Category Archives: Property Buyer News

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Luxury Property Dubai: Peculiarities

Without a doubt, Dubai implies an ultra-modern city, which is mainly famous for its endless sandy beaches, beautiful hotels, luxury cars and, of course, tall skyscrapers. All these features attract travellers from all over the world. It comes as no secret that such projects are carried out by top developers companies in Dubai.

At the same time, many buyers of real estate do not even imagine that they are the owners of housing designed by the same companies that once built the luxurious Atlantis The Palm hotel, the majestic Burj Khalifa skyscraper or the grandiose structure of the Dubai Opera.

Why Do You Need a Realtor?

The fact is that the UAE real estate market is transparent, information about objects is posted online, and plenty of transactions are concluded remotely. However, if you refuse the services of a broker, you will not only not benefit in price, but, most likely, you will lose access to the best offers. In addition, if difficulties arise, you will have to deal with them yourself.

It is important that developers pay realtors a percentage of each transaction concluded on the primary market. Top brokers are in a special position with developers, as they provide them with regular transactions. So, agents are invited to closed sales at the start of projects, where the best prices and an excellent assortment are available. In this situation, having refused the services of a realtor, you will be forced to act alone and choose from what remains unclaimed by clients of top brokers, if anything at all.

What Services Does the Real Estate Company Provide?

For a start, luxury property Dubai specialists help resolve issues related to the sale, purchase or rental of real estate. The company works both with secondary real estate and with objects directly from the developer (ready-made and at the stage of building a house). Experienced realtors can offer options to suit any budget, from budget single apartments and studios to luxury penthouses and luxury villas. The services of a real estate company include complete closure of the transaction, from A to Z. Thus, by contacting a professional, clients receive a wide range of services, including:

  • selection of real estate;
  • after-sales service;
  • reviews and site visits;
  • complete execution of all documentation;
  • drawing up and signing of contracts as well as monitoring the stages of their implementation.

Simply put, specialists from real estate companies in Dubai always take into account all wishes and can offer different areas and categories, and will suggest the most profitable options. Specialists also help with procedures and contracts for apartment utility services. It is noteworthy that for clients who invest in real estate for subsequent rental, realtors search for reliable tenants.

Experienced realtors always personally accompany clients and discuss all the nuances with them right on the spot. Moreover, if the buyer is not local and flies to Dubai, by agreement I will meet him at the airport.

How to Choose a Responsible Real Estate Agent in Dubai?

Lots of real estate buyers in the UAE face the problem of choosing a realtor in the majestic city of Dubai. The tips below will help you avoid making a mistake when choosing a realtor:

  1. Have a personal conversation with an employee of the company who plans to sell apartments and villas. You can find your potential neighbours on the developer’s social networks, as well as in some specialised communities. Here you can read real customer reviews.
  2. Carefully study the realtor’s official website and accounts on popular social networks. This will help you get acquainted with basic information about the company, as well as find out if the realtor has awards and achievements.
  3. Hire a qualified realtor. A real estate professional can tell you what features to focus on. In addition, an experienced expert will give you key tips to follow when choosing a property developer in Dubai.

Nevertheless, there is absolutely no need to rush to sign an agreement with a realtor; first evaluate him/her as a specialist.

Law Degree

It matters iIf we are talking about an individual and not a company. To cut a long story short, it is important that the realtor has the appropriate education, because he/she will draw up and read contracts, collect and check documents. Law degree is a must for the security of the transaction.

Good Recommendations and Reputation

It comes as no surprise that it is better to contact the person recommended to you by friends or acquaintances. At the same time, a couple of successful “cases” is not yet an indicator. Try to make inquiries about the realtor: read reviews on the Internet, be sure to take a closer look at his/her workplace: where his/her office is located, what condition it is in.

Awareness of all the Features of the Real Estate Market

It is important that a specialist understands the real estate market in his/her region and knows all kinds of pitfalls. Such a realtor will immediately tell you what the real market value of the apartment is, in which areas it is promising to buy real estate, where it will be comfortable for older people to live, and where for families with small children. A really good expert will tell you whether it is worth making cosmetic repairs to your apartment for sale and what its strengths are.

Positive Attitude and Guarantees

A realtor must always be in a good mood and believe in success as well as give guarantees that he/she will select a buyer for your apartment or find you a suitable option for purchase. In this case, the pro will name the approximate time frame within which he/she will complete the task.

Choosing a reliable realtor in the United Arab Emirates is not so easy. When dealing with real estate in Dubai, you should trust a large company, because reputation is important to them. Large companies have the most extensive databases of real estate properties. Such an organisation is NR Luxury Properties. In addition, the agency employs a whole staff of professional employees: lawyers, translators and all that jazz.

Specialist Help

In the Dubai real estate market, it is now practically impossible to do without a realtor. It doesn’t matter whether you are selling or buying a home, renting out or wanting to rent. All in all, it is better for a foreigner to turn to a professional.

Luxury Properties company’s employees will always be happy to assist you in choosing real estate in the city of tall skyscrapers and deciding on the right area for you. In addition, real estate experts will provide you with legal assistance both in preparing documentation and at other stages of concluding a contract.

 

 

News, Property, Property Buyer News, Property News

Don’t panic! – Expert warns new data on house price fall isn’t all it seems

Property owners should try not to panic – despite new figures showing the average home is now worth £3,000 less than a year ago.

Data shows prices are down 1.2 percent in the past year, which is the biggest annual drop since the Autumn of 2011.

But Jonathan Rolande, from the National Association of Property Buyers, urged people not to panic.

And he said 2024 could still be a year where house prices start to creep back up.

Mr Rolande said: “No home owner enjoys seeing figures showing house prices have fallen.

“However, for the vast majority of homeowners this needs perspective. There was enormous inflation in prices during the post lockdown era, with some areas rising by 20% in just a year. “The relatively small retraction of £3,000, whilst disappointing, still leaves house prices far higher than they were two years ago. With the prospect of government intervention to stimulates the market once again 2024 could be the year that the average homeowner recovers that £3000 drop in value.

Mr Rolande also said he’d welcome measures in the Spring Budget to support all property owners – not just first time buyers.

“We need forward thinking ideas across the market. Yes, first time buyers need support. But we also need measures that encourage pensioners to downsize, which stimulate housebuilding and do something to address the growing crisis in this country which exists around soaring rents.”

Property, Property Buyer News, Property News

The Safest 12 Places to Buy a Vacation Property

In recent years, there has been a surge in vacation property investments as holidaymakers and investors alike seek the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While picturesque landscapes and exotic locations are obviously appealing, the safety of the location is paramount. This is why you need to put plenty of thought into your decision if you are taking the huge step of investing in a vacation home.

The rise of remote work and the appeal of different destinations means that investing in vacation property is becoming a trend among people from all walks of life these days. But, if you want to make a wise investment, it is important to look beyond the serenity and scenic beauty and consider things such as safety. In this article, we will explore some of the top places you should consider.

 

Some of the Top Safe Destinations to Consider

There are lots of great places around the world where you can invest in vacation property. Some of the safest ones for you to consider are:

 

  1. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan spring in Higashiyama district.

Kyoto is not only the historical heart of Japan but also one of its safest cities. The low crime rate, combined with the locals’ adherence to law and order, sets the bar for safety. In addition, you have the city’s breathtaking temples, traditional tea houses, and stunning annual cherry blossoms. It is little wonder that Kyoto attracts vacation property buyers.

 

  1. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik’s natural wonders, like the Northern Lights, hot springs, and picturesque areas, are legendary. Its strong community spirit, low population density, and efficient leadership have kept crime rates low. Investing here ensures that homeowners can immerse themselves in nature’s beauty without any safety concerns.

 

  1. Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is like stepping into a European town. Its cobblestone streets, French colonial architecture, and vibrant arts scene are enchanting. Besides the aesthetic appeal, the city’s active community watch programs and modern security infrastructure provide an added layer of safety.

 

  1. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is a city where classical music, art, and history come together. Its magnificent palaces, opera houses, and museums provide a glimpse into its grand past. But beyond the cultural appeal, Vienna’s modern security measures, including 24/7 surveillance and efficient policing, help to safeguard both residents and their properties.

 

  1. Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington’s scenic beauty is unparalleled – for instance, you can enjoy incredible harbor views and sprawling lush greenery. The local government’s dedication to public safety, combined with New Zealand’s solid legal framework, means that vacation homeowners can bask in the city’s charm with peace of mind.

 

  1. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is where modern urban living combines with nature. Its innovative architectural designs coupled with pristine lakes and stunning parks have helped to make it a big hit. The Finnish education system, which focuses on civic responsibilities, plays a role in the city’s low crime rates, making it an ideal investment spot.

 

  1. Algarve, Portugal

Algarve, Portugal has been suggested by Maria Velniceriu, a lifestyle content creator and property investor with experience in property renovation and interior décor. She shares décor tips and DIY projects at her online magazine Missmv. Maria says that the Algarve region offers a Mediterranean climate, beautiful coastline, and a stable real estate market. It’s a popular destination for tourists, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical charm, and vibrant nightlife. You can buy a property in the Algarve with the purpose of spending a short period of time there, or you can actually relocate entirely and enjoy the offerings of this idyllic Mediterranean paradise.

 

  1. Bergen, Norway

Bergen’s appeal and charm lies in its wooden houses, historic harbor, and majestic fjords. The well-structured societal systems, community policing, and responsive emergency services help to guarantee safety, and this has helped to make Bergen a top choice for vacation properties.

 

  1. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich seamlessly blends the old and the new. While its streets enable you to step back in time with tales of medieval Europe, its banking and public service sectors are incredibly modern. Known for its stringent laws, Zurich offers a level of security that few global cities can match. This means greater peace of mind when it comes to your vacation home.

 

  1. Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, with its car-free city center and lush green spaces, is a great example of eco-friendly urban planning. The local government’s initiatives, such as 24/7 CCTV monitoring and public awareness campaigns, ensure the city remains safe for locals and vacation homeowners alike.

 

  1. Singapore

Singapore’s skyline, bustling ports, and rich culture provide a unique blend of tradition and modern. Its stringent law enforcement, combined with technologically advanced security measures, means crime is uncommon. This has helped to make this destination a popular choice among those looking to invest in a vacation home.

 

  1. Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide, Australia

 

 

 

Adelaide’s serene beaches, world-class wineries, and vibrant arts festivals are world famous. The city’s emphasis on community policing, efficient legal systems, and public safety campaigns help to ensure a secure environment, further enhancing its appeal for vacation homeowners.

 

Make a Wise Investment in the Ideal Destination

These 12 cities offer a fabulous blend of beauty and security, providing potential investors with both peace of mind and the chance to make great returns. Before you make this sort of investment, it’s always wise to do personal site visits, understand the local property laws, and engage with the community.

News, Property, Property Buyer News

The Top Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Home in the UK

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it is a complex process. With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to make mistakes that could cost you time, money, and even your dream home. To help you navigate the UK property market with confidence, we’ve compiled a list of the top mistakes to avoid when buying your first home.

1. Failing to Set a Realistic Budget

One of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make is not setting a realistic budget. It’s essential to determine how much you can afford to spend on a property before you start house hunting. This includes considering your mortgage, deposit, stamp duty, legal fees, and other associated costs. By having a clear understanding of your financial limits, you can avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a property that’s out of your price range.

2. Not Conducting Thorough Research

Research is crucial when it comes to buying a property. This includes researching the local area, amenities, schools, and transport links. It’s also essential to investigate the property market trends in the area you’re considering, as this can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s the right time to buy. Failing to conduct thorough research can lead to costly mistakes, such as buying in an area with poor growth potential or overlooking essential amenities.

3. Skipping the Mortgage Pre-Approval Process

Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval is a crucial step in the home-buying process. It not only gives you a clear idea of how much you can borrow but also demonstrates to sellers that you’re a serious and qualified buyer. Skipping this step can result in wasted time and potential disappointment if you find your dream home, only to discover that you can’t secure the necessary financing.

4. Underestimating the Importance of a Property Survey

A property survey is an essential part of the home-buying process, as it can reveal any hidden issues or defects that may not be immediately apparent. Skipping a survey to save money can be a costly mistake, as you may end up with unexpected repair bills or even a property that’s worth less than you paid for it. Always invest in a thorough survey to ensure you’re making an informed decision.

5. Not Hiring a Conveyancing Solicitor

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership, and it can be a complex and time-consuming task. Many first-time buyers make the mistake of trying to handle this process themselves, which can lead to delays, errors, and even the collapse of a property transaction. Hiring a professional conveyancing solicitor can help ensure a smooth and efficient process, protecting your interests and minimising the risk of costly mistakes.

6. Overlooking Additional Costs

When budgeting for your first home, it’s essential to consider all the additional costs associated with property ownership. This includes ongoing expenses such as council tax, utility bills, insurance, and maintenance costs. Failing to account for these expenses can lead to financial strain and even the risk of losing your home if you’re unable to keep up with payments.

7. Rushing the Process

Buying a property is a significant investment, and it’s essential to take your time and make informed decisions. Rushing the process can lead to costly mistakes, such as overlooking important details or settling for a property that doesn’t truly meet your needs. Be patient, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a property if it doesn’t feel right.

 

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can navigate the UK property market with confidence and secure your dream home. Remember to set a realistic budget, conduct thorough research, obtain mortgage pre-approval, invest in a property survey, hire a conveyancing solicitor, consider additional costs, and take your time throughout the process. With careful planning and due diligence, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful first-time homeowner.

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Only 2 key-ready Taylor Wimpey España homes available, as new 2023 show homes revealed

• Taylor Wimpey España follows bumper 2022 with new show homes for 2023
• All developments will host personal and virtual visits
• Britons remain top foreign buyers of Spanish property (Colegio Registradores)

Property sales in 2022 were so strong that leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España is going into 2023 with only two key-ready homes in stock, meaning that buyers will have to move fast if they want a home they can start using straight away. The two remaining key-ready homes – located at Sunset Ibiza (€700,000 plus VAT) and Pier 2 (€429,000 plus VAT) – are expected to be snapped up quickly in 2023.

Taylor Wimpey España is launching new show homes for 2023. The launches come as figures from Colegio Registradores show that Britons remain the top foreign buyers of Spanish property, accounting for 9.3% of all purchases by foreigners in Q3 2022. Overall, international buyers accounted for 15.9% of property purchases in Spain during the quarter.

Taylor Wimpey España will this year celebrate 65 years of building property along the Mediterranean coast, meaning the firm has plenty of experience when it comes to the value of show homes.

“A show home does much to improve the buying experience. It allows prospective buyers to see the dimensions of the property when furnished and to get a feel for its atmosphere and orientation. It allows buyers to visit and experience the property before the development is completed, while those browsing online can see photos and videos of it.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

Taylor Wimpey España’s show homes will be available for both personal and virtual visits during 2023. The firm plans to launch multiple new developments over the coming year, including in Mallorca, the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol.

One of the show homes open to visitors keen on buying homes in the Costa del Sol is at Marbella Lake, a contemporary lakeside development at the heart of Golf Valley, in Nueva Andalucía, just 5 kilometres from Puerto Banús. The show home delivers a flavour of the three-bedroom apartments available for purchase at Marbella Lake, which will also be home to spacious penthouses and duplexes, along with prettily landscaped gardens and four communal pools. Prices start from €690,000 plus VAT.

2023 will also see show homes open at Compass and Es Llaut, located respectively at Cala D’Or and Cala Bona in Mallorca. Both developments offer outstanding value for the island. Compass provides two-bedroom apartments costing from €313,000 plus VAT, while two-bedroom homes with large terraces (and gardens on the ground floor) at Es Llaut are priced from €330,000 plus VAT.

“2022 was a very busy year for us, with many families buying key-ready homes in which to start creating wonderful holiday memories straight away. We anticipate demand will remain strong during 2023, as we complete a string of developments along with Spanish coast and begin work on nine further launches. Our show homes will play a pivotal role in supporting buyers to find the properties of their dreams over the coming year.”

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972.

London News, News, Property, Property Buyer News

Bellway London invites Watford homebuyers to meet managing agents

Homebuyers at Bellway London’s Waterside at Riverwell development, in Watford, were invited to attend a ‘Meet the Managing Agents’ mixer, as part of the housebuilders initiative to deliver award winning customer service, even after the customers have moved in.

All customers who have purchased a new home at Waterside at Riverwell had the unique opportunity to meet staff from PBM Property Management, about the aftercare they will receive, now construction has finished and Bellway’s sales and site team will be moving off site.

The session, which was attended by over 50 residents, was held in the development’s sales and marketing suite, where light refreshments and canapes were provided.

Waterside at Riverwell is a development of 143 Bellway London homes off Thomas Sawyer Way, comprising 110 apartments for private sale and 33 affordable properties available for local people through rent or shared ownership.

PBM Property Management has now taken charge of the upkeep of the apartment buildings, the concierge service, the residents private gym and the communal and landscaped areas, including the podium gardens.

Greg Allsop, Sales Director for Bellway London, said: “We wanted to take the opportunity to host an event where the new residents of Waterside at Riverwell, could meet the managing agents in an informal environment.

“The aftercare to those who have bought a Bellway property, is really important to us and doesn’t stop once the team have moved off site. We look after our customers from enquiry through to completion and onwards. The event was clearly a well-received idea because a significant proportion of our customers turned up on the day.

“As a responsible housebuilder, we felt it was important for us to use our links with both the residents and the managing agents to bring them together and give an opportunity for people to ask any questions they might have. There are often lots of queries surrounding apartment block and estate management, service charges and living in a leasehold property, so this three-hour session enabled those questions to be answered.

“Bellway has achieved five-star builder status with the Home Builders Federation (HBF) for six years in a row because nine out of ten of our customers would recommend us to a friend. We are proud of this coveted status which comes as a result of always putting our customers first.

“This event is a perfect example of how we are trying to ensure that our buyers experience the very best level of customer care we can provide.”

Waterside at Riverwell is part of the wider Riverwell regeneration project. The scheme 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.

In addition to providing new homes, the project includes plans for a new two-form entry primary school, community centre, flexible workspaces and more than 4.5 acres of green open space.

There’s currently only a handful of apartments left for sale at the development, with a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments available to reserve, with prices starting at £269,995 and £380,000 respectively.

For more information about the development visit https://www.bellwaylondon.co.uk/new-homes/north-london/waterside-at-riverwell or call the sales team on 01923 700486.

News, Property, Property Buyer News, South West

Show home open at Stonewood Partnerships’ flagship sustainable neighbourhood in Gloucestershire

EVENTING star Harry Meade cut the ribbon on the show home at Orchard Field – Stonewood Partnerships’ flagship sustainable neighbourhood of 88 low energy homes at Siddington in Gloucestershire.

The acclaimed rider and Stonewood ambassador, who has competed at 12 Badminton International Horse Trials, told invited guests, staff and contractors how proud he was to be invited to open the home – a three-bedroomed Pippin – and how impressed he was with the sustainable credentials within the show home, which is now open for appointments.

He said: “It’s brilliant to be here and it’s wonderful to see the future of how more and more people are going to live. Hopefully this is the start of a big journey for Stonewood and congratulations to everyone involved.”

Stonewood Partnerships Managing Director Sam Smart spoke of his pride in the quality of the homes, which have been designed to be as low energy as possible without compromising the high standards of finish and craftmanship the company has produced in its other award-winning developments.

“It’s quite a significant year for us with it being our 50th birthday and it’s really nice to take a moment and stop to give thanks to everybody involved in getting to this stage of the project,” he said.

“Stonewood’s growth is rooted in core values which were established back in 1972 – quality, craftmanship and innovation. We strive to create beautiful buildings that stand the test of time and we are seeing that here at Orchard Field.

“Designing these new buildings to the highest possible environmental standards is a challenge that we have embraced and we look forward to building many more in the region. Setting new standards in housebuilding is what we strive for and we want to keep pushing the boundaries of sustainability and build quality.”

Families have already moved into the first two of the 88 two, three, four and five bedroom homes on the 11 acre development, which is bordered by trees, parkland, fruit orchards and allotments on a 35 acre site on the edge of the village.

Each Cotswold stone or red brick home, designed by sister company Stonewood Design in conjunction with ecological consultant Greenguage, will have solar panels embedded into the roof, timber frames, 45cm thick walls filled with eco-friendly insulation, triple glazing and airtight interiors to eliminate draughts and allow the energy-efficient heating system to cut bills by up to 70 per cent compared to standard -new-built houses.

Ground-floor underfloor heating fuelled by an air source heat pump and the use of mechanical ventilation heat recovery, which removes warm air from the kitchen and bathroom and uses it to heat air flowing into the living room and bedrooms, will keep the homes warm in winter and cool in summer.

Every one of the 11 contemporary Cotswold styles of home in the community has been designed to meet stringent Association for Environment Conscious Building standards that demand excellent construction and low energy consumption.

The parkland entrance to the neighbourhood will be lined with new woodland featuring a mix of Beech, Field Maple, Hazel, Alder, Wild Cherry, Hornbeam, Lime and Yew. A ten-year management plan will care for the existing 1990s-planted woodland, where diseased ash has been replaced with a mix of broadleaf varieties. Native shrubs form a threshold between the woodland and the parkland.

Fruit orchards and 900 metres of hedgerow around the development will add to more fruit trees planted within four character areas across the neighbourhood that will include tree-lined walkways, courtyards, gardens, a play areas.

Mr Smart said Stonewood’s ethos of working as a team has helped it overcome the design challenges of the project. “Stonewood is a people business, that’s how we’ve grown from a few people to almost 400 across the group and we understand that everybody is important and that individual contributions within the team as it comes together helps us to achieve great things,” he said.

“Our excellent consultant design team have really risen to the challenge on this project, designing something that really does raise the bar – and that goes down to the most minute details such as where we place the bin stores and bike stores.

“To take that design from page to site takes a first class supply chain of contractors and we have had a great team supporting us. It has been a brilliant team effort and we should be proud of what we have achieved.”

He also paid tribute to joint venture partner Nicholas Arbuthnott, the retired architect who had the original vision for the project. “Nicholas’ ambition for the legacy of the project was quite clear from the start and his wisdom and knowledge has been instrumental in producing what we see today,” he said.

A virtual tour of The Pippin can be found at www.stonewoodpartnerships.co.uk and appointments to visit the show home can be made by calling 01454 809780 or emailing orchardfield@stonewoodpartnerships.co.uk.

News, Property, Property Buyer News, South East

All homes sold at new Bellway development in Brampton

A Bellway development which generated a £1.5 million investment for Brampton and the surrounding areas has sold out.

Brampton Gate, off Laws Crescent in the village of Brampton, features a collection of 150 new build homes.

The first homes at Brampton Gate were released for sale just over three years ago, when building work had just started.

As the construction programme nears completion, most of the homes are already occupied and the final residents will move in over the coming months.

Luke Southgate, Sales Director for Bellway Northern Home Counties, said: “Brampton Gate is a stunning development in a residential area on the edge of this sought-after village.

“Many of our customers have been particularly keen to move to Brampton Gate because it is in an established part of the village.

“We have installed footpaths through the development linking to popular walking routes and created new green open spaces for residents living at Brampton Gate and nearby. The first of these spaces opened in May 2019, when trees and shrubs had been planted around a 10.5-acre landscaped area.

“The village itself combines semi-rural charm with exceptional transport links, including the newly upgraded A1 and A14 sections around Huntingdon.

“Each of these factors builds the picture of why this development has been so attractive to people looking to set down roots in Brampton.”

As part of its planning agreement for Brampton Gate, Bellway committed £1.5 million towards education and public services through a Community Infrastructure Levy, known as CIL. A further £54,000 was allocated to new digital boards at bus stops which provide real-time information for passengers.

Bellway also built 60 affordable homes at Brampton Gate, which were made available to local people through shared ownership or rental.

The remaining 90 homes were three, four and five-bedroom houses which were sold privately.

Since work started at Brampton Gate, Bellway has chosen to support local causes, including Brampton Primary School and Huntingdon Rugby Club.

Bellway site manager Paul Lawrence was recognised for his exceptional work at the development by the NHBC’s Pride in the Job Awards scheme.

Bellway continues to build in the Huntingdon area, with a new development to follow at Whitehill Gardens in Godmanchester.

For more information on new Bellway homes across the area, see https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/northern-home-counties.

 

CAPTION

  • All homes are now sold at Bellway’s Brampton Gate development in Brampton
News, Property, Property Buyer News, South East

Professionals find a new home and a better life in Ewell

A professional couple are enjoying more space and a better quality of life after moving from the busy streets of South London to a quiet village in Surrey.

Malcolm Scott, 39, and his wife Eashani, 38, have purchased a new two-bedroom house at Bellway’s Buckthorn Grange development in Ewell.

The couple, whose employers are both based in the capital, were previously renting a one-bedroom flat in Tooting.

Malcolm is a civil servant based in Whitehall, while Eashani is a data analyst who has been working from home since March 2020.

Malcolm said: “It has been a thrilling experience to buy a new house in such a beautiful location, especially for Eashani because this is the first time she has had the joy of owning a home.

“We have everything we need and more at this development because the house came with a garage and a private garden.

“Having lived in a one-bedroom flat for quite a while, we can really appreciate how spacious the rooms are at our new home. And it is so nice to have a house all to yourself.

“Eashani has been working from home since the beginning of the pandemic and now she has a lot more space to make that more comfortable for her. Since she works as a data analyst, it also helps that the broadband speed is much faster here than it was in Tooting.”

As professionals working full time, both Malcolm and Eashani agreed that purchasing a newly built property would be a sound investment.

Malcolm said: “Buying a house is probably one of the best ways to invest your money because the value of the property grows much faster than a bank deposit.

“My father told us never to buy an old house because that would cost more money to make it ready for us to move in. The best thing about buying a newly built house is that it is like a blank slate you can turn into you own.

“The place we were renting in Tooting was an old school that had been converted into a flat, and the energy bills were unreasonably high because the building was that old. We are now saving money on our bills because we bought a new build which is far more energy efficient.”

The couple decided to buy at Buckthorn Grange after visiting the showhome at the development, which is located off Scotts Farm Road, in July last year. They said the fact the house they bought came with a private garage set it apart from the other properties they looked at slightly closer to the capital.

Malcolm added: “In terms of customer support, the sales advisors from Bellway were fabulous from day one. They really cared and worked hard on ensuring that the house was as good as it could be.

“It is amazing how many aspects of the house we were able to customise, and Bellway were very helpful with all the work we wanted to have done before we moved in. They let us choose the oak flooring, the grey tiles, and pretty much everything they fitted in the kitchen.

“We knew we made the right choice as soon as we moved in. You could see that the build quality of the house was excellent, and it had a very nice feeling as you went from one room to the next.”

After moving to Buckthorn Grange, the couple have been enjoying the many advantages of living in Surrey.

Malcolm said: “The location is ideal for going on walks because there are two different parks on either side of our development. It is also much safer to go for a run since there is very little traffic on the streets in comparison to Tooting.

“It is also a lot easier for us to travel now because we can simply bypass the traffic of London which used to add at least two hours to our journey every time we drove somewhere outside the city.”

Malcolm, who commutes to work four days a week from Ewell West station around a 30-minute walk away, added: “The train to London takes around 40 to 50 minutes. The commute may be longer now than it was when we were in Tooting, but it is less difficult and the money we save on the rent makes up for the train fares.

“There is also the better quality of life that comes with the location. Tooting was not just busy in the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays – it was always busy. It’s wonderful to live away from all that road noise because now I can instantly relax as soon as I come home.”

A selection of one and two-bedroom apartments, as well as three-bedroom houses, are currently available at Buckthorn Grange, with prices starting from £310,950.

For more information, call 01737 749667 or visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-london/buckthorn-grange.

Captions:

  • Malcom and Eashani living in their new home at Bellway’s Buckthorn Grange development, in Ewell
News, Property, Property Buyer News, South East England News

Homebuilder provides its top five walking locations in Abingdon for National Walking Month

For National Walking Month, Oxfordshire developer David Wilson Homes Southern is offering a list of scenic riverside walks near its Kings Gate and Abbey Fields developments in Abingdon-on-Thames.

National Walking Month – which lasts through the whole of the month of May and is run by health charity Living Streets – aims to get people out into their local area, be active and appreciate all nature has to offer while taking a scenic walk.

This year’s theme is #Try20, and Living Streets is encouraging everyone who is capable to try walking for a minimum of 20 minutes a day for the duration of the month.

David Wilson Homes’ Kings Gate and Abbey Fields developments, both approximately a 20-minute drive from Oxford, are ideally placed for both short and long walks. Whether you’re looking for a stroll along the River Thames to Oxford or a heritage walk through Abingdon itself, you’re sure to find a walk you’ll love in this picturesque area.

For those new to the area, David Wilson Homes has curated a top five list of local walks:

 

Walk along the Thames from Abingdon to Oxford

    • Taking just under four hours at a brisk pace, this walk is for those ramblers who like to make a day of their excursions. The trail starts with a walk through a small wooded area before following the River Thames to Oxford.

Abingdon Abbey Heritage Trail

    • If you’re looking to learn more about the local history, the Heritage Trail is perfect for you. The route takes you past St Nicolas Church, Roysse Court, the old site of Abingdon School, St John’s Hospital, the Abbey buildings and gardens and Barton Court ruins, with the option of walking back along the river. This walk is the perfect way to get to know your local area.

1556 Boundary Walk

    • This walk can be done on your own or as part of a walking tour. Traditionally done on New Year’s Day, this walk takes you around the boundaries as they were when the town was granted its royal charter in 1556. The whole walk will take you about two hours as you walk the three miles from the Market Place to Abingdon Lock.

Abingdon Waterways Walk

    • This eight-mile walk will usually take about four hours to complete and will take you to Culham Lock where you will be treated to the best view of Abingdon. The walk along the Thames path offers a calming waterside ramble, with pubs available along the way for refreshments.

Thrupp Lake

    • On the outskirts of Abingdon near Radley, The Earth Trust have created a walk around Thrupp Lake. The walk around the lake takes an average of 40 minutes and features a boardwalk along the water’s edge and a bird hide where you can watch the local wildlife.

A variety of one, three, and four bedroom homes are available at Kings Gate and four and five bedroom homes are available at Abbey Fields.

More information on the homes at Kings Gate and Abbey Fields can be found by visiting the David Wilson Homes website, or by calling 033 3355 8487.