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News in Brief from The New Homes Scene, Week 14 2018

Posted 5 April 2018 by Keith Osborne

The WhatHouse? team takes its weekly look at launches, events and special offers at new homes developments across the country...

Longer days and warmer weather are excellent reasons for house-hunters to match their online searches with a visit to new developments and see the homes for themselves, and there are launches, events and special offers to make that trip even more worthwhile…


New show home now open in Derbyshire

Rippon Homes has now opened a new show home at Cavendish Gardens in Tibshelf, Derbyshire, just a few miles west of Mansfield.

The 'Windsor' is a four-bedroom house considered perfect for families. It has an open-plan kitchen/dining area, a generous living area with French doors opening to the turfed rear garden, a utility room, an en suite master bedroom and family bathroom. Cavendish Gardens offers a choice of 57 three- and four-bedroom homes, with Help to Buy available. The company's Sales Assist scheme can also benefit purchasers, as Rippon Homes will help market the customer's old property and pay estate agents' fees. A marketing and sales office is open five days a week, Thursday to Monday, from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Joanne Shaw, sales and marketing manager at Rippon Homes, says: “The 'Windsor' is perfect for expanding families or those looking to settle. With many of our homes sold already at Cavendish Gardens, I would urge any potential homebuyers to come and visit the Windsor showhome now to avoid disappointment.”

Tibshelf is a village with shops, amenities and leisure facilities of its own, but also with good transport links to Derby, Sheffield and Nottingham, all all of which have mainline rail stations for further travel.

Find out more at www.ripponhomes.co.uk


Scheme for potential purchasers available on Scottish retirement homes

Tatallon CourtMcCarthy &Stone is offering potential buyers of one of its over-60s retirement properties at the Tantallon Court development in North Berwick the chance to 'Experience the Lifestyle’, where they can have a 'trial run' in a new apartment before committing to their purchase.

Under the scheme, retirees are able to spend up to two complimentary nights in a fully furnished apartment at the development, complete with a continental breakfast and refreshments, as a way to meet, chat and socialise with existing residents about their homes and the way of life the development offers.

Lorraine Paterson, regional sales and marketing director for McCarthy and Stone in Scotland, says: “Moving to a new home can be overwhelming regardless of your age, so giving prospective buyers an opportunity to experience the lifestyle at a Retirement Living development is a great way for them to see for themselves if this is their perfect choice. We want buyers to feel as comfortable as possible with their decision and to be excited about their next step with us. So, I can’t think of a better way of achieving that than offering them an opportunity to be our guest.

As with all McCarthy & Stone developments, Tantallon Court offers the mix of private apartments and communal areas such as a residents' lounge and landscaped gardens. There's also a guest suite for friends and family to stay in when they visit. All properties are designed to help older buyers and give peace of mind with good security and a 24-hour emergency call service.

Find out more about Tantallon Court from McCarthy & Stone


Spectacular final homes released at Battersea tower

Barratt London has released the 180° Collection, the final properties at Lombard Wharf, its 134-unit luxurious twisting tower on the River Thames in Battersea, with these plots have been named to reflect the spectacular views the offer across the capital.

This limited collection of just four two- and three-bedroom apartments  gives each property a 410 sq ft wraparound and rotating terrace offering 180° vistas of the River Thames, from Fulham in the east to the City of London in the west. Barratt is currently, and for a limited period, offering buyers a bespoke interior design and installation service worth up to £60,000.

Ed McCoy, sales director of Barratt London, says: “The 180° Collection is an exceptional opportunity to own a home with some of the most spectacular views of London, in a distinctive and graceful building. Its riverside location, just a short walk from Battersea Square and Clapham Junction, has made Lombard Wharf a popular choice for both owner-occupiers and investors. Prospective buyers are encouraged to visit soon, as these views are unlikely to stay on the market for very long.”

Lombard Wharf provides residents with an exclusive fitness suite, secure cycle storage and 24-hour concierge service. Located on the riverside, these homes are within easy walking distance of the area's many transport links and local pubs, restaurants and shops.

Find out more about Lombard Walk from Barratt London


Sales preview event in Oxfordshire this weekend

Rectory Homes house designThis Saturday 7 April sees Rectory Homes hosting an event for house-hunters looking for a home in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire where they can preview a range of new developments that are coming on sale very soon.

Taking place between 10.00am and 3.00pm at The Oxfordshire Golf Hotel & Spa (0X9 2PU) and will offer visitors brochures, plans and specification examples for six new sites, as well as a chance to meet the Rectory Homes team.

The sites to be featured are: Roebuck Park in Aston Clinton, a development of 50 three-, four- and five-bedroom family homes; 'Clarendon House' and 'Hampden House' in Moreton, two large, detached barn-style family homes; The Coppice in Cumnor Hill, two apartment lodges offering 14 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes; The Spinney in Dinton, a collection of detached three- and five-bedroom homes; Mortimer Fields in Long Crendon, a selection of 19 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes; and The Cloisters in Great Missenden, an exclusive over-60s community of 28 one- and two-bedroom apartments and cottages. Some of these homes will be available to reserve off-plan, with many available to purchase through the governmen-backed Help to Buy scheme.

Mandy Soames, sales director at Rectory Homes, says: “The sales preview event is an exclusive opportunity to buy a spectacular home by Rectory Homes before anyone else. The development plans will be on show and the team will be on hand to answer any questions prospective purchasers may have.”

Find out more at www.rectory.co.uk


New collection of homes in Ripley to launch this month

In April, housebuilder Ginnis New Homes will be launching and open a show home at its Deer Park development in Butterley, on the outskirts of Ripley, Derbyshire, a collection of 30 three- and four-bedroom properties in styles that will suit a range of buyers.

Early-bird buyers can secure a home off-plan right now at this site, which is surrounded by parkland with medieval origins, Derbyshire countryside and the Peak District National Park. The homes combine the traditional architectural vernacular and modern interiors, using red-brick façades built with locally sourced Butterley brick, period-style windows, slate roofs and chimneys. Open-plan kitchens, built-in storage space, master bedrooms with en suite shower rooms and energy-efficient build are all part of what today's buyers demand. The first three-bedroom homes are priced from £229,950

Darren Farnan, of Ginnis Homes, says: “Deer Park really will be a development without compromise and although available to reserve now, we are looking forward to its official launch in April. The development offers homebuyers the best of both worlds, carefully combining modern living with traditional features. We’ll be opening a show home at the end of April, where buyers can see the quality of the build and impressive finish of these homes for themselves.”

This development is only a short drive from the vities of Nottingham and Derby, as well as Chesterfield and Mansfield, all of which offer good shopping and menities. It is also close to a number of primary and secondary schools, an important factor for family buyers.

Find out more at www.ginnis-homes.co.uk


A new show home open outside Edinburgh

The LeaMiller Homes has just launched a new show home at The Lea, its development in the former mining village of Currie, Midlothian on the south-west fringes of Edinburgh.

The housebuilder has opened a four-bedroom 'Yeats' show house to give visitors to the site a first-hand view of design and specification at this development, which offers a range of generously sized, high-quality property types. This house has a lounge area with a feature bay window, an open-plan kitchen/family/dining area, utility room, downstairs WC, family bathroom and master bedroom with private en suite and fitted wardrobes. This house type starts at £453,995 – the one on Plot 37 comes with LBTT paid, and Plot 39 comes with a contribution to LBTT and the option of Part Exchange.  

Also at The Lea is the 'Douglas', another four-bedroom option, which is priced at £418,995, with Plot 23 available with Part Exchange and a contribution to LBTT, with LBTT paid in full and carpets available at Plot 24. The 'Dale' has three bedrooms and is priced at £423,995, with Plot 25 is available with Part Exchange.

The Lea is only two miles from the City Bypass, a short drive from Edinburgh’s convenient Park & Ride service and 20 minute by rail into the centre of Edinburgh. The development is open ho house-hunters from Thursday to Monday, from 11.00am to 6.00pm.

Find out more about The Lea from Miller Homes


High-end apartments now for sale in King's Cross

Regal London is offering a range of first-class new apartments in Zone 1 with King's Cross Quarter, a development on Pentonville Road that is part of the major regeneration of the area around one of central London's busiest and best-connected stations.

The current release of new homes starts at £1.38m for a one-bedroom apartment on a 999-year lease, part of a development of 118 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplex penthouses situated a short walk from the King’s Cross and St Pancras Stations. A two-bedroom show home is set for launch very soon.

Set for completion in September this year, the development will include onsite facilities including a gym with jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and swimming pool, a cinema room and communal garden areas. The King's Cross Quarter also includes 9,000 sq ft of commercial space.

With excellent transport links, the area is also very close to some of London’s best-known academic institutions - LSE, Central St Martins and UCL, as well as the home of organisations such as Google and The Guardian.

Find out more at www.regal-london.co.uk


Pioneering modular homes launch in Essex this weekend

BeechwoodEast London-based housing association and property developer NU living is the first to offer custom build modular housing, with the launch on Saturday 7 April of its new Beechwood project in Basildon, Essex, which will offer 251 customisable homes.

For the first time, buyers will be able to lead the design of their home through NU living’s custom-build option, NU build. The current off-plan offering has a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses. The sales and marketing suite and show home at Beechwood will be open from this weekend for house-hunters to find out details of the scheme, take a look at the show home and see the potential that customisation can offer. Expected prices before these personal choices range from £295,000 for a two-bedroom house up to £410,000 for a four-bedroom property.

Buyers will have the opportunity to design many aspects of their new homes, such as choosing the external finishes and brickwork, the layout of living areas and upgrading from the standard specification. On some properties, an extension or even and extra bedroom can be added to the standard design. Following launch, the sales and marketing suite and show home at Beechwood will be open from 10.00am to 5.00pm seven days a week.

Basildon town centre is a short drive from Beechwood, with a range of shops, entertainment and a market. Commuters will be impressed with regular trains taking just over half-an-hour into London Fenchurch Street. There are also two major loads into London, the A127 and A13, both of which provide access to the M25.

Find out more at www.beechwood-nuliving.co.uk


Open Weekend with Kendrick Homes at Worcestershire development

Housebuilder Kendrick Homes is hosting an Open Weekend from Friday 6 to Monday 9 April at The Fieldings, its development in Blacksmiths Lane, Lower Moor, Worcestershire, giving visitors the chance to see one if its two-bedroom bungalows first-hand.

The event is open each day between 10.00am to 4.00pm. The ‘Edgcote’ bungalow is one of five home styles available at The Fieldings, including four- and five-bedroom houses and an another style of bungalow called the ‘Lyme’. Potential buyers can also make an appointment to view the other homes available. Prices here start from £300,000 and Help to Buy is available on homes up to £600,000.

James Rennison, managing director of Kendrick Homes, says, “We have had a lot of interest in this property as it offers sizeable accommodation and the single level layout is ideal for anyone who is downsizing or a young family. The floor plan provides exceptional living space with flexible accommodation to suit modern living.”

Find out more about The Fieldings from Kendrick Homes


Report shows Shared Ownership the solution for many

 Shared Ownership buyersA new report from experts Share to Buy show that first-time buyers looking to purchase a home on the open market in London will take 11.2 years to save for a deposit for a studio or one-bedroom apartment, and that Shared Ownership is the best way forward, requiring a smaller deposit and lower monthly costs.

The figures in the report show that the median income of a first-time buyer in the capital now averages at £66,111 – more than three times the average UK salary. The typical deposit required to purchase a one-bedroom or studio apartment on the open market is £77,407, with that for a three-bedroom property standing at £112,555. It goes on to say that Shared Ownership buyers in London have an average deposit of £24,358, under a third of the open-market requirement for a small home, and that minimum deposits for Shared Ownership homes in London average at £6,335.97 for a one-bedroom home and £8,390.60 for a three-bedroom property.  

The medium household income of London-based people who register with Share to Buy is £42,000 - almost 40% less than the average first time buyer in the capital. Nick Lieb, head of operations for Share to Buy,  says: “There is no doubt that home ownership is becoming increasingly out of reach for many in the capital. Our figures show that schemes such as Shared Ownership really are the most achievable - and perhaps only - route onto the housing ladder for many first time buyers. At Share to Buy, we are proud to be working with some of the sector’s largest home ownership providers, who are battling a challenging market and dwindling funding to deliver truly affordable homes in sought after areas across the capital.”

Find out more at www.sharetobuy.com


Open House weekend in Epping with CALA Homes

CALA Homes is playing host to house-hunters in Essex next weekend, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 April, with an Open House event at its Forest Ridge development in Coopersale, a small village just to the east of Epping.

Potential purchasers can book an appointment to tour the 12-unit development and take a look at the range of properties on offer there. Among those is the three-storey ‘Parthorpe’ house type, with four bedrooms, integral garage, plenty of storage space, a generous kitchen/dining room with French doors leading to a private rear garden, first-floor sitting room with Juliette balcony. The master bedroom dominates the second floor, with an en suite, a dressing area and a study. Over half the properties are already sold at Forest Ridge, with only six four-bedroom homes unsold, with prices starting at £789,950.

Chris Roads, sales and marketing director for CALA Homes (North Homes Counties), says: “We are delighted to be hosting an open house event, to showcase everything that Forest Ridge has to offer. Our sales consultants will be on-hand throughout the weekend to give visitors an exclusive tour, as well as advising on a range of incentives and purchasing options that are available to help get you moving, including contributions towards estate agents fees, up to 100% part exchange, and carpets and flooring throughout.”

With good schools and Epping Forest nearby, Coopersale is close to both M11 and M25, and there’s a journey time of just 37 minutes from Epping Station into Liverpool Street.

Find out more about Forest Ridge from CALA Homes


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The ‘Corndon’ house type from Cavanna Homes
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A Bromford show house
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