New homes snapshot – Wimbledon serves up great new builds for discerning buyers
With the eyes of the sporting world about to focus on south-west London for a fortnight, there will be much talk about where some of the world’s best tennis players are based and the disruption to everyday life for the homeowners of SW19.
The appealing character of the Wimbledon area can be seen in some of its delightful period properties, but this character is very much borne in mind by the developers creating new homes in district, and there is an excellent variety of properties being built, not just aimed at the very wealthy.
It is true to say that there are parts of this area of London which are very much the territory of the affluent homebuyer, with Wimbledon Village houses averaging over £1.5m, according to recent data from online agency HouseSimple. At least one price index in 2015 put the borough of Merton at the top of the London property league last year, reporting annual price rises of 30% in some select areas.
Things may have slowed slightly this year, but recently agent Douglas & Gordon told City AM: “Southfields is the best performing suburb in emerging prime London. Property prices are up by over 4% for the first quarter of 2016, and three-bedroom houses in the area are up 5%.” This compares well to a near-stagnant prime market in the capital.
One of the area’s most prominent development ideas is the creation of a new sports stadium at Plough Lane, the historic base of Wimbledon’s football club. The latest development idea includes an 11,000-seat stadium an over 600 new homes, but the last Mayor of London Boris Johnson halted the proposals. The borough council is hoping that Johnson’s successor Sadiq Khan will let the plans progress following a meeting next month.
New homes currently for sale in Wimbledon:
Just six apartments are now available for sale at Pavilions, a development from Linden Homes. Priced from £660,000, these homes could provide an interesting buy-to-let property that would appeal to the tennis fraternity, but the high-quality specification and spacious rooms also make a great principle home. Underground parking will cost extra, though the proximity of Wimbledon station may eliminate the need for a car.
Luxury apartments and townhouses are offered at Wimbledon Hill Park, a Berkeley Homes site in a very sought-after position with superb views out of London from some of the properties. Apartments start at £1.165m, with the available houses north of £2.5m.
In the retirement sector, leading developer McCarthy & Stone is providing one- and two-bedroom options in its 51-unit Liberty House development, from £447,950. Available to those 70 or over, this Assisted Living development offers on-site care for those that need it, as well as communal facilities such as a club lounge, rooftop terrace, function room and wellbeing suite.
There’s a one-off luxury property now available though Hamptons International with an exceptional specification and superb location in desirable Wimbledon Village. The gated, six-bedroom Thurloe House is set over four floors with multiple bathrooms and reception rooms, and comes with a £5.1m price tag.
For a more modest budget, starting at £420,000 and available though agent KFH from WN Developments, an apartment at Spur House may fit the bill. Located directly opposite South Wimbledon station, this 55-unit low-rise scheme is ideal for commuters into The City. The development has communal heating, lift access to all floors and bicycle storage, with many apartments having private balconies or terraces.