The picturesque Cathedral city of Winchester saw house prices rise to £507,658 in March 2022, up by 14.7% since March 2021. For homebuyers who aspire to live within easy distance of this thriving regional hotspot of Winchester, St Arthur Homes has just launched its spectacular new Shared Ownership show home at Whiteley Meadows. With the first phase of homes at Whiteley Meadows proving incredibly popular, purchasers looking to secure one of the new two and three-bedroom houses in this latest phase, should arrange a visit to the new show home as soon as possible.

Nestled between the Hampshire villages of Whiteley and Botley, buyers at Whiteley Meadows can enjoy easy access to Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton, all less than a 30-minute drive away. In addition to exceptional transport connections, buyers at Whiteley Meadows can take full advantage of a range of shops and leisure amenities available locally, as well as many stunning green spaces to explore. Set across multiple phases, Whiteley Meadows is set to form an attractive new community, complete with more than 3,000 new homes, alongside new schools, nurseries, a care home, a community centre and retail outlets.

Each Shared Ownership home at Whiteley Meadows has been thoughtfully designed to provide unbeatable quality. All of the two and three-bedroom houses offer spacious and flexible interior layouts perfect for relaxing, entertaining or days when working from home. Stylish kitchens come complete with a range of high-quality integrated Indesit appliances, whilst bathrooms enjoy sleek white sanitaryware and Porcelonosa floor and wall tiling. All houses enjoy a private garden and the added benefit of having two allocated parking spaces. Some homes also benefit from the added convenience of a garage.

Whiteley Meadows is ideally positioned to take advantage of both the idyllic Hampshire countryside and the range of amenities located in Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth. For those keen to explore a little further afield, West Quay Shopping Centre in Southampton and Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth are both around 30-minutes away by car. For those favouring the wonders of the great outdoors, Curbridge Nature Reserve is just a 10-minute walk away and provides stunning riverside walks through ancient oak woodland. Residents can also enjoy the range of gym facilities and fitness classes available at The Meadowside Leisure Centre.

Commuters can enjoy exceptional travel connections from Whiteley Meadows. Positioned just off the A3051, the homes enjoy easy access to the M27 motorway from which the M25 provides easy access around London. For those driving to Portsmouth and Southampton, the A27 is also nearby. Alternatively, for those preferring to travel by train, Whitely Meadows is a little over a mile away from Botley train station providing regular services to Cosham, Portsmouth and Southampton in around half an hour.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

The first residents of Bellway London’s Waterside at Riverwell development in Watford will receive the keys to their new homes this month. Situated along Thomas Sawyer Way and the banks of the River Colne, the development will feature 143 apartments, a residents’ gym, concierge service and exclusive roof-top terrace.

Part of the wider Watford Riverwell regeneration project, the homes will be located within walking distance of the town centre and Bushey railway station, which has direct trains to London Euston in just over 20 minutes.

Waterside at Riverwell will include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each with its own private balcony or terrace, and a lift to all floors for residents’ ease.

Greg Allsop, Sales and Marketing Director at Bellway London, said: “Offering a wide range of on-site facilities for residents, Waterside at Riverwell is raising expectations when it comes to modern, urban living. 

“Demand for the apartments has been high, partly due to their enviable location close to the green spaces of Riverside Park and Oxhey Park, but also because they are such an attractive option for first-time buyers. Many of the apartments are available to buy through the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme, enabling buyers to purchase with a smaller deposit and mortgage.”

Help to Buy is available to first-time buyers purchasing a new-build home priced up to £407,400 in Hertfordshire. The scheme, which runs until March 2023, enables buyers to secure a home with just a five per cent deposit and 75 per cent mortgage. The remaining 20 per cent is provided as an equity loan which is interest free for the first five years.

Greg added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming the first homeowners to Waterside at Riverwell later this month and seeing this exciting development start to come alive.

“With the range of apartments we have on offer, including a range of show apartments available to view, we will see a big mix of buyers joining us here at Waterside at Riverwell.

“Being in the prime location of Watford allows for buyers ranging from working professionals and commuters, first time buyers as well as families, all of which have shown interest in the properties we have at this development.

“We wish all our happy customers the best with the move, and we look forward to seeing a lively community begin form.”

The Watford Riverwell regeneration project is a joint venture between Watford Borough Council and Kier Property to develop 70 acres of land to the south of Watford General Hospital and Watford Football Club. As well as providing new homes, the scheme will also deliver a new two-form entry primary school, community centre, flexible workspaces and more than 4.5 acres of green open space.

One, two and three-bedroom apartments are currently available to reserve at Waterside at Riverwell, priced between £275,000 and £472,500.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

The east end quarter of the capital has become one of the most desired locations for London’s homebuyers, drawn to the appealing mix of vibrant venues, industrial heritage and a buoyant community spirit. One east London neighbourhood that has captured the interest of property buyers is Stratford. For home hunters keen to make this thriving hub their home, Peabody is preparing to launch the next phase of Shared Ownership homes at their popular Bridge East development at Legacy Wharf on Saturday the 14^th of May.

Situated within walking distance from the heart of Stratford and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, purchasers here are perfectly positioned to enjoy some of London’s most exciting amenities, without paying a premium price.

The exciting new phase at Bridge East will offer an exclusive and contemporary collection of one and three-bedroom apartments that are well placed to enjoy everything this popular east London quarter offers. Stratford itself has experienced a rapid transformation, undergoing one of the UK’s largest regeneration programs on the back of the 2012 Olympic games.

Now a flourishing hotspot of fantastic retail venues, a buzzing dining and social scene and world-class sporting facilities – the area has become a magnet for young professionals keen to be a part of this vibrant district whilst being able to witness its continuing growth. Available to purchase with Shared Ownership, purchasers who are eager to step on the ladder here will be able to take advantage of the lower-level deposit required when using the Shared Ownership scheme – unlocking access to the London locations that they may have considered out of reach.

Forming part of the wider development at Legacy Wharf, the homes at Bridge East occupy the Artisan Apartment building. Each of the seven Shared Ownership apartments offer a high-quality specification paired with bright and spacious open plan layouts and the familiar attention to detail found within a Peabody home. Residents here will be able to take advantage of having access to a dedicated concierge service, as well as a private on-site gym and a communal courtyard garden square.

For those who want to venture out but stay close to home, a riverside walkway adjacent to the development provides the ideal setting to enjoy a summer evening stroll or early morning run along the Bow Back River. Additionally, buyers can access The Greenway cycleway, a few minutes from Bridge East, this path connects Hackney Wick to Pudding Mill Lane in Stratford and secure onsite cycle storage makes this a hassle-free travel option for cycle enthusiasts.

Property & Development Magazine | The Home of Residential Sector News

FIRST-TIME buyers will have a unique opportunity to buy a brand-new affordable home in one of London’s most sought after leafy suburbs. Purley was reported as the capital’s third most desirable hotspot with asking prices soaring by 9% in the last year, according to the latest figures published by Rightmove in February.[1]

With an increasing trend to swap urban homes for a more tranquil and green suburban life following stringent lockdown measures, Purley has become an increasingly desirable location thanks to its proximity to parks and countryside, and access to London Bridge in just 22 minutes by train.

Launching June 19^th, Cushing Gardens, named after Star Wars actor Peter Cushing who lived in Purley, is an exclusive new collection of just 30 one-, two- and three-bedroom homes by Clarion Housing Group, the UK’s largest provider of affordable housing, under the shared ownership scheme. This allows people to buy as much of the home as they can afford – starting from as little as 25% and rising up to 75%, paying subsidised rent on the remaining share with the opportunity to buy a bigger share of the home with time until they own it outright.

Krete Luca, Sales Director at Clarion Housing Group, said: “This is a unique opportunity for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder in an extremely desirable area that perhaps otherwise they may not be able to afford. And, of course, with that comes so much more than just a brand-new stylish home, it is a whole lifestyle with excellent schools down the road, as well as parks, countryside and London on your doorstep. Cushing Gardens is a very special opportunity indeed.” Despite the affordable price tag, the apartments at Cushing Garden do not cut corners when it comes to style and charm. Located on a pretty leafy street, the attractive red brick and white-painted mansion is carved into beautifully designed apartments that all have a private balcony or terrace as well as access to communal gardens.

Stepping inside, a beautiful contemporary design with open plan living offers maximum comfort. The streamlined modern kitchen with soft close hinges and drawers is finished with a smart, square-edged laminated worktop and Zanussi appliances are fitted throughout including a ceramic hob with touch controls and electric oven as well as an integrated fridge/freezer. Meanwhile, the bathroom oozes style with an oversized rain shower fitted over the bath.

Quality flooring is fitted throughout, with durable ceramic flooring in the kitchen areas and carpets in the living areas. There is a varied selection of layouts to choose from, and the three-bedroom apartments all have the added bonus of an en-suite attached to the master bedroom, as well as the main bathroom that all homes have.

Eco features and double-glazed windows ensure that energy bills are kept to a minimum and cycle storage is available for every home. There is also off-street parking available.

Hugely desirable for its access to green spaces and the open countryside of Surrey, Purley is perfect for leisurely walks, bike rides and running, and marks where London’s urban city landscape changes into the open greenery of the North Downs. Highlights include the fabulous views at Happy Valley, the wildflowers of Farthing Downs, nearby Purley Way playing fields, as well as Oaks Park, Beddington Park and Mayfield Lavender Farm.

With supermarkets, pubs and restaurants on the doorstep and the shops and entertainment of Croydon just a short drive away, Purley is not short of amenities. Plus, central London is just a few stops down the train line, making it ideal for commuters and culture vultures alike.

The lower deposit level required with the shared ownership scheme means buyers need only put down a deposit on the share they purchase and not the full market value of the property. Shared ownership also means you can become a homeowner with a lower level of savings than if you were to buy the same home outright. Shared owners can choose to buy additional shares of their property as and when they can afford to, right up to 100%.

Viewings are currently available by appointment only. 

Prices at Cushing Gardens start at £76,875 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment priced at £307,500.  Two-bedroom apartments start from £140,875 for a 35% share (full market value of £402,500) and three-bedroom apartments start from £135,000 for a 25% share (full market value £540,000).

For more information or to arrange a viewing please email shared.ownership@myclarionhousing.com or call 0300 100 0309. 

Property & Development Magazine

FIRST TIME BUYERS : With its lively social scene and showstopping entertainment on offer in the UK, it is no surprise that house prices in the Capital have risen drastically in recent years, with the dream of London living seemingly out of reach for many. But first-time buyers in search of a slick apartment need not think that buying in the Capital is unattainable. At Shanly Homes’ impressive North London development, Hillgrove House in Edgware, every property is available to purchase with the London Help to Buy scheme, challenging the average property prices in North West London at a staggering £730,523 – with starting prices at Hillgrove House from just £499,950[1]. With 5% deposits from as little as £24,997 using London Help to Buy and the additional current stamp duty holiday, Hillgrove House is an excellent choice for young home hunters keen to secure a stylish city pad for less. 

Situated within the edgy North London suburb of Edgware, known for its eclectic ambience and thriving community, Shanly Homes offers first-time buyers a unique opportunity to save in style with the Help to Buy scheme and choose from an exclusive collection of luxury one and two-bedroom apartments. Those looking to step onto the property ladder into a luxurious and spacious new home that brings with it a desirable London location for less can do so with the excellent offering of the Help to Buy scheme at Hillgrove House.

Martin Brown, Sales Manager at Shanly Homes, comments: “We are pleased to be able to help home hunters take their first steps onto the property ladder with the Government’s new Help to Buy scheme. Hillgrove House delivers the perfect combination of contemporary living for less, with lower deposits and asking prices compared to the average price in the area, meaning they can experience a high-quality lifestyle in a location that is often outside of their affordability. We encourage interested purchasers to book a viewing as soon as possible, to secure a stylish city property whilst the added help of the Stamp Duty holiday is still available until the end of June.”

Ideal for the modern homeowner, the layout of each apartment has been thoughtfully designed to maximise the space available, complemented by high specification and quality interiors throughout. Kitchens feature contemporary units with composite worktops, upstands and fully integrated appliances including a Siemens fan assisted single oven, gas hob and full-height fridge/ freezer. A typical two-bedroom apartment on the top floor features an open plan living area that leads onto a private roof terrace. The contemporary kitchen/ living area benefits from a spacious layout, providing an ideal space to host friends and family. After a busy day, residents can unwind in their own oasis, with two generously sized bedrooms complete with plush carpets and an en-suite to the master bedroom.

Those who enjoy retail therapy will be spoilt for choice being set in a prime position just minutes from the centre of Edgware. Residents will find a selection of independently owned stores as well as Broadway Shopping Centre just a 4-minute drive away, hosting some popular high street brands. In addition, Brent Cross Shopping Centre is located only 4 miles away, offering a large variety of retailers, cafes, and restaurants, such as Wagamama, Tomeli’s, and Yo! Sushi.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be at home here with an abundance of parks nearby. Close to home, Stonegrove Park is an idyllic spot of open space with something on offer for everyone to enjoy, with basketball and tennis courts, a children’s play area, and plenty of green space to explore. Just a five-minute drive from home, Canons Park hosts an impressive 45 acres of land including an impressive walled garden, and Stanmore Country Park Reserve is just five minutes away, offering a number of fantastic nature trails.

Conveniently connected, Edgware offers fantastic transport links for residents to get out and about in and around the city. Edgware underground station is just under a 10-minute walk away and provides an easy link to Leicester Square in just under 30 minutes and London in only an hour, ideal for both commuting and socialising. Alternatively, The M1 motorway is just under 2 miles away and offers easy access to the M25 and beyond.

Prices at Hillgrove House start from £499,950 for a two-bedroom apartment, with Help to Buy available. For more information, please visit: www.shanlyhomes.com or contact the sales team on 0203 582 7631 or hillgrovehouse@shanlyhomes.com.

Property & Development Magazine

With the age of the average first-time buyer rising by nearly 21% in the UK to 34 years old over the past decade[1], it is clear that stepping on to the property ladder in today’s climate has become increasingly difficult. Fortunately, first-time buyers are in luck with the renewed Government Help to Buy scheme[2] offering financial help solely for people taking their first step on the property ladder and some much-needed hope in securing first homes. Those still in search of a stunning, yet affordable new-build home should look no further than Shanly Homes’ exclusive Help to Buy apartment at Drake Lodge in Amersham. Priced at £437,500 and available to a first-time buyer using the Government’s new scheme, a buyer can secure the home with a deposit of just £21,875 plus a further saving of £13,125 by using the Stamp Duty holiday which runs until the end of June.

Occupying a prominent position within the highly sought-after market town of Amersham, this last remaining Help to Buy apartment at Drake Lodge is perfectly located for buyers to reap many rewards from excellent financial savings and a fantastically accessible location to having a new and old town to enjoy on the doorstep.

Vasos Ptohopoulos, Sales Director for Shanly Homes Thames Valley, comments: “There has never been a better time to buy a home with the new Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme aimed solely at first-time buyers purchasing a new-build property.  This exclusive apartment available through the Help to Buy scheme at Drake Lodge is the perfect opportunity for someone to purchase their own first home, and make the most of the Stamp Duty holiday extension too.” 

Each apartment has been beautifully designed to suit modern-day living, with layouts planned to maximise space and light. All homes have access to a fabulous landscaped communal garden, as well as an allocated parking space, cycle storage and a lift serving all floors. Situated on the second floor, plot eight is a two-bedroom apartment featuring a spacious open plan living/dining room with double doors offering light in abundance, and a sleek and stylish kitchen, complete with high-quality Siemens appliances. The master bedroom benefits from a built-in wardrobe and plush carpets, providing the ideal sanctuary to unwind in in the evening. This apartment also delivers a separate luxury bathroom and ample storage space.

Just two minutes from home, residents have access to Amersham’s charming town centre, where they will find all of the essentials they need including both Waitrose and Marks & Spencer.  The flourishing town enjoys a unique combination of old and new, with Amersham’s New Town just a stone’s throw away from home. The New Town offers residents a myriad of delicious coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants to indulge in. The Old Town combines rows of stunning Georgian architecture alongside picturesque independent boutiques, with a selection of high-street stores and designer brands, ideal for those seeking quality town centre living close to home.

Commuters in Amersham have the added benefit of being able to use a mainline or tube as the station is the end of the Metropolitan line.  Drake Lodge is located only a nine-minute walk from the station which offers services to London Marylebone in 40 minutes. Residents can similarly enjoy superb road links, with the M25 only 5.5 miles away making the chic towns of Gerrard’s Cross and Beaconsfield reachable in under 20 minutes.

The starting price for the remaining two-bedroom apartment with Help to Buy available at Drake Lodge is £437,500. For more information, please call 01494 851303 or visit www.shanlyhomes.com.

Property & Development Magazine