Increased housing market activity in London and the South East has helped to boost recent sales figures for England, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – with figures rising last month for the first time in seven months.
Thanks to the clarity provided by a decisive election outcome, there's growing interest from new buyers who are thought to be feeling more confident now to follow through on their initial enquiries.
Below we highlight some brand new developments to look out for in the South East, giving prospective buyers some inspiration to kick off their house search.
Elm Green in Waterlooville, Hampshire (Redrow Homes)
Situated within walking distance of town, even closer to a major supermarket, and within easy reach of "Good" Ofsted-rated schools, Elm Green promises plenty of convenience. it’s also within driving distance of Portsmouth and Southampton, making it ideal for families and commuters. The development is made up of three- and four-bedroom Heritage Collection homes which combine traditional architecture with family-friendly interiors designed for modern living.
Waterlooville is a market town about eight miles from Portsmouth with a good set of local amenities including a shopping precinct, a library, a leisure centre and swimming pool, doctors surgeries, ten primary schools, five secondary schools and two colleges. Nearby Portsmouth is home to a whole host of shops, nightlife, cultural and entertainment venues and business and employment opportunities.
Prices: Available homes from £359,950.
Find out more about Elm Green at Redrow Homes.
Orchard Rise in Three Mile Cross near Reading, Berkshire (Taylor Wimpey)
This collection of homes in the traditional and well-connected village of Three Mile Cross near Reading offers options for virtually every type of buyer.
The homes that are currently available, however, range in size from three- to five-bedroom, making them ideal for professionals and families who would like to be able to travel easily to nearby Reading for shopping, employment and other facilities.
Alongside the many amenities on offer in Reading, there are alternative places nearby to spend leisure time, such as Wellington Country Park and walks or cycling in the surrounding countryside.
For commutes to work the A33 Bypass between Reading and Basingstoke is close by, as is the M4. Trains from Reading station go regularly to Paddington, and Crossrail and Green Park station will be coming soon.
Prices: £399,950 to £612,000.
Find out more at taylorwimpey.co.uk or call 0118 207 7502.
Warren Grove in Storrington, Pulborough, West Sussex (Barratt Homes)
With more than 95% of homes already reserved, this development in the large village of Pulborough is proving popular.
The final few four-bedroom properties are now available, all situated in a peaceful location within the tranquil village of Storrington, which is located almost centrally within West Sussex. It’s just 42 miles south-west of London, at the junction of the north-south A29 and the east-west (A283) roads. The local High Street caters for essential shopping needs, and there's a supermarket within a mile radius of the development.
The homes come with generously-sized gardens and, for residents who enjoy spending time outdoors, the village is also on the northern boundary of the newly-established South Downs National Park, giving plenty of opportunities to explore lovely rural spots. The location gives easy access to Worthing and Brighton seafront, and is just 14 minutes from Pulborough station.
Prices: Four-bedroom homes are priced from £399,995 to £419,995.
Find out more about Warren Grove at Barratt Homes.
Heathlands in Frimley, Surrey (Linden Homes)
Luxury three-bed apartments and four-bedroom houses are for sale at this development in the small town of Frimley, offering a blend of modern and original character features within a restored original building.
Situated just two miles south of Camberley in the west of Surrey, and next to the Hampshire border, Heathlands is close to a fantastic selection of local schools as well as Frimley Park Hospital and The Meadows Shopping Centre. There are superb road links offering easy access to the M3, and there are regular rail services to Guildford, Ascot and London Waterloo from Frimley train station.
Frimley itself has a main shopping street with a branch of Waitrose supermarket and several smaller shops plus restaurants, a Post Office, an opticians, two pubs, and numerous other services.
Prices: From £420,000.
Find out more at www.lindenhomes.co.uk or call 01276 862 756.
Old Millfield Works in Whitstable, Kent (Miles & Barr)
This brand new private gated development is made up of just 10 sleek three-bedroom town houses, all of which come with private parking for up to four cars, and half of which are already reserved.
Finished to a high standard and offering contemporary, open plan living in a sought-after Kent location, the homes feature slate grey double glazed windows, white render contrasting with zinc roofs, and a study and downstairs WC, integrated kitchen and utility appliances, en suite to the master bedroom, and fitted wardrobes.
Situated in the charming seaside town of Whitstable on the north coast of Kent, there are local sand and shingle beaches nearby where swimming and water sports are popular. Canterbury is only five miles away and is linked to Whitstable by a cycle path, while the popular seaside resort of Herne Bay is just two miles away. There are numerous primary schools in the town, and one secondary school. Whitstable hosts a variety of year-round events including May Day celebrations including a Jack-in-the-Green parade; the Regatta; and the renowned nine-day Oyster Festival every July.
Prices: Starting from £450,000. The show home is ready to view now.
Find out more at www.milesandbarr.co.uk or call 01304 273340.
Montague Place in Weston Turville, Buckinghamshire (Barwood Homes)
Situated at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, the historic village of Weston Turville is home to the latest exclusive development of new homes from Barwood.
Set along tree-lined cul-de-sacs, Montague Place offers a choice of two-, three- and four-bedroom houses arranged around a central green, open space. The two-bedroom Apsley homes are ideal for first time buyers, while there's a choice of three different three-bedroom house types for larger families. The detached four-bedroom homes are ideal for growing families needing a more generous amount of living space.
The village has its own country pubs, a small parade of shops for day-to-day essentials and a local 18-hole golf club. Coombe Hill is a ten-minute drive away, marking the highest viewpoint in the Chilterns, and home to some lovely walks and fantastic views. The market town of Wendover is just five minutes' drive away, and the county town of Aylesbury is 10 minutes' drive away, offering a wider selection of shops and supermarkets.
For commuters, Stoke Mandeville station is two miles away with regular direct trains to London Marylebone in less than an hour, while by car the M1, M25 and M40 can all be reached in less than half an hour.
Prices: Currently available properties include The Stowe, a three-bedroom home priced at £525,000.
Find out more at www.barwoodhomes.co.uk or call 01296 872346.