What House?

August 2012

The future of the Olympic Athletes Village revealed

New Features
Get all the best Show Home secrets from Bloor Homes designer of choice Vote for your favourite homes TV presenter in our poll

New homes
Check out the latest developments around the UK

Affordable homes
We speak to two couples who have taken advantage of NewBuy and the Shared Equity Scheme

Focus on

Cambridgeshire, Devon, Essex and Somerset

Celebrity interview:

Britains Dream Homes Rhodri Owen

Now available on new homes throughout the Midlands

Own 100% of your new home but only pay from 80% at the time of purchase - well lend you the rest with no interest or rent to pay*.

Monarch Park
Cannock
2, 3 & 5 Bedroom Houses Marketing Suite: 01543 877 708

Renaissance
Nuneaton
3 & 4 Bedroom Houses Marketing Suite: 0247 639 6672

Weston Heights Priory Park

Stoke-on-Trent Dudley
2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Houses Marketing Suite: 01782 599100 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments and 3 & 4 Bedroom Houses Marketing Suite: 01384 243 690

The Edge

Kings Heath, Birmingham

3 Bedroom Houses Sales Hotline: 0121 421 8338

SALES HOTLINE: 0121 421 8338

Marketing Suites open Thursday to Monday, 10am to 5pm
www.facebook.com/lovellinthemidlands

lovell.co.uk

* 80/20 Shared Equity available on selected plots only. Terms and conditions apply. Please ask for details.

Features
06 Show Home of the Month Kate
Hopkins Homes Leteriello shows how to get the Bloor Homes look

CONTENTS
New homes
20 East Anglia 32 Midlands 36 North East 44 London 46 South West 56 North West 62 Scotland 64 South East 66 Wales

12 One to One Interview with Lee Barnard of 14 The future of the Olympics Village 16 Reader poll who is your favourite homes
TV presenter?

18 Interiors kit your garden out in the hottest

outdoor furniture this summer tickets in the hospitality box

19 Competition win four Wolves FC 27 Housing Associations Edinburgh and Glasgow 30 Celebrity Interview Rhodri Owen shares
his passion for property

38 What House? Awards the Best Exterior

design winners from 2011

40 Affordable homes map 42 Case study two couples share their affordable
home stories

Focus on...
22 Essex 24 Cambridgeshire 48 Devon 50 Somerset
Cover photo: whathouse.co.uk

52 Green Property of the month

Rocky Lane, Cornwall

53 Mortgages a payday could scupper your

chances at getting a mortgage

54 Retirement McCarthy and Stone Wishlist

competition

60 Dream Home of the month

Octagon Homes Warren Park

www.whathouse.co.uk

Quick Move Properties makes part exchange plain sailing.

Contact us for a no obligation chat about how guaranteed part exchange can help you increase sales:

px@quickmoveproperties.co.uk www.quickmoveproperties.co.uk

What House? August 2012

Welcome
Dear house-hunter,
While the property market slows down in the summer, its been a hectic month in the What House? headquarters. Since starting in July, Ive taken on responsibility for the magazine and have implemented a range of new features into this months edition. Moving here from Scotland, Ive also been visiting developments around the South East to get a flavour of whats on offer. My first visit was to Hillreed Homes development at Kings Hill, Cathcart Gate. We were given a very warm welcome in Surrey and, after looking around the properties, it came as no surprise that the Maidstone-based housebuilders 11th King Hill development is seeing high levels of interest. Along with editor Keith Osborne, I also had the pleasure of attending an Olympic opening party at Berkeley Homes Caspian Wharf in Bow. After being given a guided tour of the 1.5million bespoke Pacific Penthouse, we were able to watch the spectacular fireworks cascading over the Olympic Stadium in Bows neighbour Stratford from the apartments terrace. If youve been hooked on the Games and arent quite ready to say goodbye yet check out whats in store for the Olympic Village on page 14-15. Over the last month, weve been promoting our sponsorship with Wolves Football Club and have a fantastic offer on page 19. Ive been lining up interviews with some of the hottest propertyrelated celebrities in the UK and the first interview is on pages 31-32 of this months mag. There is plenty more to come and if there are any celebrities that youd like to see interviewed in What House? drop me an email on the address below. Outside of our offices, there have been mixed reports about the property markets recovery. However here at What House? weve seen a good range of affordable and luxury developments being launched in July and August. If youre considering buying a new home, check out whathouse.co.uk for the latest releases and dont miss our news section where we keep you up to date with all the best offers.

Happy house-hunting!
Laurna Robertson
Assistant Editor, www.whathouse.co.uk Email: featuresed@whathouse.co.uk

With sales consultant for Berkeley David Turner, partner at TTA Charles Begley and whathouse.co.uk editor Keith Osborne on the terrace of the Caspian Wharf Pacific Penthouse.

Follow us on

www.whathouse.co.uk

Show Home of the Month

Ravensbourne Gate by Bloor Homes is a new development offering three-, four- and five-bedroom properties in a suburban location only 20 minutes from London Bridge. The gated community is located just a short walk from Beckenhams bustling high street. The houses are priced between 474,950 to 799,950. Here we take a look at the interior design by Kate Letteriello for the developments four-bedroom Richmond show home.

FAMILY ROOM

Show Home Of The Month

* * * *
This space offers a light and open area ideal for family living. We wanted to create a relaxed family space that felt homely and inviting but also up-market and aspirational.

Click * to find out more about this item

TEENAGE GIRLS ROOM

Show Home Of The Month

* *
This room is a fun and bold space. A designer bubble chair hangs in the corner and a large zebra-print rug to the floor creates the ultimate funky space for any girl. The large

* *
round headboard and dressing table stool have been made for us by our bespoke company and the white gloss and diamante chandelier is perfect for this girly glitzy room.

Show Home Of The Month

BATHROOM
horizontally around the room. We hope that by demonstrating different ways of using the tiles it offers inspiration to potential buyers.

The family bathroom is fully tiled in warm gold mosaics with feature bands in black mosaic running vertically in the shower area and

* * *

KIDS BEDROOM

Show Home Of The Month

* * *

Hand painting in the jungle safari room was completed by our in house artist and we had the jeep bed made for the project and hand painted. The fun accessories with the extra large freestanding giraffe and life-size snake on the wall aim to inspire the imagination of children.

Meet the designer: Award winning Kate Letteriello is the managing director of Artspace Ltd. She launched it in 2006 after winning the TV series Interior Rivalry - a programme based on the same concept as The Apprentice but for interior designers. Specialising in show home design and high end residential interior design projects the company pride themselves on creating outstanding designs with a service that is friendly and approachable.

VOGUE EXPRESS
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Vogue Interiors Unit 7, Springfield Business Park, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 6PU t: 01789 767075 f: 01789 765887 e: sales@vogue-interiors.co.uk www.vogue-interiors.co.uk

ONE TO ONE Lee Barnard, the sales and marketing

Where is your firm developing new homes?
We are developing new homes mainly throughout East Anglia. This includes Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, but also in Essex. Specific sites are Mulbarton, Costessey, Walsham le Willows, Soham, Aylsham, Halesworth, Norwich, Bocking, Felixstowe, Saxmundham, Framlingham, Kilverstone and Reydon. We currently have 14 individual active sites, 17 including Hopkins & Moore our sister company, which has developments in Framlingham, Southwold and Norton just near Bury St. Edmunds.

director at Hopkins Homes, speaks exclusively to whathouse.co.uks Marc Da Silva.

What types of properties are Hopkins Homes building?

Traditionally built terraced houses, semi-detached, detached homes, flats and townhouses both 2.5 & three storey, ranging in size from a small studio in central Norwich to a large five-bed detached family home with double garage and generous plot on the outskirts of Norwich. www.whathouse.co.uk

How much does a Hopkins home cost to buy?

Currently as little as 115,000 for the small studio in Central Norwich through to 550,000 for a detached home in Reydon on the outskirts of Southwold.

What makes a Hopkins home stand out from the crowd?

Anyone who knows us knows we are renowned for the environment we create and external and internal design of each individual property. Spacious layouts and space between properties, generous plots where possible, tried and tested materials used chosen both for their durability and aesthetic appearance, mixture of render and brick, plinths and paintwork, wooden windows some sliding sash, barge and pentice boards all brought together to create that distinctive Suffolk chocolate box appearance.

their surroundings. We spend a lot of time considering what materials work and look best, with additional cost regularly incurred as a result purely because we want each and Is your company every home to look right. The currently offering any good thing about Hopkins incentives or discounts Homes is it is not all about tohomebuyers? the bottom line. We have a vision and do our absolute We have FirstBuy available best to create it. We also have at Felixstowe, Costessey, Kilverstone & Soham, which is a a dedicated Customer Service shared equity scheme that helps Team to support everyone who buys one of our new homes. first-time buyers buy their first We want it to be right from home with just a 5% deposit. start to finish. We also offer Part Exchange & Assisted Sale schemes as well as Has Hopkins Homes plot-specific promotions. ever won a What successful recently, mid to large detached homes in village locations on the outskirts of major employment areas have also proven popular.

Which Hopkins home development potentially offers the best property investment prospects?
Yields vary but can be around 5%. However, new homes by Hopkins Homes tend to appreciate well over time and thus can achieve good capital growth long term.

House? Award?

Yes, we have been recognised by What House? throughout the years, but the most recent award was in 2011 when we won gold for Best Brownfield Development.

Have you noticed any particular buying trends recently?

This is area dependent. Flats in Norwich have been very

What is Hopkins Homes USP?

Again it has to be the environment we create and the homes we create within it, which blend seamlessly with
Click here to view currnt Hopkins Homes development

www.whathouse.co.uk

After housing the worlds greatest athletes, whats next for the Olympic Village?

With the Olympic Games drawing to a close, people across the country are asking what will become of the facilities that were built especially for the games. The 1 billion Olympic Athletes village will find a useful purpose long after the Games as the 2,818 apartments will provide rented accommodation and affordable housing options in East London.
www.whathouse.co.uk

be available for rent or to buy as affordable homes. The QDD consortium of the Qatari ruling family and the UK property developer Delancey will manage 1,439 of the homes for long-term private rent. A two-bedroom apartment is expected to cost around 1,300 a month. The remaining 1,379 homes will provide affordable housing, with most of them rented but also some sold on a sharedownership basis by housing association Triathlon Homes. The flats currently do not have kitchens as there is a 24 hour food hall available for athletes, however they will be fitted after the games. Away from the new homes, the athletes will have a

range of top-notch facilities including a polyclinic, gym, soft drinks bar, games room and a beauty salon.

Images courtesy of LOCOG

Built for the use of 17,000 people, the Athletes village complex by Pyramid Builders Ltd and contractors from the Stratford area was built with input from an athletes committee including Olympic medal winner Jonathan Edwards. And by 2013 the flats, which are spread across 11 residential plots and have their own postcode E20, will

www.whathouse.co.uk

READER POLL
Click on your favourite

Who is your favourite homes-related TV host?

Which of these TV home experts do you always tune in to? Vote here by clicking on your favourites photo and well publish the results next month.

Kirstie Allsopp
Location, Location, Location Relocation, Relocation Location Revisited, The Property Chain, Kirsties Homemade Home

Phil Spencer
Location, Location, Location Relocation, Relocation Secret Agent Phil Down Under

Rhodri Owen
Britains Dream Homes Hard Cash

Craig Philips
Celebrity DIY with Craig Philips, If Its Broke Fix It

Linda Barker
Changing Rooms 60 Minute Makeover

Amanda Lamb
My Flatpack Home You Deserve This House A Place in the Sun

Kevin Macleod Ty Pennington

Grand Designs Extreme Makeover

Nick Knowles

DIY SOS, Original Features Celebrity Fantasy Homes First Homes

Gaby Roslin

Looking for an interior designer with an in-depth knowledge of the new homes industry?

Millwood Designer Homes, Claygate, Surrey

Andrews experience and understanding of the industry is priceless. It meant he understood our requirements from the outset and was able to deliver the results we wanted. PERSIMMON HOMES The development has attracted some 60 visitors a week since its launch and the consistently positive feedback received on the show homes has translated into an excellent rate of sale. DAVID WILSON HOMES It is always a leap of faith working with a new designer, but the process ran like clockwork. The design, quality and project management was superb, delivered on time to the highest standard, well done. NEWLAND HOMES The innovative design you came up with gave you the edge over the other companies pitching. We are all really excited about seeing the concept become reality. CREST NICHOLSON

t 0117 937 3511 w andrewhenry.co.uk

Summer Days...
1 2

Summer Nights

4 3

6
1. Maze Rattan Sorrento daybed outdoor sofa, 499 www.showhousefurniture.com 2. Alexander Rose Gazebo 3x3m, 359 www.birstall.co.uk 3. London canvas deck chair, 55 John Lewis 4. String paper solar lanterns, 8 Matalan 5. Argos Solar Bay Tree Outdoor Lights twinpack, 50 Argos 6. Westminster Venice Dining Table Platinum with glass, 625.50 www.gardenxl.com

Four free Wolves hospitality tickets up for grabs

Whether you are a Wolves fanatic or just love a fun day out, here at What House? we are currently running a competition which could see you and three of your nearest and dearest enjoying an all expenses paid trip to Molineux Stadium.

As the proud new Official Club Partner to Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, What House? are giving our Facebook followers a special treat by offering them the chance to win four free hospitality tickets to a Wolves home match during the 2012-2013 season. Not only that, the winner will get to choose which match they attend so even if youre not a Wolves fan you can still watch your team of choice.

If youre interested in being entered in the prize draw all you have to do is log onto the What House Facebook page and like it before entering your details and submitting the form. The competition closes on August 31st 2012 and the winner will be contacted and announced on the same day. Only one entry is allowed per person.

EAST ANGLIA
Shoeburyness, Essex
Country & Metropolitan Homes (C&M) has added to its existing four-bedroom show home at Gunnery Hill at The Garrison in Shoeburyness with the unveiling of a brand new five-bedroom show house. The Osborne offers accommodation over three storeys, a single integral garage and the benefit of two balconies that offer views of the Thames Estuary.
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Soham, Cambridgeshire
Leading East Anglia housebuilder Hopkins Homes has been awarded planning permission to construct 96 new homes in Soham, Cambridgeshire. Members of East Cambridgeshire District Councils planning committee decided to give the developer the green light after twice deferring a decision on the planning application because of concerns about potential fire risk due to the developments proximity to an industrial area.
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Downham Market, Norfolk

Ben Bailey Homes is responding to a lengthy strategic review and lots of customer feedback as it launches the next phase of its Willow Tree Park development in the Norfolk market town of Downham Market. The company has introduced brand new property types and an enhanced

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specification in response to the wishes of house-hunters and the offerings of other housebuilders.
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www.whathouse.co.uk

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New homes developments in

EAST ANGLIA
WYMONDHAM, NORFOLK

Woodland View Ben Bailey Homes

A new phase is coming soon to this development in a market town just eight miles from Norwich. The town has good amenities and transport links, including its own station, making these three- and four-bedroom homes an ideal choice for families and commuters.

HALESWORTH, SUFFOLK

FROM 179,995

FROM 173,995

Foresthall Park Persimmon Homes

This development offers an array of property types, from twobedroom starter homes to spacious five-bedroom executive houses. Proximity to the M11, Stansted Airport and Bishops Stortford make it an excellent choice for commuters. Families will appreciate good local schools and countryside.

STANSTED MOUNTFITCHET, ESSEX

Langleys Quay Hopkins Homes

An attractive development of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes located in the Suffolk market town of Halesworth, within easy walking distance of all the towns facilities including the station. Ipswich, Norwich and East Anglias Heritage Coast are all within easy driving distance.

FROM 215,000

CAMBOURNE, CAMBRIDGESHIRE

The Green Bovis Homes

The first phase of The Green offers a choice of three-bedroom house types in the growing village of Cambourne, just outside the city of Cambridge. Theres a professionally designed show home toview, demonstrating the level of specification and build quality on offer.

FROM 219,950

Click here to view more new homes in East Anglia

Focus on
The coast, countryside and city living all on offer in Essex
With its close proximity to London, rich history, strong regional identity and 350 miles of coastline, Essex was long a county of choice for homebuyers before a certain TV show boosted its status. Taking its name from The Land of the East Saxons, the home county dates back to the early middle ages and has Britains oldest recorded town in Colchester. Aside from having a great deal of history to learn about and interesting sites to explore, the area forms part of the Metropolitan Green Belt and is protected from development near to its boundary with London. Having recently been appointed city status, Chelmsford is a popular choice due to its quick transport links to London and the comfortable lifestyle on offer. Nearby Colchester and Basildon are also popular places to settle with their strong transport links and excellent facilities. For those with a longing for the sea air, there are a selection of towns and villages like Southend-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, and Harwich to settle down in to name but a few.

Essex
Transport isnt an issue in Essex with Stanstead Airport bringing the rest of the UK and Europe within touching distance, while there is an extensive public transport network and the M25 and M11 motorways both cross the county. Currently under construction, Crossrail is set to link Sheffield with central London through to Heathrow and Maidenhead. There is also the South Essex Rapid Transit proposed which would provide a speedy service in and between Southend, Basildon and Thurrock.

A common sight on beaches up and down the Essex coast

110,000 Just two miles from

New-build on a budget

the centre of Basildon, these lovely two-bedroom apartments in Beechwood Village are not only close to countryside but also to the coast. These Swan New Homes properties have a spacious joint kitchen, lounge and dining area, two double bedrooms , a bathroom, and storage cupboards. The master bedroom also has the added bonus of an en-suite.

A perfect family home

225,000 Set on the River Colne across from Castle Park, there are few more spectacular locations to call home than a property at Riverside Quarter. With a range of shops and local amenities nearby, this fourbedroom mid-terrace house in Colchester, Essex. There are also three-bedroom terrace houses and four-bedroom semi detached houses available in this Persimmons Homes development. 514,995 Located in the heart

Lottery winners wish list

of the delightful market town of Great Dunmow, Beaumont Place offers a mix of traditionally styled homes in one of the most desirable locations in north Essex. Its semi-rural location combined with its easy access to London, Cambridge, Bishops Stortford and beyond, make this four-bedroom property extra special. The Elderberry by David Wilson Homes is detached and has a solar panel system. It contains a living room, kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, study, master bedroom and three further bedrooms.

Focus on
Beautiful new homes abound in this verdant county
Known worldwide for having one of the most prestigious universities, Cambridgeshire can often be overlooked as the home of a university town. Known as one of the driest counties in Britain, Cambridgeshire incorporates a range of thriving towns, villages and the cities of Ely and Peterborough. The administrative centre of Cambridgeshire, Cambridge lies on the River Cam, is only 50 miles north of London and is known for its rich history and buzzing town centre.

Cambridgeshire

Cambridge is adjacent to the M11 and A14 roads, and is around 49 minutes from London Kings Cross by non-stop train. Beyond the countys central town, Peterborough is a popular choice to call home. With the M1 running through it, trains only 50 minutes away from central London and its own business airport, transport links here are strong. The Peterborough Millennium Green Wheel is a 50-mile (80 km) network of cycleways,

footpaths and bridleways which provide continuous routes around the city. The city of Ely has a strong agricultural industry not to mention a famous school, The Kings School, which was given its royal charter in 1541 by Henry VIII. Aside from the main settlements Cambridgeshire offers, there are a range of market towns like Huntingdon and St Ives, and villages like Sawston and Huntington.

The River Cam in Cambridge

99,995 Oasis by Bovis Homes boasts a

New-build on a budget

stylish selection of one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with a selection of three-bedroom townhouses located in the flourishing community of Hampton. Everything from retail facilities to nature reserves, are within easy reach of this exciting development. This modern twobedroom Zerzura 2b flat in Peterborough is a perfect starter home. It contains a fitted kitchen, fitted wardrobes in the bedroom and a stylish white bathroom suite.

A perfect family home

299,950 Slepe Meadow development is located in St Ives formerly know as Slepe. The development offers an ideal opportunity for first-time buyers or experienced movers that want to move within commuting distance of London, Cambridge or Peterborough as it is only five miles from Huntingdon Station. On one of the plots there are fourbedroom detached houses called Wembury. The Taylor Wimpey properties have a single garage, a private garden, a dining room, living room, master bedroom, three further bedrooms, two en suites, kitchen and bathroom. 699,950 Split over two floors, this luxury three-bedroom apartment is available within Berkeley homes Cambridge Riverside development. Set in the idyllic surroundings of Midsummer Common and the River Cam of the shires main city, this apartment has a terrace on each floor, a spacious lounge and dining area, kitchen, a bathroom and an en suite. A series of linked landscaped courtyards surround the buildings and provide direct access to Midsummer Common and onto the river itself. Onsite facilities include secure underground parking, a private residents gym and 24-hour concierge service.

Lottery winners wish list

EDINBURGH AND GLASGOW HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS

Laurna Robertson looks at some of the leading housing associations in Scotlands two main cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Dunedin Canmore Housing Association

Dunedin Canmore Housing Association provides general needs housing, sheltered housing, homeless housing, and shared equity housing for sale. Working with subsidiary company Malcolm Homes they also offer mid and market rent housing and private housing for sale throughout Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife.

Port of Leith Housing Association

In one of Edinburghs most popular areas, Port of Leith Housing Association have been providing affordable housing since 1975. At the heart of the areas redevelopment over recent years, the association is involved with new house building, community regeneration and creating a sense of pride in the area. It provides shared ownership and a range of rented accommodation across Leith.

www.dunedincanmore.org.uk

www.polha.co.uk

Glasgow
Cube Housing Association
Working together with Glasgow Housing Association, Cube Housing Association is currently developing new homes and refurbishing homes that will be available for rent or sale. The Association directly owns and manages over 3,100 properties in Glasgow, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, South Lanarkshire, East Renfrewshire and Argyll & Bute.

West of Scotland Housing Association

With nearly 50 years experience, West of Scotland Housing Association provide a wide range of different properties across several developments. They run a shared equity scheme which people buy a share of 60-80% of full price and pay rent on the remaining amount. This is aimed at people with a low income. Only a small amount of their tenants have a Right To Buy their property.

www.cubehousing.co.uk

www.westscot.co.uk

Both
Cairn Housing Association
For over 30 years, Cairn Housing Association has served Edinburgh and Glasgow, along with other communities throughout Scotland, with affordable housing. They offer Shared Ownership occasionally and Low-cost Initiative for First Time buyers (LIFT). They also offer general housing for anyone 16 and over, amenity housing, sheltered housing, very sheltered housing and care homes.

www.cairnha.com

e im er t ill ent St to

25TH ANNIVERSARY

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRYS MOST EXCITING CORPORATE EVENT 6-9 SEPTEMBER 2012

For information contact : 3 days of action packed racing organised Ultimate networking and team by the Royal Yacht Squadron building event for the construction and property industry put it in 1, 2 or 3 day packages available your diary now! Fun social programme every night Mary Scott-Jackson Event Manager 01983 248 140 Mob: 07790 770 526 Fax: 01983 295 329 Skype: marysj1 cont p28 www.littlebritain.co.uk

CELEBRITY INTERVIEW
Britains Dream Homes Rhodri Owen shares his passion for property with whathouse.co.uks Laurna Robertson
While for many its a dream job, sometimes Rhodri Owen ponders whether he made the right career choice by opting to be a TV presenter. Dont get me wrong, the 39-yearold from Swansea loves the variety of his job - he has done everything from travelling all over Europe and beyond on Wish You Were Here? to investigating cold calling on Bafta-winning consumer show X-Ray. However property has long been his all-consuming passion and his family currently own seven homes scattered across the UK. Now living between Chiswick, West London, and Cowbridge, 20 miles outside of Cardiff, Rhodri sometimes dreams about setting up his own up-market estate agency or dedicating his time completely to development. Speaking exclusively to What House?, the husband of TV presenter Lucy Owen said: Im completely obsessed with property and I normally know about every property for sale within a 20-mile radius. www.whathouse.co.uk anything property related, so Sometimes I think weve been renovating instead. I should have focused What do you enjoy my career in the about developing? property industry. I always like to work to a I would love to have timescale and because Im not an up-market estate very patient this is extremely important for when Im agency where I could developing. I also really like spend all day scoping working with architects that out the best properties allow you to put your own stamp on the property. Some or really focus on the development side of my friends have worked with architects that are very pushy of things. with their ideas but Ive always been lucky with the people Ive had. I love feeling that Ive got Where did your passion my put my own spin on a place. for property begin? You either enjoy that kind of Im not sure to be honest. When thing or you dont. I was younger my parents What advice do you have moved around a lot so I never for people interested really got that fixed feeling of in developing properties? home. We had various houses Ive learned a lot of lessons but I never had a childhood over the years but one of the home. I think that experience most important ones was means I have it in me to move from a massive project we around and normally after took on against the advice two years I get the urge to of our financial advisor and find somewhere new. My little family an old manse. They said boy Gabriel is four now and transforming it would require a about to start school so Im bottomless pit of money but we not allowed to move at the decided to give it a go anyway. moment. I couldnt not do

We realised after two years that they were right, but I dont regret it as a learning experience. Id also say that in the beginning we spent a lot of money putting the designer brand fittings and furnishings into our property. Over the years Ive realized if you want to be a developer its about getting the look rather than buying the best brands. You can often get the look you require for tens of thousands of pounds cheaper.

Youve spent a lot of time working on older properties. Would you ever invest in a new home?
Ive never owned a new home but one of my dreams would be to own a new build-home on a beach somewhere. I love what a lot of the builders of new homes do with glass and materials - Id love to have a house with walls of glass in the future.

How do you feel about new homes?

While Ive spent a lot of time developing older properties I also love new homes. For me the most important thing for a new-build is its location that it doesnt destroy the surroundings or detract from them. I also prefer new-builds that look modern and make a statement about now rather than trying to recreate older styles. www.whathouse.co.uk

Courtesy of Paul Hawkins

MIDLANDS
Worcestershire
Worcestershire has a range of new developments on offer from Redrow, Taylor Wimpey, and Barratt. Across the county there are developments to suit all tastes. Redrow Homes offers three-, four-, five- and sixbedroom homes in its Earls Park development close to Worcester city centre. The Farrington Parade development by Taylor Wimpey, the the Norton Barracks, is also worthy of consideration. While Barratt Homes are offering a selection of four-bedroom homes in the St Johns area of Worcester at its Willis Place ere to read m kh development.
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South Gloucestershire
Bloor Homes has submitted a planning application to develop up to 300 new homes in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire. The developer wants to build the properties

on 56 acres of land at the north east of Morton Way, between Crossways Farm and Mile End Farm.
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Throughout the Midlands

An innovative funding deal worth 250 million is set to deliver 1,700 new affordable homes across the Midlands. Longhurst

Group, together with their appointed financial advisors Savills, announces that it has raised the funding through the bonds market.
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www.whathouse.co.uk

New homes developments in the MIDLANDS

RAINWORTH, NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Rufford Grange, Taylor Wimpey

Close to the Peak District and Sherwood Forest, as well as a number of good schools, the threeand four-bedroom homes at this development are bound to appeal to buyers with a family. The village is conveniently close to Mansfield and a number of major roads are within easy reach.

WORCESTER, WORCESTERSHIRE

FROM 114,396

FROM 204,995

The Farthings Bromford Homes

For under 30,000, eligible househunters could own a 25% share of one of the 17 new homes being constructed at this development in the northwest of Telford, which has excellent access to the A5 and M54 as well as to the amenities of the town centre.

TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE

Earls Park Redrow Homes

Just two miles from the heart of the city, this development offers homes with from three to six bedrooms from Redrows acclaimed New Heritage Collection of property types. These combine traditional architectural style with modern internal layouts and a distinctive specification.

FROM 29,375 DORRIDGE, WEST MIDLANDS

Temple Gardens Banner Homes

Just two luxury five-bedroom homes remain for sale on this exclusive development in one of the regions most desirable residential areas. Its a scheme that offers everything uncompromising specification, village ambience, great schools and local facilities and easy access to the city.

FROM 1,325 MILLIO.

Click here to view more new homes in the Midlands

The PeRfeCT blenD of village and Town life, STriking and conTemporary in deSign

Tettenhall, Wood Road West Midlands WV6 8AU

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Located on Wood Road, one of the most sought after roads in prestigious Tettenhall Wood, Teotta Drive is the epitome of modern living. Tettenhall, originally a small village, is now a highly desirable residential area just to the north west of Wolverhampton.

The striking floor to ceiling windows, garage and allocated parking and the large open plan kitchens make these homes extremely desirable. This development consists of: Seven detached four bedroom homes Two detached three bedroom homes Two semi-detached three bedroom homes
Photography features the show home, plot 11, Teotta Drive.

Come and take a closer look. Call us on 0845 899 0560 or visit www.teottadrive.co.uk www.bannerhomes.co.uk twitter.com/bannerhomesplc

NORTH EAST
Ricall, North Yorkshire
Linden Homes has reported that nearly half the homes at its Dunelm Farm development in Ricall, North Yorkshire, have already been sold off-plan. Buyers will have to act quickly to secure one of the remaining homes there to secure one of the two, three or four bedroom properties. While the first homes at the Richale re to read m Park development k he in Ricall will be ready in November or December.
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Northumberland
Caistor, Lincolnshire
Ben Bailey Homes has unveiled a new show home at The Grange in Caistor, Lincolnshire. The four-bedroom Newstead Elite has been professionally designed to show the latest standard fixtures and fittings and some of the options that buyers have to personalise their new home. The Grange comprises 99 two-, threeand four-bedroom townhouses, bungalows and detached houses for sale with prices starting at 159,995 on the current phase.
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Two Castles Housing Association has started work on 13 affordable homes in Northumberland for local people who are in the greatest housing need. The 1.7m affordable housing development in Bellingham is aimed at local people with a connection to the village or local area.
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New homes developments in the NORTH EAST

SELBY, NORTH YORKSHIRE

Holmes Meadow Bovis Homes

With a variety of homes with from two to five bedrooms, a number of purchase incentive schemes on offer and a location just 15 miles from York, this development is certain to attract a wide range of homebuyers in this region.

SCHOLES, WEST YORKSHIRE

FROM 114,950

FROM 239,950 COTTINGHAM, EAST YORKSHIRE

Holtby Gardens Redrow Homes

Quartermile is a landmark Cottingham is considered to be the largest village in England, and it makes a delightful location for this collection of homes. With two-, three- and four-bedroom property types available, Holtby Gardens could make the ideal destination for a wide range of house-hunters.

Cotton Field View Ben Bailey Homes

There is a new show home open at this semi-rural village development, demonstrating the build-quality and internal specification that comes as standard from Ben Bailey Homes. Close to the M62, homes here are convenient for travelling to Leeds, Bradford, Manchester and Hull.

FROM 139,999

HALTWHISTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND

Centurion Park Linden Homes

Only 14 three-, four- and five-bedroom homes will comprise Centurion Park when it is completed, all within easy reach of the shops and amenities of this market town and boasting great views of the dramatic Northumberland countryside.

FROM 145,000

Click here to view more new homes in the North East

What House? Awards

Best Exterior Design 2011

Marc Da Silva reflects on the winners of last years prestigious What House? Awards and another hotly contested category
The United House team celebrate their Gold award

Whether its a striking faade, bold development or a house that stands out a mile, the award for Best Exterior Design goes to the best looking property. The competition was tight in 2011 but the gold went to United House and Londonewcastle for Arundel Square in Islington, London, N7. With terraces built along three sides, the way in which completion of the fourth side of the square, blighted by an unsightly railway line, was rewarded by the judges who commented that the developers had steered away from a pastiche approach to the external challenge; rather adopting a more contemporary look. The development comprises 146 new homes ranging in price from 285,000 to 1.5m with plenty of green space and some delightful landscaping. The judges particularly liked the balcony treatment, with blue and green colours and stained-glass finishes with galvanised steel rails. One of the outstanding qualities of Arundel Square was that its design was delivered through comprehensive consultation between the client, Islington councils Greenspace team and the local community to ensure it would offer something to all age groups. Jeffrey Adams, Group Chief Executive of United House, said: Our developments are characterised by outstanding architecture, meticulous attention to detail and a real environmental agenda. Our schemes are delivered by a highly skilled in-house construction team who are in control and committed to creating the very best developments.

The Silver gong went to two developments Gladedale Capital for Quartmile in Edinburgh and Berkeley Homes for Park Crescent at Kingsbrook park in Canterbury, Kent. Judges said of the Quartermile Development, which won gold at the awards the previous year,: Victorian Grade A and B listed stone buildings and modern new apartments, conversion and new build - it could have proved a monstrous clash of styles and forms, but it works. If you were picking a tough architectural fight you would head for a World Heritage Site in the city of Edinburgh, which takes its architectural heritage very seriously. Plans for the site include over 900 new homes, around 350,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, a 65 bed hotel and some 55,000 sq ft of retail space designed by architects Foster & Partners. Rupert Bates editorial director of whathouse.co.uk commented on Park Crescent: The Berkeley Group is one of the UKs best new home developers. Having earned themselves a first-class reputation for building top quality new homes across London and the Home

Counties constructing lavish houses to top quality apartments, they aspire to cater to all buyer needs.

Bronze went to Barratt London for St Andrews in Bromley-byBow, London. In a category of outstanding entries, Barratt wins a well-deserved podium finish, with the promise of more to come as this fascinating project plays out, said What House? judges.

AFFORDABLE HOMES
Liverpool
Countryside Properties has been given planning permission to develop 12 affordable homes in Ellesmere Port. The developer is already building 29 units in the local area.

The latest news on new affordable homes developments in Britain

Winchburgh, West Lothian, Scotland

Construction has now begun on the new Winchburgh Development near Edinburgh.On completion the new town will include 3,450 new homes including affordable housing and a range of community facilities.

Wrexhan, Wales

As much as 13m is being made available for the construction of affordable homes in Wrexham. Rhyl-based Anwyl Construction is building 127 new homes on two sites in partnership with Wrexham council on two sites in Kingsmills Road and Rivulet Road.

Morton, Lincolnshire

Larkfleet Homes has started work on 20 affordable homes in Bourne Road, Morton. The development will feature 12 two-bedroom houses, two two-bedroom bungalows, and two fourbedroom houses.

Cranbrook, nr Exeter, Devon

The first new
affordable homes in Cranbrook near Exeter, East Devon, will be delivered in September. A total of 328 new homes will be provided for affordable housing in the first phase.

Peacehaven, East Sussex Bovis Homes

has a number of new homes available under the FirstBuy scheme at its Meridian End development, Peacehaven, on the beautiful East Sussex coast.

www.whathouse.co.uk

New AFFORDABLE HOMES developments

HARINGEY, LONDON

Indigo Notting Hill Housing

Just five minutes from Wood Green tube station, Indigo provides a mix of shared ownership apartments and houses for sale with one, two or three bedrooms, set in landscaped ground with a new childrens play area. Buyers can purchase a minimum 40% share.

PAISLEY, RENFREWSHIRE

FROM 76,000

FROM 66,000

The Compass Affinity Sutton

Buyers looking for a central location in Southampton can find a mix of one- and two-bedroom shared ownership apartments with a great specification at The Compass. The minimum shared that can be purchased is 25%. The minimum salary requirement is 18,000 (single) and 22,000 (joint).

SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE

Shortroods Sanctuary Housing

The Scottish governments New Supply Shared Equity scheme makes it possible to defer up to 40% of the price of a brand new home at this development that is ideally located for access to the M8 and for Glasgow Airport.

FROM 28.750

STRAFORD-UPON-AVON WARWICKSHIRE

The Residence Bromford Homes

Coming soon to the southeastern outskirts of this historic town is the chance to buy a 25% share of a brand new home with two double bedrooms, fitted kitchen, central heating, allocated parking and turfed front and rear gardens.

FROM 48,750

Click here to view more new affordable homes

CASE STUDY
People are always looking for the catch with affordable housing, but these two young couples managed to get their foot on the property ladder when circumstances were against them thanks to available deals.
Whereas Chris Campbell and Victoria Moffat had travelled the world together before starting over in Scotland. After just one year, they were already settled into their own home in Campsie Village, just outside of Glasgow. They purchased their Mactaggart & Mickel home through a shared equity scheme and were able to afford the kind of home they thought was out of their price range. Chris says: Buying our own home would have been a struggle without Mactaggart & Mickel Homes help. Their shared equity scheme meant that we could afford the kind of home we really wanted, while the sales assistants on site were honest and helpful from our very first meeting, which meant we could make informed decisions and always felt well looked after.

Rebecca Calvert and Paul Mackenzie, from Norfolk town, were the first couple in the UK to complete a government-backed NewBuy property purchase with the Halifax just three months after the project started. They were living with their respective parents and struggling to save for a deposit for their first home. But, through the NewBuy scheme, they managed to get their hands on a two-bedroom apartment with a 95% mortgage in Kings Lynn, in the Taylor Wimpey Kings Reach development. The 5% deposit they needed was well within their reach and they found a deal that suited them. The scheme was ideal for our requirements as it allowed us to get on the property ladder sooner than we thought possible, says Rebecca, a supermarket employee.

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LONDON
Hillingdon, North London
Homebuyers in North London hoping to find a property in the area that really has the wow factor should check out The Spinney, an exclusive new gated development in leafy Northwood from Banner Homes. With one of only three properties at the site already sold, there are now just two five-bedroom detached houses for sale at the site.
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Chobham Manor, East London

Housebuilders Taylor Wimpey and L&Q have been selected to develop 870 new homes on the 23 acre Chobham Manor site as part of the first of five Olympic neighbourhoods in east London, which will include close to 300 affordable homes.The overall scheme for the Olympic site - which will be renamed Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - is expected to create up to 11,000 new homes over the next two www.whathouse.co.uk

decades, of which more than a third will be affordable housing.

Oxford Street, Central London

The launch of Verge Mayfair on Oxford Street by Oakmayne Bespoke, a boutique residential scheme of ten luxury apartments and two penthouses, with a fashion inspired specification and look, is sure to appeal to wealthy national ere to read m and international kh homebuyers looking to find a property in prime central London.
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New homes developments in LONDON

SHOREDITCH

Paul Street United House

Located in one of central Londons most fashionable areas, the nine apartments at Paul Street provide high-specification living on the doorstep of the City. The hi-tech interiors are the perfect complement to the chic urban lifestyle for which this district is famous.

ISLINGTON

FROM 460,000

FROM 495,000

Fulham Reach St George

With landscaped gardens and waterside promenade, Fulham reach epitomises stylish contemporary riverside apartment living on the banks of the Thames in a perennially popular part of west London. Residents-only facilities include a gym, spa, pool, movie room and virtual golf.

FULHAM

Liverpool Road Currell Residential

Contemporary architecture is matched to a stylish interior at this apartment development, ideally situated for the amenities and transport links of Highbury & Islington and Angel, as well as a wealth of shops and recreational options in Upper Street and Essex Road.

FROM 749,950

WEMBLEY

Wembley Central St Modwen

Providing not just a range of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes, Wembley Central will also offer new retail units to add to the areas wide range of existing amenities. Some properties boast views of the iconic new Wembley Stadium.

FROM 199,995

Click here to view more new homes in London

SOUTH WEST

Exeter, Devon
House buyers have a good choice of new homes in Exeter and the surrounding area, ranging from urban apartments to suburban family homes and properties in tranquil

rural locations. Linden Homes, Persimmon Homes, Taylor Wimpey, McCarthy and Stone and Bovis Homes all have developments on offer in and around the city.
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Peasedown St John, Somerset

Plans for almost 100 new homes in Bath and North East Somersets biggest village are to be submitted by Bristol-based housebuilder Edward Ware Homes. The developer wants to construct 94 new homes on Greenland Road in Peasedown St John, including a proportion of affordable ere to read m kh homes.
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Bridgwater, Somerset

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Housebuilders Persimmon and Bloor Homes have submitted planning applications for the construction of 171 new homes on two sites in south Bridgwater, Somerset. Bloor Homes wants to develop 71 new homes as well as garages on land at Campion Way. Meanwhile, a public consultation is already well underway on a separate proposal by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley to construct 100 new homes on a vacant field located north of Dawes Farm.

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New homes developments in the SOUTH WEST

CAMBORNE, CORNWALL

Boslowen Linden Homes

The development is the result of a partnership between Linden Homes and English Partnerships. The current phase offers a number of contemporary four-bedroom townhouse properties that will benefit from a number of infrastructure and amenity improvements to the local area.

PLYMOUTH, DEVON

FROM 172,950

FROM 189,950

Archers Gate Bloor Homes

Archers Gate is providing much more than just a range of stylish new homes at Archers Gate: there are a number of new facilities for residents, such as a school, play area and community hall, and a range of new shops under construction.

AMESBURY, WILTSHIRE

Cobham Field Cavanna Homes

The two-, three- and fourbedroom homes at Cobham Field are well located for the wealth of shops and facilities in the centre of Plymouth. The city is undergoing some significant investment and infrastructure improvements and is one of the best-connected cities in the region.

FROM 219,950 NAILSWORTH, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

New Mills Perry Bishop & Chambers

The Cotswold market town of Nailsworth is the location for these apartments and cottages. The characterful and traditional appearance of these new homes belies a thoroughly modern interior specification. Residents also benefit from off-road and undercroft parking.

FROM 249,950

Click here to view more new homes in the South West

Focus on
Nature lovers and city dwellers alike will find all they need in Devon
One of the largest counties in England, Devon, or Devonshire as it can be referred to, has everything from the historic city of Exeter to the port city of Plymouth, favourite holiday destinations like Torquay, some of the best surfing spots in the UK and a lot of rural space with the stunning Dartmoor National Park. Sharing borders with Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, its the only county in the UK to have two separate coastlines and touches the English Channel, the Bristol Channel and the Celtic Sea. Not to mention having Englands only natural UNESCO

Devon
also strong public transport links. Navy city Plymouth is currently undergoing a massive regeneration project to include a range of new facilities and homes and which will be completed by 2020. The port has excellent travel links to France and Spain and the city itself offers much for people from all walks of life. Away from the cities, the vast county has a diverse range of different places to call home from the numerous coastal settlements like Torbay and Ilfracombe to the rural market towns like Barnstable and Totnes.

World Heritage Site - the Dorset and East Devon Coast, known as the Jurassic Coast for its geology and geographical features. Exeter, as the county town, is on the River Exe, and about 37 miles northeast of Plymouth, and 70 miles southwest of Bristol. Despite dating back to pre-Roman times, it offers all the modern amenities of a busy city with prestigious schools and a respected university. The M5 motorway to Bristol and Birmingham starts at Exeter, and connects at Bristol with the M4 to London and South Wales and there are

Exeter

New-build on a budget

119,995 Vision, Devonport by Redrow is a new mixed use community two miles from Plymouth city centre and close to the main railway line. Its surrounded in nature As the perfect investment for a first time buyer, this two-bedroom flat in the Mayflower area of the development has an open plan lounge, kitchen and dining room and a modern fitted bathroom. The property is also close to the south coast beaches and Dartmoor National Park.

A perfect family home

195,000 Within close proximity of Plymouth city centre on the South Devon coastline, Cobham Field by Cavanna Homes is a new development of 72 properties, offering a mix of two-, three-and four- bedroom homes. This three-bedroom Allington house is a compact size for starting a family in with a living room, kitchen/dining room, three bedrooms, an en-suite and a bathroom. These modern homes provide low-maintenance, energyefficient living, with solar panels. 3million This newly built
contemporary seven-bedroom home located in the highly regarded coastal village of Stoke Fleming. With dramatic views of the South Devon coastline, this outstanding property offers nearly 8,000 sq ft of stunning interior living and entertaining space, including seven bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool complex with gym and a cinema room. Developed by an individual, Frenchmans Creek is in the coastal town of Stoke Fleming.

Lottery winners wish list

Focus on Somerset
This ever-popular county offers a wealth of new homes choices
In the south-west of England, ceremonial county Somerset borders Bristol, Devon and the Bristol Channel and is often misunderstood to be a sleepy hollow full of rolling hills, quaint thatched pubs and cider producers. However, The Land of the Summer People, as it was described by the Welsh Celts and the Saxons, has plenty to offer including the vibrant city of Bath, the home of the British rock music festival Glastonbury and popular seaside resorts like Weston-Super-Mare. Bath is 97 miles west of London, 13 miles southeast of Bristol, and has been a holiday destination of choice for people across the UK since Roman times due to its natural thermal spa. But away from the tourism, the beautiful city has a good range of schools, excellent facilities including several public parks, and easy transport links to Bristol, the M4, Cardiff and London. Historic, inland, towns like Taunton, Yeovil and Keynsham offer quiet surroundings combined with essential facilities for families. Whereas seaside resorts like Weston-Super-Mare, Burnham-on-Sea and Portishead and North Weston are exciting places to call home and have transport links to Bristol. With agriculture as the countys prime industry, there is a lot of countryside in Somerset to explore for those that love outdoor pursuits and to get away from civilization for a while. With many beautiful valleys, hill ranges and interesting rock formations there are many wonders to explore.

Glastonbury

New-build on a budget

115,950 Trinity Park by Bloor Homes mixes the old and the new in the historic market town of Frome. The development offers a stunning range of two-, threeand four-bedroom properties, with a local station, shops, and everything you need close by. The Rotherfield is a detached one-bedroom coach house which is ideal as a starter home or as an investment. The property benefits from a good-sized light and airy living area. The kitchen includes a stainless steel oven, hob and extractor hood as well as an integrated fridge freezer. The Rotherfield has its own garage which has power and light and also incorporates a useful store cupboard. 239,950 Locking Parklands by St Modwen Properties is set in a large area of open parkland containing play areas and wildlife habitats. Everyone who lives in the Weston-Super-Mare development will enjoy a greener lifestyle, thanks to homes with energy efficient appliances, solar panels for heating and high levels of insulation. The Maple in plot FR.04 is a three-bedroom house with kitchen/ dining room, living room, three bedrooms, dressing area, and en suite. 795,000 On a quiet and sought-

A perfect family home

Lottery winners wish list

after road next to the University of Bath, this detached contemporary house has a kitchen/dining/living room with wood burning stove and French windows into garden and folding doors into sitting room, four bedrooms, two at ground floor level and two en suite & further bathroom. Claverton Down also has an air source pump providing under-floor heating throughout. Solar thermal roof panels supplying electricity to provide hot water with any excess directed to assist under-floor heating. Air ventilation recovery systems providing extraction, filtration and circulation of fresh air throughout the house. There is also a driveway with space for two or three cars in this privately developed property.

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Green Property of the Month

Its hard to imagine a more perfect location for an environmentally friendly development like Rocky Lane than a World Heritage site. On the rugged, UNESCO protected, west coast of Cornwall, the set of 10 detached homes are low carbon and personalised to the buyers taste. The development are set in 3.5 acres of private woodland overlooking Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes and the aim of the housebuilders from the beginning was to minimise the homes impact on the environment. Each property has been carefully conceived to work with the topography of the site and respect its natural beauty. Simon Blackburn of Living Structures, the developer behind Rocky Lane, says: At Rocky Lane, we have a very special site a beautiful woodland area which is a finite commodity, especially rare in this part of Cornwall, so the concept for the development was all about enhancing this, treading lightly on the land and properties as luxurious and spacious as possible for their owners. The properties are made with red cedar siding externally to echo the woodland setting and energy saving features include super insulation, energy-efficient windows, air source heat pumps and passive ventilation. All these features mean the new home owners will have significantly lower utility bills. The timber frame construction has the lowest co2 cost of any commercially available building material. Phase two of the development has just been released for sale and prices range from 295,000 for a one-bedroom (1,000 sq ft) house to 650,000 for a four-bedroom (2,000 sq ft) house. They are exempt from stamp duty.

encompassing sustainability in all aspects. The properties have a wide range of energy-saving features, but its more than that - we also wanted to create something that looked beautiful and that complemented the natural beauty and rich history of the surrounding area, and used innovative design to make the

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MORTGAGES
Mortgage war leads to lending rates falling and the range of deals rising
Two of the UKs biggest lenders have reduced their lending rates and increased the range of deals available to broker clients. Abbey for Intermediaries, part of the Santander group, and Halifax have improved their deals as the war between lenders intensifies. Halifax has recently slashed the rates and fees on some of their deals. First-time buyers looking for a two-year fixed rate at either 80% or 85% loan-to-value will now not pay any booking fee for the deal, while fixed-rate deals for other clients have been reduced by up to 0.2%. While Abbey for Intermediaries increased the number of lowrate mortgages available to borrowers. The broker arm of Santander has made two of its market-leading products available to a wide range of brokers.
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One payday loan could jeopardise your chance of getting on the property ladder
It is estimated that around three million people have taken out a payday loan since the start of the credit crunch. Yet it has emerged that mortgage lenders are refusing loans to people who have taken out such a loan - ending the mortgage hopes of thousands of first-time buyers. A report in the Daily Mail found that families forced to turn to the short-term loans are routinely being refused mortgages, even if they have paid them in full and on time. Short-term payday loans have grown in popularity over recent years. They let borrowers take out a short-term loan for a small amount, although the interest rates on such lending can be as high as 4,000%. Since January this year, many of the large payday loan companies have been sharing their customers data with credit reference agencies. These are the same agencies that banks access to check your files if you apply for a mortgage. With more information now being available on borrowers, some mortgage companies are, according to the Daily Mail, routinely turning down families who have taken out such loans - even if they have good payment records.
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RETIREMENT
McCarthy & Stone invites entries to its Retirement Wish List competition
The UKs leading retirement developer, McCarthy & Stone, is asking the over 60s in Scotland to get in touch with their Wish List of want-todo activities for later life. All responses received by the company will be entered into a free prize draw to win one of five fantastic holidays, with McCarthy & Stone revealing what tops this want-to-do list. Suzanne McElhiney, marketing manager for McCarthy & Stone in Scotland, says: Our retirement apartments are built around a belief that later life can be rich, rewarding and hugely fulfilling. Its your home and you own it. But the www.whathouse.co.uk low maintenance lifestyle on offer means you get the freedom to do what youve always wanted, so tear up your have-to-do list and let us know what you want to do instead! Prizes for the competition include an eight-day escorted tour of Italy, a four-star holiday in Spain, a specialinterest holiday in the UK, a five-night luxury hotel break in the UK and a Mediterranean cruise. Closing date for entries is 30th September 2012. McCarthy & Stone is currently selling a range of purposebuilt, one- and two-bedroom later-life apartments at its new-build developments in Scotland, where prices currently start from as little as 99,950. As well as the lowmaintenance lifestyle, purchasers of new-build retirement properties can benefit from maintained landscaped gardens, a communal lounge and the peace of mind of added security. To make moving easier, McCarthy & Stone can also help purchasers sell their current home at a pre-agreed price, covering many of the costs associated with the sale, including estate agent, solicitor and removal fees.

New RETIREMENT HOMES developments

WALLINGTON, LONDON

Bramble Lodge Churchill Retirement Living

A collection of one- and twobedroom retirement apartments in the London Borough of Sutton. Each home has an excellent standard specification and the development is located close to many important local amenities including the shops and a railway station.

TAUNTON, SOMERSET

FROM 219,950

FROM 209,950

Denham Garden Village Anchor

An award-winning development of two- and three-bedroom retirement properties just a mile from Denham village. The scheme incorporates 30 acres of woodland and a number of useful amenities for residents including a shop, cafbar, guest suite and spa.

DENHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Pegasus Court, Pegasus Retirement Homes

This developments unique selling point is its location on the boundary of Tauntons cricket ground. Owners get lifetime membership of Somerset County Cricket Club as well as fantastic views of the pitch and river from the contemporarystyled apartment block.

FROM 360,000 BOURNE, LINCOLNSHIRE

The Croft Larkfleet Homes

A development for over-55s, The Croft features a restored manor house and a collection of newbuild chalets and bungalows close to the heart of the market town of Bourne, with a supermarket, doctors surgery and bus stop only minutes from home.

FROM 145,000

Click here to view more new retirement homes

NORTH WEST

Manchester
Lovell has a large portfolio of new homes in Manchester currently on offer. In up-and-coming east Manchester The Way and Gener8 developments offer buyers the best of the city and some greenery. Windermere Gardens and Windermere Park offer easy access to ere to read m kh Manchester but also Bolton, Rochdale and Oldham.
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Lancashire
South Ribbles planning committee recently gave Bloor Homes the green light to build a further 80 homes and expand Buckshaw Village on the former Royal Ordinance site.

The proposals show three one bedroom, eight two bedroom, 11 three bedroom, 47 four bedroom and 11 five bedroom k here to read m houses on the site east of the A49 Wigan Road.
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Liverpool
Redrow is aiming to satisfy a notable local demand for newbuild housing with the recent launch of its latest development of new homes in Liverpool, The Avenue at Summerhill Park. There are 100 new homes planned for the scheme, a mix of two-, three- and four-bedroom properties. The first phase of three- and four-bedroom houses for sale is available off-plan while the Redrow team completes the show homes, with prices starting at 179,995.
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New homes developments in the NORTH WEST

BLACKPOOL, LANCASHIRE

Whitehill Meadows Redrow Homes

A collection of four-bedroom property types located on the outskirts of Blackpool, providing convenient access to the towns extensive amenities, the airport and the M55 as well as the glorious beaches of the Lancashire coast.

CARLISLE, CUMBRIA

FROM 237,995 PRESCOT, MERSEYSIDE

FROM 124,995

Speakman Gardens Taylor Wimpey

These two-, three- and fourbedroom homes offer proximity to the historic local town centre, bustling Liverpool city centre, a number of educational establishments (from nursery age to university) and transport links to Chester and Manchester.

The Elms Lovell Homes

Situated in the southwest of Carlisle, close to a number of schools, parks and leisure facilities, this development also offers residents convenient access to the city centre, the M56 motorway and the beauty of the Lake District National Park.

FROM 87,995 BOLTON, GREATER MANCHESTER

Smithills Glade Bovis Homes

These new apartments and houses enjoy a waterside setting surrounded by woodland, just a short distance from the shops and amenities of Bolton town centre and within easy reach of Manchester, its airport and the motorway network.

FROM 109,995

Click here to view more new homes in the North West

INVESTMENT
Rising rents mean better income returns than putting money in a savings account
Rental values in England and Wales increased for the third month in a row in June, once again reinforcing the fact that now is a good time to invest in the buy-to-let market. The latest Buy-to-Let Index from LSL Property Services plc shows that average rents rose by 0.9% to 718 per calendar month, which is just short of the all-time high of 720pcm reached last autumn. The hike in rental prices is ultimately being supported by historically high demand from tenants, including many would-be homebuyers struggling to secure a mortgage because of tight lending criteria. LSL projects that the sheer weight of tenant demand will continue to push up ere to read m kh rents across the country. But where is best to invest and where are property investors achieving the highest rental returns?
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Severe shortage of new homes in London keeps property value increasing

Despite the recession residential property prices in London continue to buck the national trend and continue to rise due to a fundamental shortage of new homes being built. The latest residential report by CBRE shows that over the last decade Londons population has grown by 850,000 whilst only 197,000 new homes in London have been built over the same period, adding to the supplydemand imbalance in the capital. Many experts project that property values in London will continue to head north unless more new homes are built, including a rise in the
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Dream Home
In the small Surrey village of Kingswood, there is a residential area which is commonly known as Arcadian. This title comes from the Greek idea of Arcadia as a utopian rural land and Kingswood gets this reputation due to its spacious grounds, lush landscape and large number of trees. In this area, Octagon Homes is developing Kingswood Warren Park with 22 plots in total. The development will be centered around a renovated mansion, dating back to 1837, which will be split into seven apartments. Around this mansion, there will be 14 luxury, detached, five-bedroom homes.

Plot 16, the show house at Kingswood Warren Park

Seven of these properties are being released initially on the 19 acre estate including the featured property. This show home is situated in plot 16 and has five bedrooms, a drawing room, a study, a TV den, a dining room, a family room, a dressing room and four bathrooms. It also has its own

terrace overlooking the rear garden. Each of the houses are set within large and secluded plots ranging from half to just over one acre. Surrounded by mature trees and hedgerows, each property is individually designed and traditionally built. The first seven properties start at 3million.

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Plot 16 is open daily from 10am 4pm for viewing. For more information contact 020 8619 2211.

SCOTLAND
Renfrewshire Craiglockhart, Edinburgh

Renfrewshire has a lot on offer for old and new residents including a range of new developments. Situated close to Paisley town centre, Phase 2 of Sanctuary Housings Shortroods development comprises 83 new homes in a variety of styles. Ferry Village is a Taylor Wimpey development in Renfrew with four styles of apartment still available. House-hunters in Renfrewshire with a larger budget should check out Manor Kingdoms Kip Village development at Inverkip. While Stewart Milne Homes collection of twoand three-bedroom apartments, four-bedroom townhouses and four-and five-bedroom detached villas at its Greenwood Manor development in Newton Mearns ere to read m kh offers something to suit all sizes of family.
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Miller Homes is now taking reservations for the third and final phase of its very successful luxury development at Graysmill, Craiglockhart, Edinburgh. The development offers eight five- and six-bedroom detached family villas in four styles, the Adam, the Lorimar, the award-

winning Playfair and the Mackintosh. As the last of the three phases, the houses for sale at Graysmill Dell benefit from refinements based on feedback from earlier customers.
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Lanarkshire
Many housebuilders in Scotland have picked up on a need for affordable property in Lanarkshire. Bett Homes has a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments on the market at its Orchard Park development in Motherwell, St Johns Park in Hamilton is a Barratt Homes development comprising one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as two- and three-bedroom terraced, semi-detached and detached houses. Situated in the affluent Ferniegair area, Royale Gardens by Persimmon Homes offers a selection of two-, three- and fourbedroom apartments and houses for sale.
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New homes developments in

SCOTLAND
STEWARTON, AYRSHIRE

Lairds Gate Stewart Milne Homes

Stewarton is ideally located for access to the M77, Glasgow, Kilmarnock and the Ayrshire coast. The three-, four- and five-bedroom homes at Lairds Gate are from Stewart Milne Homes Woodlands Collection of house types and come with an enviable standard specification.

STIRLING

FROM 153,950

FROM 80,997

Quartermile Gladedale Group

Quartermile is a landmark development in the heqrt of Edinburgh that combines some impressive contemporary architecture with the refurbishment of a number of beautiful historic buildings. This award-winning scheme epitomises modern city living in the Scottish capital.

EDINBURGH

Stirling Bridge Cruden Homes

Just two three-bedroom terraced villas remain for sale at this development in the heart of the University city, both available with shared equity or a 5%-deposit-paid offer.These new homes are convenient for everything the city has to offer and are just a few minutes from the M9.

FROM 190,000

DALKEITH, MIDLOTHIAN

Towngate Queensberry Properties

This walled development of only ten three- and four-bedroom boutique homes is located at the entrance to Dalkeith Country Park, just a stroll from the shops and amenities of the town centre. Dalkeith is ideally located for city, coast and countryside.

FROM 219,950

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SOUTH EAST
Hertfordshire
Leading UK housebuilder Taylor Wimpey currently has an impressive portfolio of new homes for sale in Hertfordshire, with a wide range of house sizes and styles to suit all tastes and budgets - many with special offers such as NewBuy and Part Exchange to ere to read m kh help buyers secure their new home.
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Kings Hill, Kent

Ever popular three storey houses are available at Cathcart Gate in Kings Hill, Kent, from Hillreed Homes including the curved crescent of Cranbrook townhouses, which make an impressive sight on approaching Cathcart Gate and are reminiscent of Georgian terraces in heritage towns and cities such as Bath, the Egertons, which are three-bedroom, ere to read m kh three-storey detached property with nearly 1,300 sq ft of accommodation.
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Dorking, Surrey
With only a handful of properties left to buy in the Nower Gate development in Dorking, awardwinning housebuilder CALA Homes has introduced significant price reductions and incentives on these new homes in Surrey. Some of the houses for sale at the site have been reduced by 30,000. With a 100% Market Value Part Exchange Scheme available and 3% stamp duty paid, a lucky few house-hunters could end k here to read m up bagging a real bargain.
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New homes developments in the SOUTH EAST

BOREHAMWOOD, HERTFORDSHIRE

Oaktrees, Taylor Wimpey

A mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and three- and fourbedroom houses will appeal to many different house-hunters. The location combines convenience for the station, major roads and local amenities with easy access to the Hertfordshire countryside.

WOKINGHAM, BERKSHIRE

FROM 199,950 KINGS HILL, KENT

FROM 299,950

Cathcart Gate Hillreed Homes

Hillreed Homes 11th development at the new village of Kings Hill offers some of its popular house types as well as a number of new ones, each providing a great standard specification with distinctive architecture and features greatly influenced by the Kent vernacular.

Milford Grange Bewley Homes

Just one plot remains for sale at this development in Winnersh, a three-bedroom semi-detached house with two parking spaces. Milford Grange is in an excellent school catchment area and is well situated for shops and leisure facilities and transport connections.

FROM 292,950

MAYFIELD, EAST SUSSEX

Mayfield Grange Weston Homes

Set in beautiful Sussex countryside, Mayfield Grange has a mix of new-build properties and some in a superbly converted listed former school building. The developer has provided each home with an exceptional specification to match the special location.

FROM 325,000

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WALES
Barratt Homes
Housebuilder Barratt Homes has recorded a noteworthy rise in new homes sales in South Wales in the past six months, suggesting that demand for new homes in Wales remain strong despite the recession.
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Redrow
For house-hunters in South Wales, award-winning developer Redrow Homes currently has an extensive portfolio of new developments near Cardiff, Swansea, Carmathen and the Brecon Beacons, many of which are ideally situated for commuters and families with children. They offer properties in the southwest, close to Carmarthen, in the Swansea Valley, close to Merthyr Tydfil and a range of developments around Cardiff.
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New homes developments in

WALES
LLANDUDNO JUNCTION, CONWY

Victoria Park Macbryde Homes

This collection of apartments, townhouses, semi-detached and detached houses is ideally located for the North Wales coast and for the Snowdonia National Park. There are three primary schools within half a mile of home and easy access to major trunk roads, the A55 and A470.

CARMARTHEN, CARMARTHENSHIRE

FROM 109,950

FROM 189,995

Brunel Court Taylor Wimpey

These high-specification homes are set in the village of Radyr, just four miles north of the Welsh capital. The final phase is now released, providing a last opportunity for house-hunters to secure a property on this well-situated development.

CARDIFF, SOUTH GLAMORGAN

Maes Ddraenen Wen Redrow Homes

Within easy reach of the Pembrokeshire coast, Brecon Beacons National Park and the M4, this development is ideally situated to make the most of everything that the local area has to offer and to have simple access to the major cities of South Wales and beyond.

FROM 240,995 NEWPORT, GWENT

Parc Eglwys Lovell Homes

Just over a mile from the M4, this development is located in the sought-after address of Bassaleg, on the edge of countryside just northwest of Newport. Local schools have a good reputation and the motorway makes this a great semirural retreat for commuters.

FROM 179,950

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whathouse.co.uk
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