The government announcement about re-starting the property market in England has seen the reopening of marketing suites, show homes and estate agencies, but virtual viewings and interactive tours are here to stay and increasingly expected by house-hunters.
Here’s a look at some of the latest tech-based property tours.
Bower and Barnabas, Woodside Park, London N12
Cullen & Davis have given a ‘virtual’ launch to this luxury, unique church conversion. Buyers will be able to view the show home virtually on their computers from the comfort of their home, or visit in person unaccompanied and communicate with the sales team via WhatsApp, which is set up in the living room to ensure government guidelines are being met. A number of units have already been reserved but there are homes on sale between £485,000 and £1million. Find out more at www.bowerandbarnabas.co.uk.
Barleycroft, Rudgwick, West Sussex
Barleycroft is a collection of two- to five-bedroom houses. Inside the homes, interiors feature open-plan living spaces and fully fitted modern kitchens including an induction hob with touch controls, integrated fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, dishwasher and LED under wall unit lighting. Upstairs, elegant bathrooms and en suites are fitted with walk-in showers, chrome heated towel rails and full width mirrors. The village of Rudgwick is home to a variety of local everyday amenities, including a Co-op, pharmacy, post office and local pub, alongside necessities such as a medical centre and dental practice. Ideal for families, the surrounding local area offers a wide selection of nurseries and schools, catering for children of all ages. Prices start from £399,950. Find out more about Barleycroft from Berkeley Homes.
Lancaster Square, Chester, Cheshire
Lancaster Square includes one two-bedroom townhouse and six luxurious two-bedroom apartments. The top floor and penthouse suite also boast views of the Clwydian mountain range in North Wales. Each apartment offers light-filled open-plan living space and includes a video intercom system. Select apartments also have a private balcony/terrace and access to undercover parking and further secure storage opportunities are available. Extras are available, from quartz worktops and BOSCH appliances, to feature lighting and heated chrome towel rails, and bespoke finishes come at no extra cost. Find out more at www.blueoakestates.co.uk.
Conningbrook Lakes, Ashford, Kent
Latimer and Westerhill Homes have partnered to build a range of homes at this development in a well-connected area in Kent, with easy access to major transport links and to splendid countyside. This new ‘village’, set in Conningbrook Country Park, comes in several phases. Right now, there are a number of three-, four- and five-bedroom house types available, with prices starting at £310,000 and incentives such as Help to Buy currently available. Several homes have been fully furnished and are set up for an interactive tour. Find out more at www.conningbrooklakes.com.
Canonmills Garden, Edinburgh
Artisan Real Estate is finding a combination of smart technology and the human touch is helping Canonmills Garden to remain front-of-mind with home buyers. With the release of the Sophora phase – a collection of one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury apartments with views towards Edinburgh Castle and into a courtyard garden. There is already an interactive 3D visual tour through of the latest apartment designs with views both inside and out. “It’s still as important as ever to provide personal contact with buyers, even if it can’t be face-to-face,” says Christie Turner of Artisan. “We have developed a suite of personal video presentations tailored to buyer specifications to make that important connection.”. A range of apartments is now available with prices starting at £335,000. Find out more at www.canonmillsgarden.com.
Fresh Wharf, Barking, London IG11
House-hunters can now take a video tour of the show home at this major east London development. Launched in October 2019, construction is also well underway on the first phase of Fresh Wharf, Countryside’s new riverside development in Barking. The initial completions of the first phase, which will deliver 532 homes, are expected later this year. The entire development is due to complete by 2026. Prices start from £320,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £395,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, with London Help to Buy available. Find out more at www.freshwharf-barking.com.