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One-on-one interview: Barry Angel, The Albany Group

Posted 3 November 2016 by Keith Osborne

This week's exclusive industry interview puts the questions to a developer working on a diverse range of new homes schemes around London...

Our weekly series of interviews with senior figures from the UK’s housebuilding industry continues as we head back to London and to a boutique developer, as we pose the questions to Barry Angel, executive chairman of The Albany Group.

Hi Barry, please tell us a little about yourself and Albany Group.

The Albany Group is a specialist development and investment company which was established in 1984. Born with the core philosophy to develop aspirational homes for discerning purchasers across London and beyond, we create luxury residences, mansions, spacious apartments and unique office conversions which are completed to the highest quality and specification.

What developments are you working on right now?

We have just launched new apartments at 2 Kew Bridge, a newly converted former office building fronting onto the River Thames with exceptional waterside views. First-time buyers will be able to purchase via the government backed Help to Buy London scheme.

The development is in a fantastic location, a few hundred yards from Kew Bridge train station, next to the Royal Botanical Gardens and situated on the River Thames. A stunning new penthouse, which has been beautifully interior designed, is launching soon, so watch this space!

We also have just completed apartments at West Heath Place, a luxury collection of apartments in NW11; and a stunning eight-bedroom luxury residence located just off The Bishops Avenue, named Fairways.

With such a variety of projects, is there a distinctive style to all of them or is each considered from scratch?

Each project is totally unique and therefore we take a fresh approach with the design and layout. At Albany Group we take the time to understand what buyers need from their London home and who will be buying. For example, if a development is perfect for families, we make sure that the design is tailored to that audience and the property has a playroom and is more child-friendly.

Location is key – good transport links, culture and shopping are at the top of our list, as we are keen to create a lifestyle. Each property is completed to Albany Homes’ unrivalled high-specification interiors which rivals many of our competitors.

Is there an approach to design and customer care that differentiates Albany Group from the competition?

We take a very personal approach with each of our developments and therefore we have very happy customers who love our product. We blend the character of a property with modern design and high-specification finishes such as oak flooring, bespoke designer kitchens and fitted wardrobes. Many housebuilders will take a design and replicate it on a number of schemes but when purchasing an Albany Home property, the proud owner will appreciate the unique design and excellent finish.

Has the luxury property sector taken a big hit from financial and political changes over the past couple of years?

Recent political uncertainty, stamp duty and Brexit, has certainly had an impact on the property market. Our customers have shifted from investors to first-time buyers and owner-occupiers and we are finding that properties for sale at under £1million are the most popular choices at the moment. Many purchasers are now looking in Zones 2 and 3, as opposed to zone 1, where they are going to achieve good long-term capital growth and get good value for money.

Are there any prime areas of the UK where you haven't yet worked that you think would be interesting to tackle? 

Our core business is focused around greater London, however we are also branching to overseas markets and we have a new scheme in Long Island City, New York, launching in 2017.

You are already involved in the Private Rented Sector - what are your predictions for that area of new homes development over the next few years?

The property sector has certainly changed considerably and London is going through a transition period at the moment which will change the way we live in the future. I anticipate that London will eventually become a destination to rent rather than own a home, particularly with the rise of PRS schemes coming onto the market in the coming years.

What projects do you have in the pipeline and what can buyers expect to find when they come to market?

We have an exciting new development pipeline across London in locations such as Haverstock Hill, Brentford, Golders Hill Park and a large residential scheme in Old Oak Common, Willesden. Each is in planning or under construction, with launches planned for late 2017 and early 2018.When the properties come to market, customers will find high-specification finishes in fantastic locations which offer a great lifestyle and transport connections.

 

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