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AUCTIONS P4 MORTGAGES P6 INTERIORS P11 RETIREMENT P27 AGENT INSIGHT P32

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Great escapesSix of the best overseas investment

properties, P8-9

– preview P18

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Find your new home at Whathouse.com buying a home overseas 3

Investing in overseas property

Teuco hydrosonic bath, Bagno splashproof TV and Duravit fittings John Lewis Savina from the Continental CollectionTemperature-controlled wine storage in white American oak

o, where would you buy a home overseas if you had the money? I’ve asked myself that question a few times

over the past few weeks as we’ve been putting the paper together and I’ve actually come up with several answers! Which is unfortunate, as, on a humble scribe’s salary, I’ll be lucky to afford one.

In no particular order, I came up with Mallorca, Portugal, St Lucia, Thailand and Italy – but I confess that the latter is mostly because I happen to be sitting beside a sunny, if slightly misty, Lake Como as I write this. Given another week, I’d probably come up with another half-dozen alternatives.

For me, as I think it is for many people, buying a second home overseas, or perhaps even relocating permanently, is a lifestyle choice rather than one motivated by investment and financial returns.

There’s no doubt that with careful research, it’s quite possible to add an overseas property to your investment portfolio that will provide good returns and some decent price appreciation over the years.

Thankfully, the days of “get rich quick” property investment schemes are mostly behind us and I think buyers are much more wary in light of the way some people got caught out at the end of the last property boom, as price tumbled around the world.

The lucky ones got out of the market just before that, selling up the Eastern European or Middle Eastern investments that they never had any intention of living in. Quite a few were left with homes that were probably not even completely built and which had very little chance of being sold at anywhere near the price they were bought for.

For most of us, though, an overseas property would be a place to go on holiday, to let out to family and friends and to potentially hang onto into retirement as a place to spend the winter months with the sun on our backs. Travel is relatively cheap these days and on a busy bank holiday, it might be quicker to fly to the Costa del Sol than sit in a traffic jam to Cornwall or Devon.

Wherever in the world you yearn to buy, I hope our features inspire you to make a serious enquiry to start to make your overseas property dream a reality.

Happy house-hunting!

KeithKeith Osborne, editor. ko@whathouse.com @keithosborne69

SWelcome!

1) Are you independent?It is vital that your legal representative is independent and is acting in your best interests rather than for the seller, developer or estate agent. Often, agents or developers will encourage you to use their ‘recommended lawyer’, or even suggest that a lawyer is not required at all. The reason for this is that they want you to use somebody with whom they have a mutually beneficial relationship.

2) Do you understand the different legal systems?A firm that understands both sets of laws will be clued-in regarding the interaction between foreign and UK legal systems, particularly when it comes to tax issues.

3) How much experience do

you have in this type of work?Your lawyer needs to know much more than the law and the theory. It is vital to know what practices and techniques the other party will use, and the customs of the country you are buying in. The firm must also be aware of any common scams that could be prevalent.

4) How well do you know British clients?British clients have high expectations of their lawyers. They expect regular updates, detailed advice and clear explanations regarding costs.

5) Can you speak English?By ‘speaking English’, we don’t just mean speaking the words, but being able to explain complicated information in a clear fashion, as sometimes a literal translation can give an unclear picture.

WHERE DO I START?Overseas property can be found in many of the usual places – property portals, developer websites, specialist shows and estate agents, who will sell through trade bodies such as the Association of International Property Professionals.

Your first port of call is to suss out the type of property you are interested in and to choose an estate agent. Take care when doing this, ensuring you pay particular attention to your agent’s track record and fee structure. Once you have decided that overseas investment is for you, take the time to visit potential properties yourself – it can be risky to make such a significant investment from your living room.

Don’t be sucked in by outrageous

stories of success or failure. In many countries the property market is beginning to find its feet again after a disastrous few years, but be wary of agents promising you huge capital growth or rental yields, and always do your own research.

FINANCESIt is helpful to have finance in place before you search for a property, as things can get tricky if you need a mortgage. Since the recession hit, it has become increasingly difficult to borrow in some countries, and some UK banks will only offer overseas mortgages for countries in which they have an office.

Take your time and search for the best mortgage and currency deals, and

decide which currency to borrow in – if you are letting the property it could be wise to borrow in the local currency to lessen the chance of becoming a victim of exchange rate fluctuations.

Budgeting is vital, as different countries charge different fees. In Italy you might pay 12-15% in fees to cover your mortgage, insurance and tax, while in the USA this figure can be as low as 5%. Deposits are similar – many countries will accept a 10% deposit, but you may need to pay up to a third of the purchase price in countries such as Portugal.

Should you find your ideal home, always consult a lawyer before handing over a deposit. Seek advice over how best to protect your investment – this could include making wills in both

countries to minimise any difficulties upon death.

LETTING YOUR PROPERTYAlways think of the long-term. Research the local rental market and learn about holiday seasons, amenities and popularity. As with the UK, you can use a managing agent to take the hassle away from your investment, or you can use a holiday lettings website to take advantage of seasonal demand.

In theory, you are liable for income tax both abroad and in the UK, but you shouldn’t have to pay twice, and as with self-employed income in the UK, you can factor some forms of expenditure in to your calculations.

Whether you’re in search of a retirement retreat or a solid buy-to-let investment, an overseas property could be the perfect fit. The sunnier climes of Spain, France and Portugal have long been popular with UK buyers, and there is also a wealth of investment opportunities available a little off the beaten track. There are certainly bargains out there, but it pays to be cautious and do your research before diving in. Here are some tips to get you started.

Peter Esders, commercial director at international legal firm Judicare Group, shares his top five questions to ask your prospective legal representative

1) Know what you want Consider your specifications carefully before confirming your trip. There is no point travelling overseas before your have ensured that the properties you have lined up fit your requirements.

2) Know what to expectFamiliarise yourself with the itinerary. Never allow yourself to feel pressured into committing to a property you are not 100% happy with, but do afford the company enough time to adequately show you the range of opportunities available.

3) Make a listIt’s surprising how many people return home after an inspection trip and realise they have forgotten to ask key questions, such as whether the property has a clean title deed or

what an apartment’s condominium fees might be. It is always best to take care of these practical details face to face during the trip.

4) Know the numbersKnow your budget and ensure that the company running the trip knows it too. If you aren’t clear regarding figures, you could miss out on your dream property while looking around one that is outside of your budget.

5) Think it throughA good host will allow you to take time to reflect on your decision, and will be able to furnish you with precise details about the area in which you are purchasing, from historical property price trends and language lessons to the best restaurants for local cuisine.

Chris White, founding director of Ideal Homes Portugal, offers his top tips on getting the most from an overseas property inspection trip

EXPERT ADVICE

B uying and selling property

at auction is becoming increasingly popular as illustrated by the high number of wide-ranging

purchasers cramming into auction rooms up and down the country each week. Previously it was mainly only professional property investors and developers that would have considered buying at auction rather than in a private treaty sale.

While many auctioneers have long accepted proxy and telephone bids from bidders who were unable to attend a

sale in person, there are now a growing number of auctioneers of property who are willing to accept bids online, with many auction houses now broadcasting live video from auction on their websites, enabling buyers to view auctions, bid and purchase property online.

“The market exposure for our auction sales is now immense, with online bidding having become an integral part of our offering alongside the traditional ‘in the room’, telephone and proxy bidding arrangements,” said Guy Charrison, auctioneer and director at Network Auctions.

Although technology and the means to buy property online is rapidly improving, as things stand, you, much like those bidding by telephone, will need to establish your credit with the auctioneer several days before the auction when bidding online. The auctioneer may even require you to send a cheque prior to the auction representing the 10% deposit of the maximum sum that you are willing to bid.

Whether bidding online or by another means, you should always adopt the same approach as if you were physically attending the auction.

• Property inspection: Always view the property you are thinking of buying in person.

• Survey: Appoint a surveyor to inspect the property.

• Legal: Read all the legal documentation and hire a solicitor to review the legal pack.

• Finance: Whether paying in cash or securing a loan, ensure funds are in place.

• Stick to your budget: Set a maximum price and do not exceed it.

There has been an increase in the number of ‘invisible bidders’ placing their bids online, driving up demand for property auction lots, discovers Marc Da Silva

Property auctions – buying a property online

4 auctions Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Buying property at auction is generally a good way of ensuring that you do not pay more than you need to, with purchasers often paying less at auction than through private treaty.

Thankfully, prospective buyers can now bid online offering you a genuine opportunity to potentially

acquire below-market-value property at auction even when you are unable to attend in person, while viewing the action online.

Buying property at auction can be a nail-biting experience. Bidding online, away from prying eyes of other people in the auction room may help to alleviate the pressure, especially for less experienced purchasers.

THE PROS

Establishing your credit with the auction firm and sending the auctioneer a cheque prior to the auction representing the 10% deposit of the maximum sum that you are willing to bid generally has two disadvantages:

First, the auctioneer is aware of the maximum you will

pay and if he is unscrupulous, may take advantage of this knowledge by increasing the reserve.

Second, it prevents you from making any bids higher than ‘the first number you thought of’ at the time you dispatched the cheque. For some reason, perhaps because they disturb the auctioneer’s rhythm of bidding,

online bids generally come over weakly in the room and seem to have less impact on opposing bidders. The audience may believe they are a ploy of the auctioneer to increase the number and level of bids.

If you are concerned that bidding online may be disadvantageous, the best method is to attend the auction in person.

THE CONS

Managing director Daniel HillEditorial director Rupert BatesEditor Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.comAssistant editor Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.comChief sub-editor Suzanne Frost Designer Sarah Davies Contributors Marc Da Silva Nick Parkhouse Richenda OldhamSales director (new homes) Mark Edmondson me@whathouse.comSales director (estate agencies) Andy Grimley ag@whathouse.comHead of Sales (Midlands) Ben Marklew bm@whathouse.comHead of Sales (London) Andy Lunn al@whathouse.comSales manager Jay Ali ja@whathouse.comBusiness development manager Richard Woodruff rf@whathouse.comBusiness development manager Steve Coyle sc@whathouse.comAccount manager Ann Chaloner ac@whathouse.comSales executive Tori Collett tc@whathouse.comSales executive Wayne Smith ws@whathouse.comCover photo:

Keith Osborne started writing about property 12 years ago and has been editor of Whathouse.com since 2010. He is currently a columnist in housebuilding trade magazine Show House and

has previously written for Homes Overseas magazine. He has also been a part of the What House? Awards judging panel for a number of years.

Rupert Bates, editorial director of WhatHouse? has been a property journalist for 25 years. He is an award-winning writer who started on local newspapers before becoming a columnist on The Daily

Telegraph. He presents the annual What House? Awards, edits leading housebuilding magazine Show House and is property correspondent of The Field magazine.

Stephen Maunder is assistant editor of Whathouse.com, having previously spent 18 months there as a freelance special correspondent. He has a background in academic research

and has worked at Sky News as a picture researcher. He has also written for BBC News, Huffington Post UK and the Shropshire Star newspaper.

@What_HouseWhat House?

No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publishers. The greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy but the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors and omissions.

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG T: 020 7940 1070 E: info@globespanmedia.com W: www.whathouse.comPrinted by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2014 Globespan Media Limited

A chance to win £50

One of our new followers from 5th-30th November 2014 will win £50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers.

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6 mortgages / news in brief Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Mortgage hope for self-employed as lenders loosen tough underwriting

ince the financial crisis, more people have become self-employed in Britain than ever before. While being your own boss might make

you a ‘national hero’ – at least in the words of David Cameron – working for yourself can also be a challenge.

Over recent years, mortgage companies have tightened their criteria when it comes to self-employed applicants. Many business owners been forced out of the mortgage market as rules have become stricter.

Even before April’s Mortgage Market Review it had become tough for self-employed applicants to get a mortgage without three years’ proof of earnings. This had made it hard for the newly self-employed and contractors to get a home loan.

While criteria remains tough with many lenders, in recent weeks several mortgage providers have begun to consider self-employed borrowers with

just one year’s worth of accounts. The list includes Halifax, part of Lloyds Banking Group, as well as specialist lenders such as Kensington, Precise Mortgages and Principality.

The Daily Telegraph also reports that there are lenders, such as Clydesdale Bank, who are prepared to consider applications from contractors where they can demonstrate a previous employment history in the same field.

Keith Osborne, editor of WhatHouse? says: “The latest figures show that around 15% of the UK’s workforce is now self-employed. Unless lenders start to take a commonsense view towards these people, over 4.5 million borrowers will find it tough to get a mortgage.”

SELF EMPLOYED? WHAT YOUR LENDER WILL NEED TO SEEIf you work for yourself, most lenders will want to see three years’ worth

of accounts or proof of the tax you have paid via your SA302s. Some lenders will accept a certificate from your accountant - as long as they are fully qualified.

If you are a sole trader, you will

generally need to prove your net profit before tax; if you own a limited company, you will need to prove both your wages and dividends. Some lenders will take retained profits into account but

others will not. If you’re a contractor or

freelancer, lenders will consider your experience, your history of contracting, the length of your current contract and the likelihood of it being renewed. You are more likely to be approved for a mortgage if you have at least two years history of working on fixed-term contracts in your industry.

If you are on your first contract, you may be able to get a mortgage if you have minimum of six months remaining and at least two years of uninterrupted history in the same line of work.

Osborne adds: “As well as proving your income, it’s also a good idea to have six months’ worth of personal and business bank statements available. Bear in mind also that your mortgage amount may not be based on your most recent profits but on an average of the last few years.”

There are finally signs that lenders are looking more sympathetically on self-employed borrowers, discovers Nick Parkhouse

S

New home registrations rise to seven-year high he number of new home

registrations in the third quarter of this year increased

to its highest level since 2007,

according to new data from the National House Building Council (NHBC).

The figures reveal that overall new home registrations in the third quarter rise by 8% compared with the same period in 2013 with the private sector continuing to be the main driver of growth.

According to the NHBC, a total of 36,343 new homes were registered between July and September this year, up from 33,573 for the corresponding period last year.

The rise in new homes registrations comes as a welcome boost to the property industry, amid a general housing crisis caused by a lack of

properties coming onto the market.NHBC chief executive Mike Quinton

said: “Our figures show that the sharp housing upturn we have seen over the last couple of years is a genuine broad-based recovery across the whole of the country, with pockets of strong growth in the North East, Yorkshire & Humberside and West Midlands.”

TRental price growth continuing to ease across the UK ental price growth across the

UK continued to ease last month, with twice as many

regions in the seeing falls than

those recording an increase in rental prices, according to findings from the September 2014 HomeLet Rental Index. The latest data shows a modest cooling for the second month in a row, with regions such as Greater London, the South East, South West and East Anglia moving to slower growth and a greater proportion of regions reporting

negative price movement. In September, eight regions

recorded rental price falls and only four regions recorded growth; Greater London at 0.1%, the West Midlands at 1.2%, the South West at 2% and Northern Ireland at 4.2%. This is 50% fewer than the number of regions reporting growth in August, when

six regions delivered growth and six recorded falls.

This month’s data has also shown the number of UK regions recording annual negative rental growth doubling from two to four. Scotland, Wales, the North East of England and the East Midlands now show rental prices that are lower than a year ago.

R

Plans approved for 5,750 new homes project in Ashford, Kent utline planning consent

has been awarded for a £1.5bn development at

Chilmington Green that will include the creation of up to 5,750 new homes, including a significant share of affordable homes, within the next 20 years. Aside from the construction of new residential properties, the scheme will provide a major extension to Ashford and will also include a district centre, two local centres, five new schools, employment space and community infrastructure.

The council has set demanding requirements for developers working on the large-scale project, which include Barratt Homes, Ward Homes, Pentland Homes, Hodson Developments and Jarvis Homes, to ensure that the new homes are built to an extremely high standard.

Chilmington Green, which will be divided into three neighbourhoods, will reflect many of the design principles of a successful garden city, including tree-lined streets, a spacious layout with high-quality public spaces and a strong local community managing an impressive range of local facilities. It is anticipated that the project will take 20 years to complete, delivering around 300 homes each year.

O

Shared ownership apartments launch at One Hove Park ituated between two of

Brighton and Hove’s most prominent parks, One

Hove Park is a striking collection of

71, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in this highly sought-after residential area.

Apartments at the scheme have been carefully designed to maximise natural daylight and are crafted to a high specification, which includes Amtico Spacia flooring, Symphony kitchens with Smeg

integrated appliances, large format ceramic tiles in the bathrooms, and underfloor heating throughout. All private sale apartments feature balconies or generously sized terraces and come with undercroft parking spaces.

Guide prices start at £299,950 for a one-bedroom apartment, £450,000

for a two-bedroom apartment and £525,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. Prices include one car parking space per unit. Under the shared ownership scheme, prices start at £70,625 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment and £98,750 for a 25% share of a two-bedroom home.

SMore retirement homes needed to meet increasing demand evelopers are not building

enough retirement homes to cater for high demand from

a rapidly ageing population, according

to a new study. The Retirement Housing report

compiled by property consultancy Knight Frank shows that such housing makes up just 2.8% of all new homes currently under construction in the UK. Yet with the over 65s making up almost 23% of the national population in the next 20 years, the low levels of housebuilding levels will add to the growing supply-demand

imbalance in the purpose-built retirement homes sector.

According to a survey conducted for the report, a quarter of over 55s say they are likely to consider relocating to a retirement village in the future - suggesting that 4.4m over-55s, from across the UK, would consider buying or renting a purpose-built retirement property.

With a clear need for more

retirement homes, there are signs that the appetite to develop age-exclusive housing – new homes built specifically for older people - may be set to pick up in the years to come. The latest data from Glenigan, the construction analysts, shows that the number of elderly housing units awaiting planning consent is more than double the number currently being built.

D

whathouseshow.co.uk

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150392H Composite 340x265_150392H Composite 340x265 27/10/2014 14:58 Page 1

The Club at Sunset Lake, Florida USA From £96,950

Florida is one of the world’s favourite holiday destinations and it’s easy to see why. It has a fantastic climate, is blessed with an array of world-renowned natural and manmade attractions and it has great connectivity for holidaymakers all over the world.

The Club at Sunset Lake is a brand-new gated development in the heart of central Florida, situated close to all major amenities. So whether you’re looking for a holiday home or buy-to-let investment, it has a location that will suit you and anyone who might want to rent your property.

The Club boasts luxurious facilities including an exclusive clubhouse and swimming pool, fitness centre and spa, sports courts and cycle paths, and a lakefront park and picnic area, making the most of the

beautiful location. The two-, three- and four-bedroom

properties provide plenty of space, the larger properties also boasting garages. The specification makes for an ideal lifestyle property or alternatively, there is the opportunity to get a five-year rental guarantee with a 6% net return for those looking to use the property as a longer-term investment instead.

Two-bedroom properties at The Club at Sunset Lakeare priced from £96,950, with three-bedroom property types priced from £118,700 and the four-bedroom properties start from £137,450.

From: Brookes & Co. Contact: 01621 875925

8 six appeal Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Les Gets, Portes Du Soleil, France From €765,000

The long-awaited Mountain Lake Resort opened its doors in June, as the first Mark Warner-managed alpine resort that allows buyers to purchase a ski property and rent it out through the tour operator.

The properties here are situated on a quiet back-road in the centre of the resort, just 150m from the City Express gondola and a short walk to the town centre and the lake. There is no better location for property in Zell am See due to proximity to the ski lifts, resort centre and the lake.

The 31 apartments here range from one-bedroom properties ideal for buy-to-let investments, right up to large three-bedroom penthouses with wrap-around terraces and panoramic views of the town and the lake. All apartments come fully furnished with your own choice of ‘Modern’ or ‘Traditional’ styles.

Each apartment comes with one underground parking space and as a private ski-locker. This is an exceptionally rare

opportunity to acquire a property in Zell am See that has been pre-approved for weekly holiday rentals.

The historic old-town of Zell am See is an ideal place for visitors to explore all year round, with summer beaches, sailing and windsurfing clubs and a 36-hole golf club offering plenty of attractions away from the slopes.

This resort will be operated by Mark Warner – the well respected UK tour operator – and owners must rent out their apartments when not using them personally. Resort facilities include a spa area, reception, kids play area, bar and restaurant.

From: Mark Warner Property Contact: 020 7692 0786

Mountain Lake Resort, Zell am See, Austria From £161,000

This collection of four new chalets in Les Gets is sure to be popular with investors. This dual-season Alpine resort is located in the vast ski area of the Portes du Soleil, where you will find over 650 kilometres of interlinked runs spanning both France and Switzerland.

Each chalet here boasts spacious bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and open-plan lounges. The kitchens and bathrooms are all fully fitted ready for use and compliment the comfortable family feel of these mountain homes. The presence of parquet flooring, high-quality tiling, underfloor heating and pre-installed satellite television and internet are testament to the attention to detail on offer here.

The extractive exteriors of the properties express a combination of innovation and sustainability, with stone, wood and slate cladding.

The chalets are located 200 metres from the nearest pistes and just 100 metres from the shops, bars and restaurants of Les Gets. Portes du Soleil is one of the most popular ski locations in the French Alps, with 266 pistes and 10 snow parks spread across 12 linked resorts.

From: Spot BlueContact: 020 8150 9502

Six appealOur favourite overseas properties on the market right now

Find your new home at Whathouse.com six appeal 9

Parc Lacour, Cannes, France From €385,000

Soneva Fushi Resort, Kunfunadhoo, Maldives From $3,000,000

Lalzit Bay, Durrës, Albania From €35,000

For something a little off the usual horizons, what about investing in a home in a new five-star resort taking shape on the Adriatic Coast of Albania. One of the last European countries to shake off Communism in the early 1990s, Albania is now investing heavily in infrastructure and has been tipped as a top tourism spot by both Lonely Planet and the New York Times.

Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa is an exclusive, gated development of apartments and villas offering sea views along 300 metres of private beachfront and a range of high-quality amenities, such as a beach club, tennis courts, boutique shops and a range of restaurants and bars.

This low-density resort has been designed by award-winning architects, providing spacious accommodation and an uncluttered site layout with plenty of room

between properties. With a range of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and four- bedroom villas available, there are plenty of options to cater for budgets from €35,000 to €360,000.

The resort has proved popular with intrepid holidaymakers and with investors, many of whom are expatriates who want a foothold back in their country of origin. Albania attracts well over four million tourists every year and the Adriatic climate makes it an idyllic destination for sun worshippers. The country’s mountains, coast and fascinating interior are all within easy reach thanks to a network of new roads and infrastructure.

From: Lalzit BayContact: 0845 125 8600

Only 10 luxurious beachfront private residences will be built at the sunrise and sunset sides of the legendary Soneva Fushi Resort in the Maldives.

Set on the unpopulated, privately owned tropical island of Kunfunadhoo, the resort is reached by a 30-minute seaplane flight from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. Kunfunadhoo is one of the largest islands in the Maldives that has been allocated to tourism, with its stunning white beaches, tropical climate and lush vegetation offering a unique natural experience.

The villas here will be packed with luxurious features, with everything from cinema rooms and studies to staff quarters available, and each property will feature an expansive master bedroom with a private sundeck.

In addition to the stunning pools surrounding the communal areas and a private gym, the resort boasts a world-class Six Senses Spa with a wide choice of quality treatments and a team of gifted international therapists and practitioners.

Investors at Soneva Fushi will benefit from attractive rental yields,

with The Maldives offering a tax-efficient ownership structure devoid of Capital Gains and Acquisition Tax. The Villa Rental Programme here is also flexibly tailored to the lifestyle of the buyer.

With The Republic of Maldives only allowing foreign buyers to purchase private real estate since 2011, now could be the ideal time to take the plunge.

From: International Luxury Real Estate

Contact: 020 7095 8701

There can be few towns in the world that evoke glamour and celebrity more than Cannes in the south of France, homes of the prestigious film festival and a haunt of the rich and famous since the late 19th century.

The exclusive Parc Lacour residence is located in the heart of Cannes, adjacent to the Basse Californie, and only a few minutes’ walk to Rue d’Antibes, Cannes Tennis Club and the coastal promenade at La Croisette.

It offers a choice of contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with bespoke specifications and features which combine the latest security and innovative technology with sumptuous interior design schemes. All residents benefit from a concierge service.

The specification includes

a secure video entry system, Siematic fitted kitchens with Miele appliances, luxurious wet rooms and bespoke fitted wardrobe systems. The design ethos for these apartments is to create a “seamless flow” between indoor and outdoor spaces, with glass loggias and timber screens revealing private landscaped exterior spaces including gardens and terraces, including a delightful roof garden for the penthouse. On the sun-soaked roof deck, all residents can enjoy the show-stopping infinity pool and seating areas.

One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are available from €385,000, €795,000 and €1.195m respectively.

From: London RivieraContact: +33 4 93 46 41 31

Our favourite overseas properties on the market right now

Tel: 01778 391555 www.larkfleethomes.co.uk

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The CroftBourne, Lincolnshire PE10 9AS1 bedroom villas from £129,995Age Exclusive development for the over 55s.

Telephone: 01778 426995

Baston Lifestyle Village Baston, Lincolnshire Coming SoonAn Age Exclusive development for the over 55s, 49 beautifully designed homes.

Telephone: 01778 391555

The HaybarnBarleythorpe, Rutland LE15 7TZ4 bedroom homes from £365,000Every once in a while an opportunity comes along to buy the home of your dreams.

Telephone: 01572 722262

HAYBARNTHE

Main Road, BarleythorpeLE15 7TZ

Plot 55 bedroom detached homewith open plan kitchen andfamily room and separatedouble garage.

Larkfleet Exclusives_The Haybarn_Plot 5 22/10/2014 10:44 Page 2

View_A

Baston

The GarageThurlby, Bourne, Lincs PE10 0DZ3 & 4 bedroom homes from £169,950 (Help to Buy price £135,960*)

Telephone: 01778 392795

Glen Grange Pinchbeck, Lincolnshire PE10 3PQ2 & 3 bedroom homes from £129,950 (Shared Equity price £110,458†)Solar PV as standard on all houses.

Telephone: 01775 718626

With the talk of interest rates going up in the near future, there’s no better time to buy a new home. Using the Governments Help to Buy scheme, we can help you get the home you want.

Leighfield Park Oakham, Rutland LE15 6US3, 4 & 5 bed homes from £209,995 (Help to Buy price £167,996*)Solar PV as standard on all houses.

Telephone: 01572 722262

For more information about these, or upcoming sites please call 01778 391555.*Based using 80% Help to Buy Scheme. †Shared equity available on every home 25-15% subject to status..

Award winning, family run business.

Find your perfect energy efficient home with Larkfleet

interiors 11

Making an entranceDon’t neglect your hallway – it needs just as much thought as your other rooms, says Richenda Oldham

Find your new home at Whathouse.com

1. Choose a matching runner and carpet with a striped pattern to lengthen the appearance of a hallway, Anta Cawdor stair runner, £525 per metre, www.kelaty.com

2. As a general rule, avoid dark colours in a hall; however a splash of colour such as a deep red can make a tremendous impact, image courtesy of www.farrow-ball.com

3. Sturdy contemporary storage, such as this wire wall storage unit complete with coat hooks, is ideal for halls with restricted space, £115, www.vincentandbarn.co.uk

4. Stairs are subject to a high level of footfall, so as an alternative to carpet, which can wear out quickly, try painting a stair runner, image courtesy of www.farrow-ball.com

5. A floral arrangement on your hall table is the perfect way to add instant colour and welcome your visitors, hand-tied bouquet, £28.90, www.iflorist.co.uk

6. It’s important to maximise light in a hallway and a mirrored table will do exactly that by reflecting both natural and artificial lighting, Cattelan Italia Portofino console table, from £1,780, www.limemodernliving.co.uk

hen it comes to decorating priorities, why is it that the poor old hallway comes way

down the list? It is after all the entrance to your house and bears the

responsibility for setting the tone for the rest of your home.

The way houses are designed also reflects this room hierarchy, which is obviously why the majority of hallways are narrow spaces further restricted by the inclusion of a

staircase. Clearly this calls for a degree of ingenuity and some careful planning; but, be assured, the extra effort you put in to creating a hallway of merit will pay dividends in providing your visitors with the right welcoming atmosphere.

W1. Light and bright – don’t fall into the trap of using dark colours on the walls. Keep your walls clean and neutral. Pale shades will help create the impression of space.

2. Colours for impact – you can incorporate a bold colour by using it to make a focal point, such as the stair carpet, or by creating a dramatic flower arrangement or accessories.

3. Hallway storage – box benches with a lift-up seat, chests and shelving with hooks or pegs below will help to keep your entrance neat and tidy.

4. Draught excluder – a heavy interlined curtain in a beautiful fabric, hung above the inside of your front door on a curtain pole or on a hinged arm, will keep your hallway cosy and cut the cost of

your heating bills.

5. Add personality – the wall above the staircase is an ideal spot to hang pictures. Either opt for a collection of family photographs in a variety of frames, or choose a single large picture for maximum drama. The trick is to choose frames with a common theme.

6. Telephone table – we all need a surface on which to throw our keys and other personal effects when we return home. A slim but stylish console table is perfect for this job, as well as being an ideal spot to put a telephone. Alternatively choose a compact writing desk.

7. Stripes – it’s no coincidence that stair runners or hall carpets often have striped patterns. Stripes can lengthen or widen a space,

depending on which way they run. To make your hallway seem longer, choose carpet with a stripy pattern that runs lengthways.

8. Floors – natural wooden floors can add a warm welcome, while painted floors can help increase the sense of space.

9. Seating – an upholstered chair positioned beneath your stairs will help create a relaxed feeling. This also provides an opportunity to use a bold patterned or bright fabric for extra impact.

10. Lighting – for long narrow hallways, consider installing wall sconces at even distances, while for overall illumination choose pendants or chandeliers. Mirrors are invaluable in helping accentuate the effects of light.

TOP TEN TIPS TO MAKE A GRAND ENTRANCE

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12 armchair gardener Find your new home at Whathouse.com

In the frame

Arches, pergolas and gazebos create an instant focal point in a landscape.

Richenda Oldham looks at the different functions of these and other garden structures

1. For all-day sun choose a south-facing aspect when positioning your gazebo, Carmen Softwood Pavilion, £1,299.98, from B&Q, www.diy.com 2. Lychgates are gateways that are traditionally found at the entrance to a churchyard, but they also make excellent garden features, English Heritage Buildings’ double-ended oak lychgate, from £7,800 excluding VAT, www.ehbp.com 3. An arch will add vertical height to your garden and can be planted with attractive climbers,

such as roses or wisteria, Rowlinson Round Top pressure-treated softwood arch, £149, www.heritagegardens.co.uk 4. An attractive arbour can be used in your garden as a standalone feature, or tucked into a secret nook, Gothic-style Winchester Garden Arbour, £399, www.heritagegardens.co.uk 5. Use a sail shade to create an instant outdoor room that will provide up to 90% UV block, Sail Shade, £118-£242, www.gardenhousedesign.co.uk

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Help to Buy

RS_AD_117012_26AW.indd 1 31/10/14 4:13 PM

1. Servis’ new FG 8kg HydroDrive model is ideal for large family washes and comes with the Allergy UK Seal of Approval, as well as an LED screen, £419, www.servis.co.uk; 2. Smeg’s WMFABAZ1 7kg washing machine comes in a choice of funky colourways – pastel blue, pink, cream and black – and offers a range of washes that includes a gym setting, £813, www.smeguk.com; 3. Amica’s AWN912DJB is a 9kg machine with 15 different programmes, including a super-fast 12-minute wash for smaller loads, £329, www.amica-international.co.uk; 4. Whirlpool’s 9kg WWDC 9444 was voted best model in a review of 18 washing machines by the Swiss test institute EMPA, £479.99, www.whirlpool.co.uk; 5. The stackable Maytag 10kg MWA10149WH features IntelliSense technology, which can save up to 70% on energy, water and time, £650, www.maytag.co.uk

14 interiors Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Sleek, eco-friendly and available now in rainbow colours, washing machines are bigger and smarter in more ways than one. Richenda Oldham looks at some of the latest models

Life on the fast spin

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Thinking of selling your home?

Do you know how much your home is really worth? Find out with our FREE valuation service.

It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone.

Visit www.whathouse.com/value-my-property/value-my- property-now or call us now on 01245 835 053.

£?

WhatHouse? works with a team of reputable agents that will carry out the free valuation

Latis Homes is a new home developer focused on creating communities that are designed and built to promote sustainable living.

19-21 Great Queen Street Covent Garden London WC2B 5BE +44 (0) 207 499 2800 www.latishomes.com

Latis Homes aims to address the challenges of modern living, affordability, and energy efficiency in UK housing through innovative design, cutting-edge construction and craftsmanship. At the heart of our approach is the commitment to building low carbon lifetime homes that help preserve our planet, while at the same time growing strong communities around them. For us, that’s what sustainability and building great places is all about.

Our in-house multi-disciplinary professional team combines five core skill sets; Concept making, design development, planning, land acquisition and construction. This vertically integrated approach

allows us to respond quickly to opportunities whilst delivering additional value for stakeholders.

As an early mover in the UK sustainable homes market, Latis Homes is focused on high levels of growth and is currently seeking land and joint venture development opportunities throughout the UK to build on our existing pipeline.

To find out more about Latis Homes or discuss potential development opportunities please contact us at land@latishomes.com

Amid the broad panoramas of the South Downs National Park nestles the prestigious development of Millford Grange offering two, three, four and five bedroom homes. Sweeping avenues, wide lawns and traditionally

inspired architecture create a development of peace and tranquility.

MOVE UP TO A STYLISH AND SPACIOUS NEW HOME.With Part Exchange, we could buy your old one.

If you want to move quickly to a David Wilson home then Part Exchange* could help. We could be your buyer, offering fair market value for your current property. Look forward to a beautiful new home full of free-flowing

space and natural light that’s ideal for entertaining. That’s the David Wilson Difference.

4 and 5 bedroom homes from £444,995

Millford Grange, Storrington Road, Washington RH20 4AGShow homes and Marketing Suite open daily from 10.00am - 5.30pm

Offer available on selected plots only. Terms and conditions apply. See website for details, subject to contract and status. Prices correct at time of going to press if mentioned. * David Wilson obtain two independent valuations. To achieve fair market value, any offer made will be based on the average of these and on a sale within 8 to 10 weeks. Advertising images may include upgrades as home spec can vary, purchasers of David Wilson homes spend on average £3,514 on upgrades.

See the Difference at dwh.co.uk or call 01903 740 636

Limited availability, selected plots only. Subject to status, terms and conditions apply. See www.barratthomes.co.uk for full details. BDWTrading Limited (number 03018173) whose registered offi ce is at Barratt House, CartwrightWay, Forest Business Park, Bardon Hill, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1UF (“BDW”) BDW is a subsidiary of Barratt Developments PLC. The Homes and Communities Agency (“HCA”) provides an equity loan for 20% of the purchase price of the property. The equity loan provided by the HCA is secured as second charge on your property. The amount you have to repay to the HCA may be more than the amount of the equity loan provided. Scheme is available in England only and on properties up to £600k. Prices correct at time of going to press. Advertising images may include upgrades as home spec can vary, purchasers of Barratt homes spend on average £3,132 on upgrades.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT.

You only need a 5% deposit to buy at Heathwood Park

Heathwood Park, Gravelye Lane, Lindfi eld, Haywards Heath RH16 2BD2 and 3 bedroom homes from £299,995

Marketing Suite and Show Homes open Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm

barratthomes.co.uk or call 01444 482 532

Help to Buy Equity Loan is the Government-backed scheme that means you may only need a 5% deposit to buy your own home. With a 20% Government equity loan you’ll only need a 75% mortgage, but you’ll still own 100% of your new home. The loan is interest free for the fi rst fi ve years and can be repaid at any time during the loan period or when you come to sell, if earlier. Help to Buy is a great way to own your perfect Barratt home.

Designed for living – differentiated by style

hill.co.uk

2371 Hill What House Awards FC.indd 1 13/10/2014 12:54

Preview

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Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Isle of Wight – Find your new home at Whathouse.com

he WhatHouse? Awards is simply the most prestigious event in the new homes calendar, generally considered to be the

‘Oscars’ of the housebuilding industry. Hundreds of new build properties

and housebuilding companies from all over the UK vie to be Gold, Silver and Bronze winners in 20 categories, with one developer taking the most coveted title, Housebuilder of the Year.

Winning companies will proudly display their plaques at their marketing suites and even fly WhatHouse? Awards winner flags on

their developments. You’ll often find a WhatHouse? Awards logo on the website of successful developments too. If you’re in the market for a brand new home, keep an eye out for these signals that you’re looking at a prize-winning development.

Read on to find out more about last year’s Award winners.

This year’s Awards Gala Luncheon takes place on Friday 21 November in the Great Room of the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane. Find out who wins in our special supplement in next month’s edition of WhatHouse?

T

Find your new home at Whathouse.com whathouse? awards preview 19

A year at the topRob Perrins, managing director of last year’s Housebuilder of the Year, Berkeley Group, reflects on the last 12 months in the industry. ow odd. All the big

issues of 2014 have begun with the letter ‘c’.

To start with, it’s been a year dominated by the

capital. London has driven and dominated the housing market. It remains the greatest city in the world and everyone wants a piece of it. London has a rare mix of qualities – creativity and tolerance; jobs and safety; green space and modernity. But the price of popularity is huge pressure on housing and transport. So we need to build.

Berkeley’s response centres on 25 sites, with more than 250 homes in construction across the city. Inspired by What House? (of course!), we have thrown ourselves into the reinvention of Rupert Murdoch’s old HQ at Wapping; architects Patel Taylor is helping us design a place christened London Dock, set to provide 1,800 homes.

We also have complex estate regeneration programmes like Kidbrooke Village and Woodberry Down. Each will take 20 years, provide around 5,000 homes, and heal a small part of London. Others range from the Strand to Barnet. It’s a mix as broad

as the city itself. This has also been a year of rising

costs. The price of materials and labour has soared. Contractors have become more selective. Lead-in times have lengthened. Just at the point when we need to accelerate, the industry

finds itself constrained by the age-old problems of skills and capacity.

Nationally, the number of 16-19 year olds doing an apprenticeship was down 12% in 2012/13; and though we associate these roles with young people, 45% of them were in fact aged over 25. So in June, Berkeley launched a commitment to increase the number of apprenticeships and training we support by 50%.

Personally, I believe the answer lies in two areas: long-term engagement by employers with schools, so that young people think seriously about a career in this industry; and continuity of employment, so that we better retain the talent we train.

Housing has also got a lot more contentious in 2014. As the pressures around supply and affordability increase, so the debate has become more political and emotive. That makes our job much harder. It demands a much more collaborative approach

and a recognition that planning is relational. We also need to make fresh arguments in support of new homes, demonstrating the positive connections between place-making and people’s quality of life.

Looking ahead to 2015, the last two ‘c’s are continuity and change. Strangely, we need both. Whoever wins the next election must recognise that a revolution in policy would be a disaster for housing. The numbers are rising already. Stability is what we most need.

But in return for a more consistent policy environment, politicians have a right to expect a step-change in output. They want an industry willing to risk building far more homes. They want to see us invest routinely in the people and the quality of design celebrated by these What House? awards.

Is that a deal we can strike?

H

HOUSEBUILDER OF THE YEARBerkeley Group

BEST LARGE HOUSEBUILDERGold: Berkeley GroupSilver: Redrow HomesBronze (joint): Bloor Homes and Linden Homes

BEST MEDIUM HOUSEBUILDERGold: CALA HomesSilver: Mount AnvilBronze (joint): Churchill Retirement Living and Banner Homes

BEST SMALL HOUSEBUILDERGold: Antler HomesSilver: City & Country GroupBronze (joint): London Square and Audley Retirement

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPER OF THE YEARGold: Hastoe Housing AssociationSilver: Linden HomesBronze: Miller Homes

HOUSING ASSOCIATION OF THE YEARGold: A2Dominion GroupSilver: Affinity SuttonBronze (joint): Hastoe Housing Association and Sovereign Housing Association

BEST STARTER HOMEGold: Sovereign Living, Beechfields View, Torquay, Devon

Silver (joint): Notting Hill Housing, Heywood, Stanmore, London HA7 and Swan New Homes, Dimensions, Chelmsford, EssexBronze: Compendium Living, Mill Brook, Liverpool

BEST HOUSEGold: Skanska Residential Development, ‘House Type 7’, Seven Acres, Trumpington, CambridgeSilver (joint): Countryside Properties, ‘The Villa’, Kings Park, Harold Wood, Essex and St James, Number 3, Lime Grove Mews, London W12Bronze (joint): Mount Anvil, Townhouse, The Loxfords, 85 Highbury Park, London N5 and Antler Homes, ‘Roseberry House’, Queen’s Rise, Windsor, Berkshire

BEST APARTMENT SCHEMEGold: City & Country Group, The Galleries, Brentwood, EssexSilver (joint): First Base, VIVO, Stepney, London E1 and London Square Developments, Leonard Street, Shoreditch, London EC2Bronze: Newcourt Residential, Number One Oxshott, Oxshott, Surrey

BEST LUXURY HOUSEGold: Stanborough Developments, ‘La Pinède’, Branksome Park, Poole, DorsetSilver (joint): Regal Homes, ‘Lansdowne House’, Hampstead, London NW3 and Octagon, Hampton Lodge, Bray, BerkshireBronze: Huntsmere, Armstrong Farm, Alderley Edge, Cheshire

BEST RENOVATIONGold: Michael Wilson Restorations and Chelsminster Group, Albury Park Mansion, Albury, Guildford, SurreySilver: Ben Bailey Homes, Chevin Park, Menston, LeedsBronze: City & Country Group, ‘The Chapel’ at The Galleries, Brentwood, Essex

BEST DEVELOPMENTGold: CALA Homes, Trinity Park, EdinburghSilver: David Wilson Homes, Derwenthorpe, Osbaldwick, York, North YorkshireBronze (joint): Russell Homes, The Waterfront, Rhosneigr, Anglesey and David Wilson Homes, De Lacy Court, Castle Donington, Leicestershire

BEST PARTNERSHIP SCHEMEGold: Kier Partnership Homes, Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust, Birmingham City Council and the Homes & Communities Agency, Balaam Wood, BirminghamSilver (joint): Willmott Dixon, Notting Hill Housing, Merton Council and the Homes & Communities Agency, Brenley Park, Mitcham, Surrey and Crest Nicholson, the Homes & Communities Agency, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Curo and E.ON, Bath Riverside, BathBronze (joint): Mar City Homes, Accord Group and LoCal Homes, Richards Street, Darlaston, Wallsall, West Midlands and English Cities Fund and the London Borough of Newham, Vermilion, Canning Town, London E16

BEST LUXURY DEVELOPMENTGold (joint): Antler Homes, Queen’s Rise, Windsor, Berkshire and Newcourt Residential, Number One Oxshott, Oxshott, SurreySilver (joint): Haxted Estates, 328 Sandbanks Road, Poole, Dorset and Wyatt Homes, Harbour Ridge, Sandbanks, Poole, DorsetBronze: Dandara, Oakhill Grange, Aberdeen

BEST MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTGold: Berkeley East Thames, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Woolwich, London SE18Silver: Standard Life Investments, Parkway, Newbury, BerkshireBronze: Knightstone Housing, J3, Easton, Bristol

BEST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTGold: Linden Homes, Affinity Sutton and the Homes & Communities Agency, Graylingwell Park, Chichester, West SussexSilver: Origin Housing, The Move, South Hampstead, London NW8Bronze: Skanska, Seven Acres, Trumpington, Cambridge

BEST RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENTGold: Audley Retirement, Inglewood, Kintbury, BerkshireSilver: Countryside Properties, Cliveden Village, Taplow, BuckinghamshireBronze (joint): Banner Homes, Glebelands,

Wokingham, Berkshire and Churchill Retirement Living, Gifford Lodge, Twickenham, Surrey

BEST BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENTGold: Berkeley East Thames, Kidbrooke Village, Greenwich, London SE3Silver (joint): Linden Homes, Graylingwell Park, Chichester, West Sussex and Bloor Homes, Fortescue Fields, Norton St Philip, SomersetBronze: Lovell, The Way, Beswick, Manchester

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNGold: Mount Anvil, The Orchard, Clerkenwell, London EC1Silver: BMB Investments, Trafalgar One, London SW1Bronze: Audley Retirement, Inglewood, Hungerford, Berkshire

BEST EXTERIOR DESIGNGold: Redrow Homes,’Linley House’ at Stretton Green, Chester, CheshireSilver: Bloor Homes, Fortescue Fields, Norton St Philip, SomersetBronze: Wyatt Homes, Harbour Ridge, Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGNGold (joint): Berkeley East Thames, Kidbrooke Village, Greenwich, London SE3 and Michael Wilson Restorations and Chelsminster Group, Albury Park Mansion, Albury, Guildford, SurreySilver: Newcourt Residential, Number One Oxshott, Oxshott, Surrey

WhatHouse? Awards 2013 – the winners in full

20 whathouse? awards preview Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Best Luxury House – Stanborough Developments

Former Wolves and England keeper Matt Murray

Best House – Homes by Skanska

Best Brownfield Development – Berkeley Homes

Celebrity presenter, comedian Dave Spikey

Awards host Rupert Bates

Property guru Phil Spencer

Broadcaster and campaigner Esther Rantzen

Best Large Housebuilder – Berkeley Group ‘Restoration Man’ George Clarke

Some highlights from the WhatHouse? Awards 2013

AY0309_AUDLEY_WHAT_HOUSE_FULL_PAGE_340x265_27.10.14.indd 1 27/10/2014 09:57

At Croudace Homes, we pride ourselves in providing you with the expert help and advice you may need at all stages of buying a new home, to enable you to bring that dream within your reach. We actively seek regular feedback from our customers once they have moved into a Croudace home and use this information, alongside our own research into lifestyle changes to constantly improve our designs.

Croudace Homes recognise that the quality of the new homes we build is of vital importance to our customers. Our uncompromising commitment to quality extends to the first class service we offer customers when they have moved in and we have an experienced team dedicated to this task.

We are proud of our excellent ratings in independent customer satisfaction surveys, which place us amongst the top echelon in the house building industry. For more information regarding our developments in Sussex or to find out more about Croudace Homes, please visit our website www.croudacehomes.co.uk.

CROUDACE HOMES: WORTH A CLOSER LOOKWe are a leading residential developer of new homes in the South East of England.

5 RATED HOUSE BUILDER

A SUPERB DEVELOPMENT OF 2, 3 & 4 BEDROOM HOMES

WOODPECKER CRESCENT, BURGESS HILL, WEST SUSSEX RH15 9XY

OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM TO 5PM

0333 321 8903 thecoppice@croudacehomes.co.uk

A SELECT DEVELOPMENT OF 3, 4 AND 5 BEDROOM HOMES

CUCKFIELD ROAD, HURSTPIERPOINT, WEST SUSSEX BN6 9SD

OPEN DAILY FROM 10AM TO 5PM

0333 321 8656 chalkersvale@croudacehomes.co.uk

The Clayton The Robin

Blackbridge Lane, previous Croudace Homes development in Horsham, West SussexThe Clayton, Chalkers Vale, Hurstpierpoint The Robin, The Coppice, Burgess Hill

24 whathouse? awards preview Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Gold!Stephen Maunder takes a look

at ten of his favourite Gold award winners from last year’s

event. Find out what the judges had to say about the

best of the best at the WhatHouse? Awards 2013.

BEST MEDIUM HOUSEBUILDERCALA Homes“CALA has kicked on in its pursuit of excellence in every aspect of its work. It is no surprise to see many customers buying from CALA multiple times, as well as incredibly high referral rates. Gold standard again.”

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPER OF THE YEARHastoe Housing Association“This housebuilder has focused much of its efforts on providing sustainable and affordable housing that sits harmoniously within its environment and enables local people to remain in their communities and villages.”

HOUSING ASSOCIATION OF THE YEARA2 Dominion“A competent, middling performer a few years ago, this is an association that has upped its game to produce a hugely improved all-round performance and make itself a worthy winner.”

BEST STARTER HOME SCHEMESovereign LivingBeechfields View, Torquay“Beechfields View is an astonishing achievement. Not only is this development visually exciting, it also hits a commendable number of social and technical targets and fully merits its premier award.”

BEST APARTMENT SCHEMECity & Country GroupThe Galleries, Brentwood, Essex“It is no mean feat providing grand living spaces that manage to still feel homely and balance the old with the new artfully. City & Country has accomplished both of these deeds admirably.”

BEST LUXURY DEVELOPMENTAntler HomesQueen’s Rise, Windsor, Berkshire“The six Edwardian-style homes at Queen’s Rise are outstanding pieces of architecture in their own right. A beautifully conceived and executed development.”

BEST RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENTAudley Retirement Inglewood, Kintbury, Berkshire“This is a magnificent example of sympathetic restoration and top quality new build. Audley Retirement has thought about every aspect of the development, a restorative labour of love coupled with new thinking.”

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGNBerkeley HomesKidbrooke Village, Greenwich, London“An unattractive road and neglected park has become an inspiring urban parkland. This regeneration has transformed the area physically and culturally and makes Berkeley a deserved winner.”

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNMount AnvilThe Orchard, Clerkenwell, London“Suma Interior Design’s vision has made this development a cut above, offering the edgy, contemporary look so beloved of both the project’s location and its target market.”

BEST PARTNERSHIP SCHEMEKier Partnership Homes, Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust, Birmingham City Council and the Homes & Communities AgencyBalaam Wood, Birmingham“The neighbourhood taking shape here is partnership development and community engagement at its very best, and deserves Gold in a highly impressive category.”

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Strictly limted editions

antlerhomes.co.uk

CURRENT RELEASES FROM £850,000 – £4.5M

Antler Homes builds limited edition, luxury award winning homes, set in the most desirable locations. We dedicate many hours to finding the best locations, with great access to local amenities, and travel connections.

Every Antler residence combines traditional detailing with contemporary design, the use of innovative space optimisation and skilled craftsmen working closely together with our highly trained staff: the result is a stunning,

individual home built to the highest standards.

Part of our versatility is our ability to adapt our design-led approach to almost any site and achieve delivery of some of the best looking new homes in each location.

For more on award winning Antler Homes in Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Dorset and Greater London visit

antlerhomes.co.uk

Best Small Housebuilder 2 years running

*Photography taken of previous Antler developments, Lancaster Gardens and Queen’s Rise

www.inlandhomes.co.uk

INLAND HOMESBUILDING SUPERB NEW HOMES THROUGHOUT THE SOUTH EAST

Vista, Drayton Garden Village

Queensgate, FarnboroughWest Plaza, Ashford Carter’s Quay, Poole Abbeywood Park, Markyate

Call 01494 762 450 or email sales@inlandhomes.co.uk for details

Inland Homes are currentlyregenerating areas across the South East providing quality homeswith an emphasis on design andsustainability. Visit our fabulousShowhomes and discover moreabout our range of new homes.

Carter’s Quay, Poole1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

Vista, Drayton Garden Village, West Drayton2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

St John’s, Chelmsford2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses

Portland House, Gerrards CrossStudio, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments

Abbeywood Park, Markyate1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom houses

Queensgate, Farnborough1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom houses

West Plaza, Ashford1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments

COMING SOON:

Queens Road, High Wycombe1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom houses

Charterhouse Mews, Chelmsford1& 2 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom houses

The Comptons, Wooburn Green1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom houses

Showhome open at this development

ILH29031 Inland Corporate - What House? Magazine C/D 30/10 P/D ? Size: 340 x 265mm

CALA Homes targets downsizers with new Poole launches

Find your new home at Whathouse.com downsizing 27

pmarket housebuilder CALA Homes has launched two new luxury developments in Poole that it believes would

make a perfect choice for house-hunters downsizing from larger homes who want to retain a spacious and luxurious feel in a new home.

Fulbrook Heights and Ilex Court will offer a collection of exclusive apartments in the sought-after area of Branksome Park, less than ten minutes’ walk to Branksome Chine’s Blue Flag beach.

Fulbrook Heights is a smart new development on the prestigious Lakeside Road comprising six two- and three-bedroom apartments set in landscaped gardens with secure basement parking. Properties start from £495,000.

Ilex Court is on Ettrick Road, featuring four individually designed, three-bedroom apartments with

garages. Two of the properties are duplex apartments, priced from £1.15m and offering what CALA calls “the ultimate in luxurious living”.

Nicki Dennis, sales and marketing director for CALA Homes South Home Counties, says: “We are expecting Fulbrook Heights to appeal to investors, while Ilex Court will appeal those looking to downsize. Both will appeal to the second-home buyer looking to make the most of the development’s location, which really is second to none.”

Both developments are constructed to a very high interior specification with underfloor heating and multi-room entertainment systems – features that discerning buyers have come to expect. The apartments at Ilex Court also feature private terraces or patios and impressive master bedroom suites complete with dressing rooms.

The thoroughly modern specification combines well with the traditional

elevations of each development, which complement the architecture of existing, neighbouring buildings.

Poole Harbour’s natural beauty and popularity with the yachting crowd are well known. Parkstone Golf Course, with panoramic views of the beautiful coastline, is within easy reach, as is the World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast. Branksome Station is just five minutes’ drive away and offers direct trains to London Waterloo.For more information, visit www.cala.co.uk or call selling agents Goadsby on 01202 701616.

Award-winning developer unveils two new luxury apartment schemes combining traditional style with 21st-century specification

U

Clockwise from top: Fulbrook Heights; A show home interior at Fulbrook Heights; Ilex Court

CLASSIC FREEHOLD SKI APARTMENTS, LES GETS, PORTES DU SOLEIL

CLASSIC FREEHOLD SKI APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN MERIBEL VILLAGE, IN LES TROIS VALLÉES• Prices from 567,000 to 2,039,500 euros• Six luxury apartments, ranging from 1 to 5 bedrooms• Wood and stone exteriors from a alpine chalet developer• 600km of piste on your doorstep, Available from Spring 2014Ref: SPF135

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR PERFECT SKI PROPERTY

• Prices from 680,000 euros• Spacious 2- to 4-bedroom apartments• Slopes and ski lifts only 250 metres away• Great location, in the heart of a family friendly resort• Geneva international airport only an hour awayRef: SPF136

See all our listings and property prices at www.skiingproperty.comor call us on +44 (0)20 8150 9502

CLASSIC FREEHOLD SKI CHALETS FOR SALE IN VAL D’ISERE, FRANCE• 4 and 5-bedroom spacious new build chalets available with en-suite bathrooms, private terrace and garden.• 400 metres from the slopes, Turkish bath and private spa facilities.• The resort of Val d’Isère is internationally renowned as one of the top skiing destinations of the AlpsRef: SPF125

CLASSIC FREEHOLD SKI APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN COURCHEVEL• Prices from 755,000 euros• New apartments up for grabs with 3 to 5 bedroom• Classic freehold ownership, large balconies and terraces• Short walk to the lifts, piste and centre of the resortRef: SPF131

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Prestigious homes in prime locations

From apartments and townhouses in towns and cities to country retreatsand family residences in semi rural locations, all Spitfire homes benefit froma superb high specification as standard. Offering a peerless level of qualityin design and construction you’ll find Spitfire homes located in some of

the most desirable locations in Central and Southern England.

For further details visit our website www.spitfirepg.co.uk.

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE Cheltenham, Chipping Camden, Stow on the WoldOXFORDSHIRE Banbury, Henley on Thames

SOMERSET BathWARWICKSHIRE Knowle (near Solihull), Leamington Spa, Stratford upon Avon

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The Cottage at Hall Farm Estate, Knowle

Find your new home at Whathouse.com development of the month 29

pitfire’s latest development, Brunswick Gate, is a collection of just eight four-bedroom townhouses and two two-bedroom coach

houses. All properties at the exclusive gated community are designed in the traditional Georgian style with contemporary, spacious interiors and finished to a high specification.

Located in the Larkhall district of Bath, close to Camden and less than two miles from the historic city centre, Brunswick Gate is nestled in a secluded but accessible location with views over the famous Solsbury Hill.

All homes at Brunswick Gate are constructed from Bath stone with its characteristic rich honey colour, reflecting Spitfire’s approach to “creating properties that are sympathetic to their surroundings through the use of locally sourced materials wherever possible”.

The townhouses start at £630,000

and benefit from the very highest standard of finishes, with individually designed kitchens by Poggenpohl complete with fitted A-rated Neff appliances, Silestone worktops, ceramic floor tiles and glass splashbacks. The kitchen and dining area on the ground floor is the nucleus of activity within the property, with the space flowing into the spacious living room and garden room, which itself leads onto the rear terrace via large bi-folding doors.

Upstairs, two of the four bedrooms feature en suite bathrooms with white sanitaryware by Villeroy & Boch with elegant polished chrome fittings by Hansgrohe. The master bedroom also benefits from a walk-in dressing area.

The Larkhall district offers a wide selection of local amenities to cater for its residents’ day-to-day needs, including a range of shops, cafés and pubs. The area also boasts the Rondo Theatre, which hosts an

eclectic mix of music, comedy and drama performances.

Larkhall is a favourite location for families, thanks to its excellent schooling. St Stephen’s Primary School is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, and

St Saviour’s and St Mark’s schools are also just a short walk away. In the independent sector, the highly regarded Kingswood preparatory and senior school, which takes children aged 3 to 18 years, is easily accessible

from Brunswick Gate, while the Royal Senior School for girls is only a mile-and-a-half away. To find out more contact Mark Evans at selling agent Knight Frank on 07765 220527.

SLuxury housebuilder Spitfire Bespoke Homes has launched its latest development of beautifully designed family homes in Bath.

Development of the month: Brunswick Gate, Bath

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Why does Guildford remain one of the most attractive towns to buy and invest in property?Guildford remains a firm favourite for all types of buyers. With direct links to Waterloo, it suits buyers who commute to work but prefer to live outside of London. Guildford high street boasts enviable shopping opportunities and there are excellent leisure facilities at the Spectrum and Surrey Sports Park, together with theatres and a multiscreen cinema.

Schooling also remains a significant draw here, from the excellent grammar schools to the University of Surrey, and there has been a sharp rise in investors seizing opportunities to purchase good quality student accommodation and enjoy high rental yields year on year.

What property types are particularly popular in Guildford?In the centre of town, property ranges from purpose-built flats and penthouses around Trinity Gate to older Victorian properties within

walking distance of the high street. On the outskirts, the areas around Pewley Hill, White Lane and the Chantries attract a premium, and boast large detached properties that offer a semi-rural feel. Most of these homes now attract offers in excess of £2m, and it is easy to see why.

Which other areas are particularly popular at the moment?

The villages of Bramley and Shamley Green remain the most requested commuter hotspots. St Catherine’s Girl’s School in Bramley and Longacre in Shamley Green are major attractions, and these villages particularly appeal to those with young families moving out of London for the first time.

Haslemere has also grown into a commuter haven in recent years, following the opening of the Hindhead Tunnel. In addition to its commuter links, Haslemere is a vibrant and atmospheric town with a variety of national and independent shops and excellent housing, both in the town centre and surrounding villages.

What are the current property trends in Surrey?We are seeing a surge in enquiries from people interested in renovating or extending their homes. Whereas traditionally buyers moving out of London required a turnkey property, many are now are seeking an opportunity to redevelop and really put their stamp on a home.

However, because of the beauty of the surrounding areas and countryside, many homes are in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and

properties may be listed, so it is important to investigate the planning application procedures when considering any redevelopment.

What do you expect to see happen in the local market over the next 12 months?

There will be some great opportunities for buyers towards the end of the year, as with the upcoming General Election there will be a little trepidation in early spring with many buyers waiting to see how things will pan out.

Traditionally in election years, the spring market tends not to gather pace until after the election.

Pricing is paramount - aim the price too high and vendors may find that they have viewings but that there is reticence in coming forward with an offer. Competitively priced properties garner interest, and in many cases attract several bidders.

Agent InsightWe speak to Katherine Watters, associate at The Buying Solution in Surrey and West Sussex

To find out more visit www.thebuyingsolution.co.uk; 07918 560700

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