving the local surroundings for all, that I wanted to be part of the journey. In a short space of time we have achieved so much, and we are just beginning. The future is extremely exciting.
The company is based in Kent but also works in Surrey and in the South West, how do you tend to split your time?
I am lucky to have a great team around me, which makes the geographical challenges a lot easier. I normally spend one to two days in the office, with my diary pretty evenly split across all of our developments and future developments on the other days.
Your flagship development, Sandgate Pavillions in Kent, has won numerous awards, what do you think gives it the edge?
Sandgate Pavilions is a one-off, a very special development. It just has it all. Nothing is overdone, it doesn’t need to be. Every apartment is bespoke internally, designed around the views and the sounds of the sea; it is true elegance in the most beautiful setting. I love to watch the reactions of people when they see the development for the first time. Rarely does property arouse so many emotive reactions. It has been an absolute joy to work on.
How is the Kent market performing at the moment?
The market is remaining strong. We have had another record-breaking year in 2021. There is no indication just yet of levelling off. Our luxury developments have performed the best so far this year, mainly deriving from a strong ‘empty nest’ downsize buyer surge in the first quarter. 2022 will no doubt have its challenges with the energy crisis, however new builds are in the best place to take the lion‘s share of the growing number of energy conscious buyers.
Are you seeing anybody rethinking their move out to rural locations now that hybrid working is back in place in London?
The return to desks in the city has had little, or no impact on buyer numbers this year still looking to move out of London.
Covid was certainly the catalyst, but with the improved transport links to the City, combined with cheaper prices, the move out was considered for many already. Covid gave people the immediate trigger and time which created the surge. I am yet to meet any of our buyers who are regretting or rethinking a move.
You're working on a new scheme in Tunbridge Wells, which we hear has an interesting past as a chocolate factory, can you tell us more about that?
The Residence @ TN1 is our new apartment scheme soon to launch in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, on the former site of the Charbonnel et Walker factory, Britain’s oldest chocolatier. I used to live close to the factory growing up and you could always smell the chocolate when you walked past. Sadly, we are yet to find any remaining chocolate, however our new residents will be enjoying a few boxes on us when they move in. I am keen to ensure the history of the site is kept alive.
The development will be high-end one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
What are you noticing in terms of priorities for buyers who are moving out of London, in terms of the space layout in your schemes?
Outside space is still the main driver. Plot size is one of the highest ranked requirements we find. Modern family layouts are equally high on the wish list, such as open plan kitchen / family spaces.
Sunningdale House builds schemes for Housing Associations right through to luxe apartments in the South East; what Sunningdale standards run through all of your builds?
Our people make the difference, the same people will work on our luxury schemes as our HA. They understand the vision and the quality expected and drive this through.
We build the biggest asset, and the most important possession anyone can have, a home. This is at the forefront for us when designing, building, selling and in aftercare.
A property’s monetary value should play no part in the standard of build or service received by our customers.
What does Sunningdale House have coming up in terms of future developments?
We have a really exciting pipeline of future developments, and such a variety across the schemes.
We have more luxurious coastal schemes in Kent; Broadstairs on the prestigious North Foreland Estate, a high-end apartment scheme, is due to commence this year, followed by a five-year project near Hythe in Kent.
We also have a stunning development of mews style homes in the heart of a quintessential Kent village near Tunbridge Wells and 10 uber contemporary individual 4500sqft+ homes in Canterbury.
In Minster, on the Isle of Sheppey, we have begun work for a large housing development for over 150 units, along with a further phase at Walmer at our Millers Retreat development. 2022 / 2023 is going to be busy!
And finally, is now a good time to buy a new build home in your opinion?
Now is a great time to buy new. Energy efficiency, interest rate rises, and the end of help to buy are all factors which should encourage the ‘now’ element. There is no better time to buy a new build than now in my opinion.
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