What House Magazine - Spring Edition

What House?
February 2013 WHATS YOUR DREAM HOME?

GET YOUR MUM SOMETHING QUIRKY FOR THE HOUSE THIS MOTHERS DAY
ADD A TOUCH OF SPRING TO YOUR HOME WITH OUR HOW TO GUIDE

WHATS IN A NAME? INTERVIEW WITH INGRID SKINNER
MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TAYLOR WIMPEY CENTRAL LONDON
HOMES OF THE FUTURE EXPLORED

DOWNSIZING SUPPLEMENT
THE BEST NEW HOMES IN BRITAIN: listings, news, reviews, interiors, mortgages, investment
Features
04 Poll Whats your dream home? 06 Show home of the month Jubilee Hall,
Quatermile by Gladedale
CONTENTS
New homes news & listings
28 East Anglia 34 London 36 Luxury 50 South East 52 Wales 66 Scotland 68 North East 76 Midlands 82 South West
11 Show home of the month poll 12 Mothers Day interior gifts 13 Philanthropy What House? editor to help
Persimmon East Midlands chose charity
16 Dream home of the month Rushton
House, Rotheremere Place, Hinksey Hill, Oxforshire by Millgate Homes
18 Homes of the future 20 On the Road with Wolves Nottingham

and Barnsley
23 Sustainability housing news 24 Green home of the month the Panama, 26 How to...add a touch of spring to 38 Downsizing supplement 54 Investment Climate favourable for property
investment
Hanham Hall, Bristol by Barratt Homes and Sovereign
your home
Focus on...
30 Norfolk 32 Essex 60 Derbyshire 62 Developer of
56 What House? Awards 2012 focus

Sustainable Developer of the Year
58 One to One Ingrid Skinner, managing director of

Taylor Wimpey Central London
68 70 72 76 80
Housing Associations Devon Affordable home map and listings Retirement news Mortgages Interiors flooring
the month Edwards Homes
www.whathouse.co.uk
READER POLL
Click on your favourite
Whats your dream home?
A city penthouse
A country cottage
A seaside villa
A waterfront apartment A converted mansion
A zero carbon eco home
Vote by clicking on your dream home and well publish the results next month.
Januarys result
In a landslide victory, York won last months poll Where would you most like to have a second home in the UK with 66% of the votes. Devon came second with 9% and Scottish highlands came in third place with 7%. Bath and Cornwall tied at 5%, while Brighton bagged 4% of the vote.
What House? February 2013
Welcome
Dear house-hunter,
Spring is at last within touching distance and the team at What House? cant wait for the lighter nights and after-work trips to the nearby beer gardens. To get you ready for the warmer weather, weve compiled some tips in our How To guide to bring Spring into your home on page 26. Weve also selected home gifts which will make your mum smile this Mothers Day on page 12. It has been a really busy month with What House? editor Keith and I travelling all over the country for site visits, shooting video footage at new developments and carry out interviews this month. I spent three days in the North West and also travelled through to Cambridge for the Weston Homes Veritas launch. Keith has visited two developments in London, has been out with Barratt Homes in Surrey and Sussex and with City and Country group on Hereford and Stanmore. The biggest piece of news weve had at the WH towers this month is the announcement of the key sponsor for the What House? Awards 2013. Zoopla have shown enormous support for our awards in the past and this year we are delighted to have such a key industry figure as the main sponsor. Applications for this years awards open in April and planning to make the event better than ever is well underway. Some of the What House? team have also signed up for the Hope Challenge 2013 in July to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. Read more about the Hope Challenge on page 13. With mixed news about the housebuilding industry this month, highest uptake of NewBuy/FirstBuy versus a fall in homes built last year, we should get a clear view in March how the industry has been doing in the first quarter. Until then, keep checking whathouse. co.uk for all your new homes news, latest offers and extensive listings from across the UK.
Happy house-hunting
Laurna Robertson
Assistant Editor, www.whathouse.co.uk Email: featuresed@whathouse.co.uk
Laurna and Bob Weston of Weston Homes at the launch of the Veritas development in Cambridge. Follow us on
www.whathouse.co.uk
Show home of the month
Jubilee Hall,
housing 34 properties, where apartments are priced from 190,000 to 950,000. The spacious three-bedroom duplex apartment features large bay windows, which give spectacular views of The Meadows. The ground floor includes a large entrance hall, leading to the open-plan living area and kitchen with dining space. This floor also features the master bathroom and a double bedroom. Upstairs, a gallery level looks out over the living area and leads to two further bedrooms, including a generously sized master bedroom with en suite shower room. Jubilee Hall, named to celebrate Queen Elizabeths Diamond Jubilee, is uniquely positioned just a quarter mile from Edinburgh Castle and a quarter mile from the citys busiest tourist street, the Royal Mile, Quartermile successfully mixes the contemporary with the traditional, with modern glass and steel additions sitting comfortably next to beautifully refurbished listed buildings. The development is perfectly placed for working, relaxing and living and is just minutes away from Edinburgh University. It is this enviable location combined with breathtaking design that is making Quartermile one of the most talked about new developments in the city for decades.
Meet the designer:

Sarah Ramsay, Tangram
Based in Edinburgh, Tangram is a contemporary furniture dealer and consultancy with an extensive product portfolio of the leading design brands in Europe. Experts at Tangram focus on identifying and supplying the best products for any project no matter the scope or scale, from corporate offices and atmospheric restaurants to homes with personality and style. Sarah Ramsay is a qualified textile designer with an eye for great interiors, funky fabrics and sumptuous spaces. Having worked in the industry for many years, she is an expert in interior design and spaces, currently focussed on supporting architects and clients with product advice and selling bespoke furniture and lighting to projects all over the UK.
hile there is currently a lot of exciting development going on in Scotlands capital city, there is one project which has captured worldwide attention. The Quartermile development by Gladedale is the transformation of the former site of the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh into a spectacular collection of apartments, a hotel and commercial space. The architect behind The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) and Wembley Stadium in London and the Reichstag restoration in Berlin, Sir Norman Foster, has taken his first residential project north of the border, his company designing the new-build towers in the development. The conversions of the former hospital buildings are being done by CDA. The latest show apartment to be released at the development is in Jubilee Hall, a conversion building
LOUNGE
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Details such as the buttoning on the sofa and the intricate lace design of the rug and floor light were chosen to add character and add some historic flare.
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KITCHEN/DINER
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In the kitchen space, bright colours reflect those in the living area and give the dining space its own identity.
BEDROOM TWO
A cool and calm palette was used to achieve a soft, quiet and contemplative space.
**
* ** *
MASTER BEDROOM
In the master bedroom we utilised warm, strong colours with lots of different textures to create a luxurious, sanctuary space.
* *
READER POLL
Click on your favourite
Which is your favourite room?
Lounge
Kitchen / Diner
Bedroom two
Master bedroom
Vote by clicking on your favourite show room and well publish the results next month.
A Mothers Day present for every budget

With less than a month to go until Mothering Sunday (which this year falls on 10 March), the shops are full of potential presents to make the main woman in your life smile. To help you out, weve gathered a selection of quirky gifts for the home to suit any budget.
5 and under
Love you mum cushion, 5, Sainsburys
10 and under
Glowing glasses, 6.99, iwantoneofthose.com
15 and under
Live, laugh and love photo frame, 12, Matalan
20 and under
Partridge & Pear 2-tier porcelain cake stand, 19.99, partyark.co.uk
25 and under
Personalised chalk board, 22, notonthehighstreet.com
30 and under
Mathew Williamson peacock floral teapot, 27.50, Debenhams
35 and under
Amelia rug, 35, Urban Outfitters
40 and under
Rob Ryan tree seasons plates, black, set of 4, 39.99, John Lewis
45 and under
Navajo throw with fringing, 43, www.dunnesstores.ie
PHILANTHROPY
Persimmon East Midlands search for a charity has more than 60 nominations
Persimmon Homes East Midlands call to charities across Cambridgeshire, South Lincolnshire and East Northamptonshire to come forward and tell the developer why they need a fundraising boost received entries from 65 organisations by the closing date of 15th of February. The worthy organisations will now be whittled down on 26th of February by judges, including What House? editor Keith Osborne, who said of his role: Im delighted to be asked to be involved and Im looking forward to meeting the Persimmon East Midlands team. The regional housebuilder will appoint the most deserving cause as the companys chosen charity. This charity will receive the proceeds from a variety of fundraising events held throughout the region during 2013. Adrian Evans, managing director for Persimmon Homes East Midlands, said of the scheme. As a business we work hard and are proud to create homes for families and individuals, said Evans. This as our way of giving something back to one of these communities. Its an excellent opportunity for one charity looking to raise their regional profile and receive additional funding.
Whathouse.co.uk to co-sponsor the Hope Challenge 2013

Since its inception in 1976, the charity has helped over 3million people by building, renovating and repairing homes. The event will raise enough funds to house dozens more families in need of basic habitable and safe homes, something that most of us can take for granted. The Hope Challenge takes place in the Peak District in early July. Over the course of a weekend, each team of up to six people must construct a shelter for themselves out of materials theyve brought along (purposemade tents are forbidden!), to protect themselves from the elements for two nights. A number of other challenges will be set over the course of 48 hours with prizes for the most successful teams. The whathouse.co.uk/Show House team will be jointly led by editor of whathouse.co.uk Keith Osborne and news editor of Show House magazine, George Sell. Initially preparations have included recruiting a team from the sales and editorial teams of each publication, and worrying about the prospect of being unable to create a habitable home and dying of exposure on a Derbyshire hillside.
Whathouse.co.uk is teaming up with its sister publication Show House as media sponsors of the Hope Challenge 2013, a charity event taking place in July to raise money for Habitat for Humanity, which builds or renovates property for the poorest people in the UK and many countries overseas.
www.whathouse.co.uk
L&Q launches Ravensbourne Place in Chislehurst

Who said London homes are out of your price range? One of Londons largest housebuilders, L&Q offers properties across the city through shared ownership that may be closer to your budget than you think. The developer is now launching 37 shared ownership homes at its new Ravensbourne Place development in Chislehurst, south-east London. The 37 one-bed and two-bed apartments are on the former site of the Ravensbourne College Campus, just off Walden Road, and conveniently close to the town centre with its shops, pubs and restaurants. Prices for a two-bedroom apartment start at 79,500 for a 30% share of a property worth 265,000. Renowned green spaces and other attractions are also nearby, including Chislehurst Common, the famous Chislehurst Caves and Scadbury Park, a local nature reserve. The areas great popularity among families and commuters stems from the frequent fast mainline and overground services that run from nearby Elmstead Woods Station into central London: Charing Cross, London Bridge, Waterloo East and London Cannon Street. Cathy Lloyd, Sales Director at L&Q, says: Ravensbourne Place is an exciting development in Chislehurst, a part of London that has many interesting attractions, as well as being excellent for commuting into central London.
Three other L&Q London developments
Artemis, Stratford Coming soon - the final phase of Artemis - High Street Stratford. A range of one- and two-bedroom apartments will be for sale through L&Qs Shared Ownership Scheme. You can register your interest today.
Bermondsey South, Lewisham A striking development of one- and two-bedroom apartments with communal gardens, is located just a mile from Surrey Quays with its railway station (on the East London line), Shopping Centre and Leisure Park.
Church Road, Leyton A new development of 18 one- and two-bedroom homes in Leyton E10 coming early 2013.There are a range of layouts available including ground floor apartments with private gardens, to upper level duplex apartments with views toward the Olympic Park in Stratford.
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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
Dream home of the month
Rushton House
Rothermere Place, Hinksey Hill, Oxfordshire by Millgate Homes Price: 1.75 million
With the stunning Oxfordshire countryside and the city of rising spires as a backdrop, Millgate Homes has picked an inspiring spot for its development Rothermere Place. The four five-bedroom properties in a secluded, leafy setting offer stateof-the-art interiors contrasted with traditionally grand country house exteriors. The show home on this development is Rushton House. Accessed via a private lane, this detached property is spread over three-storeys and is build in the Arts and Crafts style. Set within a halfacre southerly plot, the property is designed with a family in mind. On the ground floor, there is an open-plan kitchen, living room, dining room and orangery, with a separate utility room off the kitchen. There is also a drawing room and a study. On the first floor, there are four bedrooms including the master bedroom with its en suite and dressing room and an en suite to bedroom two. The second floor has bedroom five and a media room. The kitchen and utility room come with Siemens appliances, a Caple wine cooler and Maytag fridge/freezer. The bathrooms come with marble-effect porcelain wall tiling, Villeroy and Boch sanitaryware and a rain-effect shower. The property also comes with a prominent feature staircase,
a three-car garage and a full security system including CCTV. Rushton House, Latimer House, Kingsley House, and Hertford House are all available, with prices starting at 1.75m. Hinksey Hill is around three miles from picturesque Oxford and around 55 miles from London. The area has a strong selection of schools nearby and Oxford offers extensive leisure, shopping and eating out options.
Click here to view development
Image gallery
Homes of the future

N
o matter how the world develops, the basic human need for shelter will never change. The question of what our homes will look like and contain is open to interpretation and the endless possibilities have long fascinated those in the creative and new tech industries. If you consider the rapid progress visible in our homes over the last century, it is as difficult for us to predict whats in store as it would be for the Edwardians to predict the domination of the internet in our homes.
The majority of inventions for homes has been focused on efficiency since the widespread uptake of electrical domestic appliances in the 1950s. We live busy lives, and, looking forward, domestic appliances are set to be linked to tablet computers so that you can control them all from one station remotely. In the future, wifi will have almost as much presence in our homes as electricity. Siemens has branded its version of these linked appliances House of the Future. As world leaders become more focused on reducing the amount
of resources humans consume, the standards for energy efficiency are set to increase dramatically. This means we may all be living in zero carbon homes in the not too distant future if the UK government is able to implement it, it will be a certainty for anyone buying a new home post 2016. Appliances will also continue to become more energy efficient. Water as a resource is already becoming more precious and water monitors may become standard throughout homes. When it comes to home entertainment, rapid development
has taken place over the past years. Television has transformed with the ability to rewind live TV, record hundreds of programmes and catch up on what youve missed whenever you want. With internet now linked to the TV, it should follow that the need for both a computer and a TV will be diminished; however, these devices will likely be controlled by a phone or a tablet. Alternatively users will be able to interact with the TVs through movement, similar to the Xbox Kinect, and voice control. Video calling is likely to be done from the TV in the future with
Samsungs UE75ES9000 Full HD 75 LED 3D TV already including a high-definition camera. Music and sound for your TV/Blu-Ray player can now be filtered through home sound systems to each room separately and controlled by one remote or a built-in tablet. In the future, the individual may be able to programme their own soundtrack so each individual will be listening to their own music of choice in a shared space. So how will our homes look in the future? 3D-printed homes may become possible within 10
years according to Softkill Design, a London-based team of architects, which has just completed a fully 3D-printed model house. Alternatively, we may all end up living like Teletubbies just like former footballer Gary Neville, or in Urban Treehouses, like the one pictured by Jason David Designs, which will be useful as cities grow more overcrowded. One things for sure, the design of our homes in the future is as open to interpretation as the worlds history is.
On the Road with Wolves FC

As an official sponsor of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, over the next few months we will be travelling with new manager Dean Saunders and his players to check out the properties on offer in the cities of their opponents. This month we will be travelling to the home of The Tricky Trees, Nottingham, and Barnsley, home of the Tykes. Nottingham Forest FC,
Nottingham 9/03/2013
When it comes to average house prices in this East Midlands city, the BBC says currently they are around 116,000 with detached homes coming in at just under 200,000 and flats around 98,000 on average. The prices are down annually by around -4.9% and there are some real bargains to be had. There are a good range of new build properties offering excellent value for money in the city and around Nottinghamshire from a wide selection of developers.
Best new home for a fan that wants to be close to the stadium: Four-bedroom detached house The Thetford at Charles Church Homes Manderley development is less than five miles from the stadium and is available from 329,995.
Best new home for a young player trying to break into the first team: Two-bedroom Ashton-sp apartment in the Barratt Homes Merlin Park development. This property comes with its own garage and is available from 119,995.
Best new home for a star player who wants to flash the cash: One of only a few properties left at the Oak Tree Court development just outside of Nottingham, Wood View is a fivebedroom luxury home from Chesby Estates and available for 624,995.
Barnsley FC,
Barnsley 19/02/2013
With a +5.4% annual increase in Barnsley house prices, the market seems to be recovering in the South Yorkshire town. However, properties in the town are still very affordable according to the BBC; the average house price is up to around 123,000, with detached houses averaging 201,843 and flats coming in at 81,710. In terms of new housing, developers Ben Bailey Homes, Barratt Homes, Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey all have developments on offer in the town currently offering a range of different incentives.
Best new home for a fan that wants to be close to the stadium: Less than three miles from the stadium, Plot The Rainton Plot 22 is a threebedroom house available from 124,950 at Ben Baileys Greencroft development.
Best new home for a young player trying to break into the first team: Three-bedroom semi-detached house at Persimmons Wentworth Grange development, The Hanbury is available from 119,995.
Best new home for a star player who wants to flash the cash: The Sovereign is a four-bedroom detached family home from Bellway Homes at its Grosvenor Park scheme, starting at 264,995.
Redrow Compton Park

W
hat House? sales director Mark Collins and editor Keith Osborne were delighted to attend the launch of Redrows Compton Park recently in Wolverhampton.
Wolverhampton has seen for decades, said Redrow chairman Steve Morgan. Its generated a 50million economic boom with jobs building houses and the school along with new jobs at the football academy and the university facility. The collection of four- and five-bedroom luxury detached homes in one of the citys most sought-after suburbs was unveiled to an invited audience just a couple of days before its public launch. Its one of the most prestigious developments
Take a look at our video tour and interview with Redrows Matthew Pratt below.
SUSTAINABILITY
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Save money and be more green by purchasing a new build home, says developer
With energy costs rising, more homebuyers should consider buying an energy-efficient new build home, according to Helen McGill, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (South Midlands). Built to a minimum Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, new homes provide a significant reduction in CO2 emissions relating to energy in the home, greater restrictions on water usage, an understanding of air- tightness and a reduction in operational energy use, among other benefits, providing homeowners with enormous energy savings. Up to 100,000 much-needed new homes could be created across the country under plans to permit housebuilders to turn office blocks into flats. Under the proposed planning change, developers would be allowed to convert office blocks into residential use without asking councils for consent, in what would amount k here to read m to a radical change to the English planning system.
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Disused offices to be converted into new homes
www.whathouse.co.uk
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Zero carbon uncertainty holding back new homes

Senior figures in the Labour Party have written to communities secretary Eric Pickles with their concerns about the uncertainty around the target for new homes to be zero carbon from 2016 and the harm it is doing to development. Shadow chancellor Ed Balls, shadow energy secretary Caroline Flint, and shadow housing minister Jack Dromey have accused the government in an open letter of delaying the publication of standards builders must meet this year. They are also unhappy about the uncertainty that is being created around the price of allowable solutions from 2016.
Green home of the month

The Panama, Hanham Hall, Bristol by Barratt Homes and Sovereign 284,995
Set within 12 acres of stunning South Gloucestershire open space, Hanham Hall is an eco paradise and an obvious choice for those looking to be surrounded by nature. When building started, developers Barratt Homes and Sovereign worked carefully to ensure that the local environment was enhanced wherever possible to increase the plant and wildlife species. There is an orchard, residents are encouraged to grow their own vegetables in the allotment spaces and greenhouses, and there are dedicated play zones for children, making this an ideal home for families.
he Panama show home offering a contemporary kitchen/dining area, an impressive first-floor lounge with access to the balcony, a master bedroom with en suite facilities, and a three other bedrooms. As with all of our Green Home of the Month choices, this property has exceptional sustainability credentials. Every single light will be fitted with low energy lighting, there are sheds in the gardens for cycle storage, and the home is set up to be a home office with an area equipped with data points, electrical plugs and high-speed cable. When it comes to waste recycling, each home has recycling bins in the kitchen and communal bins onsite. There is also available composting. The use of freshwater will be managed by eco fittings and the reuse of rainwater, with the water for at least one toilet and the washing machine supplied through rainwater harvesting. For the homes that have a garden, a water butt will capture additional rainfall from the shed roof. Finally, gas boilers are high efficiency and the walls and floor have a higher level of sound insulation than current building standards. To the east of cosmopolitan Bristol, the area offers a peaceful setting and also easy access to the city centre. The development is close to both the extensive road network, Bristol Airport and Bristol Parkway, which is on the main Bristol to London rail line. On the local high street there are a range of shops as well as a community centre and a choice of places to eat, which includes one of the oldest pubs in England and there is plenty of local schooling.
Image gallery
How to... add a touch of spring to your home

1
Create the illusion of more space
Floral and fauna
Having your whole window exposed will add the illusion of space along with an abundance of natural light. You can see this in the bedroom scene pictured here by Betty Jackson at Debenhams. A well-placed statement mirror can also add the illusion of space, like this Barker and Stonehouse one pictured, 115.
Floral and leaf prints are everywhere at the moment and theres a wide variety that should suit every taste. Match the blossoming of the world outside by using these nature-inspired accessories throughout your house. Theyll give your house an air of tranquillity and brighten up your room in the same way a bouquet of flowers can. Add this forest canvas from Littlewoods to any room in your house to invite nature in for 35. This blackbird bookcase from House of Fraser will also make a lovely feature for 629.
Bright and colourful
Spring cleaning
The key colours this spring are mint greens, pale yellows and turquoise. Mixed together, the tones complement each other, especially if white is also thrown into the mix to stop them being too overpowering. Alternatively, pick one of these shades and match it with natural colours. These cushions are available from Matalan.
Clear out the clutter and invest in some funky storage to get the full effect from your spring makeover. You can pick up personalised storage from www.notonthehighstreet. com. Personalised storage crate, by Plantabox for 38. This room from Marks & Spencer shows how good a room can look with next to no clutter.
Whats in a name?
W
hen it comes to naming new homes, there are a huge range of choices available to housebuilders from something natured related that will make the buyer feel tranquil to something tied into the heritage of the area. Berkeley has gone for a different approach at the Cambridge Riverside development. Theyve named each of the apartment blocks after graduates of Cambridge University.
Newton Court Sir Isaac Newton, English physicist, mathematician, astronomer, natural philosopher, alchemist and theologian who has been considered by many to be the greatest and most influential scientist who ever lived. Keynes House John Maynard Keynes, was a British economist whose ideas have profoundly affected the theory and practice of modern macroeconomics, and informed the economic policies of governments. Brooke House
Rupert Brooke, WWI poet and Kings College Cambridge student Rupert Brooke who was known for his sonnets including The Dead and The Soldier. He was also known for his boyish good looks, which were said to have prompted the Irish poet W. B. Yeats to describe him as the handsomest young man in England.
Darwin House Charles Darwin, was an English naturalist. He established that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors, and proposed the scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process that he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding. Marlowe House Christopher Marlowe, an English dramatist, poet and translator of the Elizabethan era. Marlowe was the foremost Elizabethan tragedian of his day. He greatly influenced William Shakespeare, who was born in the same year as Marlowe and who rose to become the pre-eminent Elizabethan playwright after Marlowes mysterious early death. Marlowes plays are known for the use of blank verse, and their overreaching protagonists.
Kingsley Walk
Sir Kingsley Amis, an English novelist, poet, critic, and teacher. He wrote more than 20 novels, six volumes of poetry, a memoir, various short stories, radio and television scripts, along with works of social and literary criticism. According to his biographer, Zachary Leader, Amis was the finest English comic novelist of the second half of the twentieth century. He was the father of English novelist Martin Amis. Set in the beautiful surroundings of Midsummer Common and on the River Cam, Cambridge Riverside comprises a collection of studio, one-, two- and threebedroom apartments and penthouses and 10 five- bedroom townhouses within walking distance to the city centre. Townhouses will have their own private gardens, while apartments benefit from a balcony or terrace. Onsite facilities include secure underground parking, a private residents gym and 24 hour concierge service. Prices start at 204,950 for currently available properties.
EAST ANGLIA
Plans for new homes in Norwich city centre unveiled

Up to 90 new homes could be built in Norwich city centre after housebuilder Charles Church unveiled plans to develop the former Aviva car park at Brazen Gate, near the Sainsburys supermarket in Queens Road. According to initial plans, the scheme, if approved by planners, will feature a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments along with three- and fourbedroom townhouses.
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Spectacular firework display opens Weston Homes development in Cambridge

Weston Homes chief executive Bob Weston attended The Veritas development launch in Cambridge to welcome guests to his companys latest offering in the popular university town. His team put on fireworks and live music to entertain guests.
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Plans for 1,196 new homes near Norwich approved

Planning consent for 1,196 new homes to be built at the village of Hethersett, near Norwich, has been obtained by Ptarmigan Land in line with South Norfolk Councils Local www.whathouse.co.uk Development Framework plans. Ptarmigan acted on behalf of a consortium of local landowners, who were represented by Bidwells and Brown & Co.
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New homes developments in
EAST ANGLIA
GREAT DUNMOW, ESSEX
Springfield Grange Croudace

Three- and four-bedroom homes in a popular, historic market town, situated in a district that frequently scores highly in national quality-of-life surveys.
SOHAM, CAMBRIDGESHIRE
FROM 229,950
FROM 209,995 GREAT BLAKENHAM, SUFFOLK
Blakenham Fields Orbit Homes

A mix of two-, three- and fourbedroom home types to appeal to young buyers and families, with some opportunities to purchase on a shared ownership basis.
Millers Tye Hopkins Homes

A last chance to buy at this popular development on the outskirts of the charming market town, with a number of assistance schemes on offer.
FROM 159,995 NORWICH, NORFOLK
Orchard Place David Wilson Homes

A collection of 51 homes on a 20-acre estate, with a range of three-, four- and five-bedroom property types available with a range of assistance schemes.
FROM 234,995
Click here to view more new homes in East Anglia
Focus on Norfolk
Often overlooked for west and south coast counties, Norfolk is largely rural and perfect for house-hunters looking for a more relaxing pace of life without the massive price tag associated with coastal properties. With The Broads, a network of rivers and lakes with National Park status, along with some of the UKs most stunning beaches, living in Norfolk means having beauty on your doorstep. With nearly 40% of the countys population living there, Norwich is the main settlement in the county. The only city in Norfolk, Norwich is on the River Wensum and has a lot more to its economy than Colmans Mustard. With Norwich Research Park, which is currently undergoing a period of investment, two university campuses, and a strong financial market including Aviva, there is a wide selection of jobs available in the area. With the investment being spent in the city, many new homes are currently available in a variety of styles including conversions and futuristic new builds. Norwich railway station has half hourly trains to London Liverpool Street, which take just over 2 hours, along with links to Cambridge, Liverpool, Peterborough, Manchester and the Midlands. There are also links to Norfolks second largest settlement, Great Yarmouth. Many developers are investing in family homes and luxury properties in smaller communities around Norwich, further into the countryside and on the coast. The coastal properties in particular may be an investment option for property developers.
In the eastern corner of England, Norfolk is tucked away against the backdrop of the North Sea.
Norfolk beach
Starter home
121,950 Located in the heart of the thriving city of Norwich, Fellowes Plain, The Ivory Building, is a Charles Church development of two-, threeand four-bedroom properties in impressive and much-loved buildings that once formed part of the listed Norfolk and Norwich hospital. Onebedroom apartments are available from 121,950.
Family home
239,950 Butterfly Gardens in Attleborough is a development of high-specification new properties from Norfolk Homes. With over 20 different home styles to choose from, The Fielding (Plot 41)is a four-bedroom detached house with a garage, and lots of open plan space ideal for family life.
529,995 Mulberry Gardens in

Mulbarton, Norfolk, from Hopkins Homes is a development of 366 new homes with a community feel. Plot 306 - The Mettingham is a luxurious five-bedroom detached house with a double garage.
Luxury home
Click here to view more properties
Focus on
With a huge variety of different communities in this coastal county, Essex has a lot more to offer househunters than WAGS and vajazzles. As a new city, and the only in the county, Chelmsford has a selection of new build properties available and is substantially cheaper for commuting into London than other Essex settlements. Just over 30 miles north-east of Charing Cross and a 30-minute train journey, the community is famous for its suburb Springfield which spawned the American towns with the same name and, in turn, The Simpsons home town. A lot of the satellite towns close to the border with London currently have residential development going on, however there is also a protected area called the Metropolitan Green Belt stopping the land getting overdeveloped. In Basildon, there are currently lots of new homes on offer. The town is only 25 miles east of central London, and was built for spill over from the Big Smoke after World War II and many people commute from here. There is major regeneration going on in the town too, at a cost of 2bn, and includes regenerating the town centre, building a new sporting village, creating a health and education research centre near
Essex
Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital, investment in the Basildon Enterprise Corridor, creating a new wetland reserve and investment into the housing estates of the area. Surprisingly, there are still affordable homes available in this area. The exclusive areas that are associated with The Only Way Is Essex are also a hive of building activity. Leafy Loughton, Epping, Brentwood and Chigwell have a selection of luxury properties with bling price tags to match. These communities have thriving high streets full of the quirky boutiques, eateries and wine bars along with great schools and transport links.
With affordable homes available and quick travel links into London, Essex is a rarity in the Home Counties.
Affordable
122,000 Brookmead by Lovell is a development of one- and two-bedroom apartments in Basildon. The Essex town has hassle-free links to London and Plot 92 is a ground-floor apartment with a parking space, which will be ideal for commuters.
235,000 Neave Place is a stylish
Family home
development from Persimmon made up of two- and three-bedroom apartments and houses in Romford. The Sycamore is a three-bedroom semi-detached house ideal for a young family with its spacious layout. This development offers NewBuy.
Luxury home
475,000 St Cedds Place in Chelmsford is a luxury collection of four- and five-bedroom houses in a leafy enclave of Chelmsford and less than a mile from the citys station. The development from Countryside Properties has only one remaining property the semi-detached two-storey, four-bedroom Lastingham.
LONDON
Greater demand leads to new home division expansion for KFH
New Homes division with a branch dedicated to serving south-east London to cater for high demand. The new branch is in addition to the already established Hammersmith office and operates out of the existing Surrey Quays sales and lettings branch.
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Taylor Wimpey introduces new FTB assistance scheme in West Drayton

Taylor Wimpey is working with Hillingdon Council to offer a brand new Low Cost Home Ownership scheme for first-time buyers at its Waterside Park scheme in West Drayton. The initiative means that qualifying first-timers could secure one of these brand new homes for 20% less than the full price. A one-bedroom Crest apartment at the development, priced at 173,000, is available for 138,400 with the scheme.
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One of Londons largest independent estate agents, Kinleigh Folkard & Hayward, has expanded its Land and
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Plans approved for almost 300 new homes in Thamesmead

of development. Gallions Housing will develop the new 55m urban quarter For Thamesmead, designed by PRP, which will deliver four contemporary new buildings comprising 296 new homes across a variety of dwelling types and tenures.
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Made famous as the setting of Stanley Kubricks film A Clockwork Orange, Thamesmead or Tavy Bridge Estate has been given the go-ahead for the third stage
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New homes developments in LONDON

ALDGATE
One Commercial Street Redrow Homes

Studio, one-, two- and threebedroom apartments in a major mixed-use development that incorporates a 21-storey tower, close to the heart of the City.
SHEPHERDS BUSH
FROM 395,000 HOUNSLOW
FROM 220,500
The Green United House

Just 42 apartments of one, two or three bedrooms set in landscaped grounds, located within easy reach of Heathrow Airport, the A4 and M4.
Lime Grove Mews St James

With architecture inspired by the Regency period, these apartments and villas come with a stylish, contemporary interior specification set in leafy parkland.
FROM 180,000 OLD STREET
Bezier Premier Currell Residential

These high-specification apartments are in a distinctive landmark building with a boutique hotel feel, located within easy reach of Londons financial heart and comprehensive transport links.
FROM 1.9 MILLION
Click here to view more new homes in London
LUXURY
Buy a Millgate home in Berkshire and get it dressed for free
The property envy that arises when visiting a luxury new home is often as much to do with the interior design as the property itself. Then theres the kerb appeal, which pulls a potential buyer in before theyve even stepped through the door. This all-round enticement is exactly what award-winning developer Millgate proudly presents in each of its show homes. Now, it can be yours with its time-limited offer.
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Two new detached homes come to exclusive Wadhurst development
New luxury homes in Lower Penn this February

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For discerning homebuyers with a stringent list of requirements - a high-quality family property, an exclusive address, and convenient rail link to London - the answer to their house-hunting prayers might be a luxury new homes development from Millwood Designer Homes that is coming soon to Wadhurst in East Sussex. Just two detached ere to read m kh homes will be built at Acorn Gardens, one with four bedrooms and another with five.
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Banner Homes has announced a new development of just three luxury homes that it is launching in early February. Comprising three detached,
five-bedroom homes, Fairlawns offers an enviable specification and spacious accommodation in a sought-after village on the outskirts of Wolverhampton.
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new homes developments

COMMERCIAL STREET, LONDON
LUXURY
One Commercial Street Redrow Homes

An iconic mixed-use development set within a prominent 21-storey tower incorporating stylish studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments featuring spectacular views across the London skyline.
BOURNE END, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
FROM 395,000
FROM 2.8 MILLION PORTSMOUTH HAMPSHIRE
Gunwharf Quays Berkeley

Soaring high above the city skyline of Portsmouth, the Solent and surrounding countryside, The Penthouse offers extensive accommodation with far-reaching views and light-filled accommodation with the versatility to cater for your needs whether that be a haven in which to relax and unwind or a stylish space for entertaining.
Four Winds Millgate

A collection of four classic country homes occupying an elevated position providing stunning panoramic views across the Thames Valley and within easy reach of the national motorway network.
FROM 2.5 MILLION
EPSOM, SURREY
Carinthia Place Antler Homes

An exclusive development of just 11 spacious two-, four - and fivebedroom homes featuring elegant elevations, impressive accommodation and a superb specification.
Click here to view more luxury new homes
FROM 650,000
What House?
Downsizing
Introducing downsizing Case studies Five benefits of downsizing
extra
CONTENTS
42 Introducing downsizing
44
Downsizing case studies
47 Trading places with Stewart Milne 48 Five benefits of

downsizing
47 44 42
48
New homes, show homes, his home and your home.

How many of us value anything more highly than a comfortable home for our family? At whathouse.co.uk, youll find the very best new-build homes in Essex from some of the countrys most respected housebuilders and full details of the most desirable new developments in the county. A sound nights sleep demonstrates how much your family appreciates the comfort and security of a brand new property. Imagine how theyll feel when they wake up to a thoughtfully designed and beautifully appointed new-build home. Discover your options at
www.whathouse.co.uk today.
Introducing Downsizing
Piermont House in Beckenham, Kent by Shanly Homes
The what, how, where, when, who and why of downsizing answered.
What and where?
Downsizing simply means trading your larger property for a more compact, easier to manage home, whether this is an apartment, a smaller house or a move into a retirement home or over-55 community. Any development with smaller homes than the downsizer currently lives in works, however there are specific developments for over-55s. We have a great range of apartments and smaller homes available on whathouse.co.uk. for downsizers from developers on certain developments.
Why?
Many people plan to downsize to help fund their retirement or for their childrens inheritance. Research from the Castle Trust found that around 3.25 million households, 13% of working adults, plan to downsize their home to help fund all or part of their retirement. Its research also shows that these downsizers plan to buy a house on average 36%, 57,400, cheaper based on the average home worth being around 160,000; 11% of downsizers aim to buy a house at least 50% cheaper to help fund their retirement; and a further 4% plan to sell their home and not buy another property.
When?
Downsizing isnt time specific and can be done at any time of life for many reasons. It is sometimes done to help children with their finances at a later stage in life or when mortgage repayments become too large on a bigger house.
Who?
Empty Nesters is the term often used for people whose children have left home and they no longer have the need of the space that their family house offered. This could be working adults or those recently retired who want to enjoy their twilight years. According to Rightmove, downsizing is the main reason for UK buyers to move house in 9 out of 10 regions in England and Wales, with 40% of buyers looking to buy a smaller home.
How?
A range of developers have different offers for downsizers; for instance, Bloor Homes has three different assist schemes, including solicitors fees paid on purchase (up to 1000) and 1% towards stamp duty (up to 3000), 5000 Options vouchers to spend on personalising your new home, and carpets and blinds throughout and turf to the propertys rear garden. Part exchange can also be offered
Downsizing case studies

Empty nester
Karen Yarnold has found the perfect apartment to downsize to at Barratt West Midlands Willis Place development in Worcester after her three sons had flown the nest. Karen had been living in a threebedroom house with her sons in Droitwich for over 28 years. Now her children had moved on, she was keen to downsize her living space and move back to Worcester where she was born. She says: I was looking for a smaller property, which I could maintain easily and that was within my price range. Willis Place ticked all those boxes and its even round the corner from my parents house so I made an appointment with the sales team straight away. Karen sold her previous threebedroom house and moved into a one-bedroom Delta style apartment at Willis Place, which is the perfect size for her. My new apartment is lovely and it was ready to move into straight away. The layout is great, its all open-plan, so its really easy to maintain. My favourite feature is the Juliet balcony, which looks out on the green.
New outlook after health scare

Carole and Michael Hammond found a new outlook on life after a health scare and decided to downsize to a smaller more manageable property. The pair bought a two-bedroom apartment at David Wilson Homes Brecon View development in Gornal, Dudley. Carole says: We lived across the road from Brecon View and saw signs go up about the new development coming soon. We kept a close eye on the progress of the development on the internet and the first day it was open we decided to visit the sales centre. We liked the development when we visited but werent sure if we wanted to move for a third time. After a health scare we decided not to waste anymore time and just go for it. The couple moved from their previous three-bedroom property to a two-bedroom Wincham style apartment and used David Wilsons popular Movemaker scheme. She says: We had moved a number of times before and this is in fact our third new build home. The sales advisers at Brecon View were brilliant and were really helpful, especially as we chose the Movemaker scheme to help sell our previous property.
www.whathouse.co.uk
Personal connection to smaller home

When Louise Cox chose to leave her three-bedroom house in Ware, Hertfordshire, and downsize to a more manageable home, she decided to revisit her school days by purchasing a one-bedroom apartment at City & Countrys Balls Park development in Hertford. Louise attended the nearby school and played in the 63 acres of grounds as a child and purchasing a home at the development has allowed her to reconnect with her past and enjoy living in a piece of personal history. Louise says: I went to Simon Balle School when I was younger and it overlooked Balls Park. I spent many PE lessons running cross-country through the grounds, so when I heard that it had been restored, I knew I had to come and see it for myself. I remember thinking as a girl how grand the building was; never in my dreams did I think Id live here. When I discovered the converted apartments at Balls Park I just fell in love with them. I was so happy to have found a property that suited both my needs to downsize and still have tonnes of character. It felt like Id come home.
Riverside walk leads to smaller home

Vivo is proving to be the perfect place to call home for one retired couple, who have recently swapped their old four-bedroom home in north Tyneside for a brand new sustainable one in Stockton-on-Tees. Robert and Ann Powell, who are both in their 70s, are keen members of the Caravan Club and discovered Vivo during one of their riverside walks in their favourite Stockton. They have downsized to a three-bedroom Calder style home on the Northshore Road development, after buying the property off- plan from Lovell, in partnership with sister company Muse Developments. Robert says: This is the fourth newly built home weve bought and its the best we have ever had, the quality of the house and the craftsmanship is amazing and all of the fittings are very impressive. We chose a three-bedroom home because we knew it would fit our needs and accommodate our existing possessions. The couple, who have four children and seven grandchildren, were keen to downsize after realising their existing three-storey home was far too large for their needs and they are much happier in their compact new home.
www.whathouse.co.uk
cont
Retirement village life
Since moving into St Georges Park Retirement Village in Ditchling, East Sussex, last August, life has improved considerably for one couple thanks to the safe environment, stunning countryside setting and extensive social and leisure facilities available. After just four weeks of moving in, we saw a noticeable improvement to our lives explains Peggy Guggenheim. We previously lived in a four-storey, five-bedroom Victorian house that had become increasingly impractical due to my husbands health. Also, the cost to heat, clean and maintain the property was increasing each year. As a retired trust and estate practitioner, I was aware of the excellent reputation of the care home at St Georges Park as I had often tried to secure a place for my clients and considered it to be the best around. I had also watched the St Georges Park Retirement Village develop over the past few years and knew it now offered an outstanding opportunity to live independently, but with care facilities that are available should the need arise in years to come.
Part time home

When David and June Smith decided it was time to downsize from their family home, they had a hard time finding somewhere that they thought would be safe when spending time in their holiday home until they visited Taylor Wimpeys Hartwell Meadows development in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. David explained: We had been rattling around in the old house for a while and had started to think about moving to something smaller. Im semi-retired but still needed to be close to the business and also my brother fell ill so we wanted to be nearer to him. We looked at lots of different new home developments around Aylesbury but struggled to find somewhere that offered the design and quality we were looking for. Then my wife came across the Hartwell Meadows development. The Dovedale coach house apartment was perfect for our needs ideal location, spacious and well designed. Its also relatively secure which was important as we have a holiday home on the coast and hope to spend more time there over the coming years.
www.whathouse.co.uk
Trading Places with exceptional part exchange for downsizers
hen downsizing, selling an existing property is pivotal to the moving plans. A new purchase plan from Stewart Milne Homes makes the process quicker, easier and more affordable than ever by providing customers with a guaranteed buyer and sale price in just five days.
Marlyn Boal, sales director of Stewart Milne Homes Central Scotland, says: Unlike the more familiar part exchange offers on the market, the Trading Places plan is unique in that it isnt limited to those buying a more expensive home. It is available to those moving up, down and across the property ladder meaning more homeowners can put their moving plans into action sooner rather than later. Guaranteeing a timely sale at market price, the fuss-free plan provides customers with two independent valuations arranged on their behalf - and an offer for an existing property within just five working days. The housebuilder will also take care of the entire sale, saving thousands of pounds worth of estate agency fees, listings, brochure and marketing costs. Nicola and Raymond Carroll used the purchase plan earlier this year, moving to their new home at Ardgowan Rise in Inverkip within just two weeks. Nicola says: We werent actually looking to move at the time; I just decided to visit the development out of curiosity. However, I fell in love with the homes straight away. As soon as I found out about the Trading Places offering, my mind was made up. It was absolutely ideal, removing the usual pressures and costs of trying to sell an existing property in order to buy a new one. I checked with my husband, who was working off shore at the time, and put down a deposit. The process was incredibly easy; the sales team took care of everything and even put us in touch with the necessary legal and financial advisors. We barely had to lift a finger and moved in two weeks later. The Trading Places plan is available at all Stewart Milne Homes developments. Buyers can choose from a broad range of two-, three-, four-, five- and six-bedroom homes across the country, including: Greenwood Manor in Newton Mearns, Glasgow; The Grange at Broadshade in Westhill, Aberdeenshire; Ardgowan Rise in Inverkip; Grove Park in Portlethen, near Aberdeen; and Wallace Gardens in Stirling.
www.whathouse.co.uk
Five benefits of downsizing to a new build house

1. Money saved
This is the main reason people downsize and there are many different ways you can save money when moving somewhere smaller including smaller mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utility bills from air conditioning and heating, and home maintenance and repairs. You may even be in the lucky position that you will no longer have to pay a mortgage. With these savings youll have more money to spend on lifes luxuries.
2. Energy saved
As we become increasingly environmentally conscious as a society, living in a new, smaller property will cut your energy consumption and subsequently reduce your carbon footprint.
3. Location
By owning a smaller property, you may be able to live in a part of town that was previously impossible for you to afford. Many downsizers locate to more central locations to have everything on their doorstep or closer to the sea to have the beach as their garden.
4. More time to play with

With little to no maintenance work around a new house required and much less time spent on keeping your property in shape on a weekly basis, having a smaller house may mean having a fuller life in your twilight years.
5. Less stress
The stress associated with owning a house of any size, particularly if it is too big for you to manage, drastically reduces with a smaller home. Less stress will be associated with more downtime so when downsizing its essential to find a home that meets your needs but doesnt lead to an overwhelmed life of constant, stressful maintenance.
www.whathouse.co.uk
Find your new home at whathouse.co.uk
SOUTH EAST
FirstBuy available on selected new homes in Chilton
House hunters can take advantage of FirstBuy at David Wilson Homes Chestnut Fields in Chilton on a selection of two-bedroom homes at the Oxfordshire development. The government-backed scheme offers the chance to buy with a deposit of just 5%.
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Townhouses for sale just minutes from Brighton station

Oxfordshire development aims to please family homebuyers
Just unveiled by Bloor Homes, Arncott Fields in north Oxfordshire has a mix of three- and fourbedroom property types with, at present, a choice of six house types. The development, located just south of Bicester, will eventually comprise 48 homes. Prices currently start at 249,950, rising to 360,000.
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Agent Mishon Mackay and Cedarmill Developments are offering homebuyers in Brighton the chance to own a brand new three-bedroom townhouse in the heart of the town at Clifton Central. Priced from 599,950, there
are just eight homes at this development that offer a tranquil location despite being within easy reach of the shops, station and seafront.
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New homes developments in the SOUTH EAST

RICKMANSWORTH, HERTFORDSHIRE
Orchard Grove Bewley Homes

Located in the east of Milton Keynes, this collection of homes is within easy reach of the town centre, railway station and the M1, making it a great option for commuters to London or the Midlands.
PULBOROUGH, WEST SUSSEX
FROM 2.35 MILLION GOSPORT, HAMPSHIRE
FROM 289,950
Royal Clarence Marina Berkeley Homes

Part of a large regeneration scheme, these two-bedroom waterfront apartments offer contemporary styling in a character restored building with excellent views over Portsmouth Harbour.
Oasis Croudace Homes

A collection of homes with between two and five bedrooms that benefits from proximity to good transport links, local amenities and the South Downs National Park.
FROM 165,000 DARTFORD, KENT
Victoria Park Ward Homes

Apartments and houses set within the grounds of a Grade II-listed building, with superb road and rail connections to London and many other destinations.
FROM 154,995
Click here to view more new homes in the South East
WALES
Welsh first-time buyers boosted Healthy returns for investors by new deal in Newport, Wales
If youre a first-time buyer looking to buy a property in Wales then a local lender has introduced a great scheme exclusively for Welsh buyers. Principality Building Society has launched a 95% loan-tovalue mortgage for first-time buyers if you live in Wales or selected postcodes on the Welsh border. The scheme offers a great opportunity to get onto the housing ladder if youre buying in Wales and only have a 5% deposit.
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With its strategic position, river views, quality specification and good potential rental returns, Taylor Wimpeys City Vizion scheme in Newport, south Wales has become a popular option for
property investors. Annual rental yields of up to 7% have attracted the interest of buy-to-let investors looking to add to their portfolio with a high-quality new-build home.
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New homes proposed for site in Swansea

Plans for the construction of up to 30 new homes on the former Bible College Wales site in Sketty have been put forward by property consultants Jones Lang LaSalle on behalf of landowner Global Horizons Trust. The development on the western side of Derwen Fawr Road, will offer a range of much-needed family homes in Sketty and breathe new life into the site.
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WALES
BLACKWOOD, CAERPHILLY
Glynderwen Meadows Redrow Homes

Located midway between Newport and the Brecon Beacons, this development offers access to beautiful countryside, the major towns and cities of south Wales and the M4.
RUTHIN, DENBIGHSHIRE
FROM 209,995
FROM 139,995 BRIDGEND, MID-GLAMORGAN
Parc Tyn Y Coed Barratt Homes

A mix of three- and four-bedroom property types in a semi-rural location just a couple of minutes from the M4, with good schools for all ages nearby.
Glasdir Taylor Wimpey

Great schools, shops and leisure amenities in the area draw family buyers to this development of three- and fourbedroom homes, with numerous assistance schemes available.
FROM 143,500 BRECON, POWYS
Maes Halley Lovell

These homes are set in the heart of a National Park, with some fabulous views and a tranquil pace of life, with a range of incentives to assist homebuyers.
FROM 151,950
Click here to view more new homes in Wales
INVESTMENT
Climate favourable for property investment

Britains economy might be flirting with a triple dip recession, but a growing number of landlords in the UK believe that now is a great time to invest in property, and are looking to add to their property portfolios as a consequence, says Marc Da-Silva. Cheap mortgages, high rental yields, a growing supply-demand imbalance, low bank saving rates there is an endless list of reasons to currently consider investing in property.
Rental yields
Around 10% of all residential properties in the UK that are rented out are now achieving gross rental yields of at least 10%, while the average yield is 6.2%, which is considerably higher than any bank saving rate currently on offer, according to the recently released Countrywide 2012 Lettings Index. Investors looking at buying investment property may be interested to learn that rents across many parts of the UK rose last year on the back of the increase in demand. For the second consecutive year the number of new tenants registering for private rented accommodation increased by 25%, with more than 340,000 new tenants signing up to let a
property in 2012, up from more than 275,000 in 2011. Nick Dunning, group commercial director at Countrywide, said: This time last year, Generation Rent, was a growing phenomenon but it appears that its now here to stay, for the foreseeable future anyway. More people are renting because they cannot get on the housing ladder without the help of the bank of Mum and Dad. As a result, they have to rent for longer while saving for a deposit. He added: The availability of more competitive buy-to-let mortgage products, along with fantastic yields, is creating a good opportunity for investor landlords to expand their portfolios to match the high demand for rental
accommodation, as renting for longer is becoming the new norm.
Capital appreciation
The typical UK home is now worth 162,245, following an average rise of 0.5% in January, according to recent figures from Nationwide. Although activity in the housing market remains low by historic standards, there have been tentative signs of a pick-up in activity in recent months, thanks in part to greater mortgage availability. The Funding for Lending Scheme has achieved some success in bringing down mortgage rates, with some signs of a pick-up in lending activity, said Robert Gardner, Nationwides chief economist.
www.whathouse.co.uk
Mortgages
Mortgage borrowing rates have plummeted in recent week, with some two-year fixed-rate deals starting at just 1.99%, on the back of the Bank of Englands Funding for Lending Scheme, which allows finance giants to borrow up to 60bn at a low interest rate on the condition that it is loaned to homebuyers and businesses. For those with a deposit of 10%, for example, there are almost 70 more mortgage products than there were at the start of last year, according to data firm Moneyfacts. The latest figures released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) reveal that the gross mortgage lending in December reached an estimated 11.7bn. This brings the estimated total for the year to 143bn, up from 141bn in 2011. In 2013, the CML forecasts gross lending will reach 156bn.
First-time buyers
There has been a welcome rise in the number of first-time buyers, amid signs that government efforts to boost mortgage lending are trickling down to people with smaller deposits. First-time buyers were central to the strong overall growth seen in January making up one third of the total valuations market for the first time since June, according to John Bagshaw, corporate services director of Connells Survey & Valuation. Bagshaw reports that valuations on behalf of first time buyers grew by 24% from December. In a fifth month of annual growth, there were 40% more new buyers than in January 2012. He said: A succession of month like January could start to feel like a sustained recovery for anyone hoping to buy their first home. A combination of strong buyer demand and improving competition among lenders at the bottom of the market has been central to progress. Its also encouraging that were seeing lenders innovate with new products to try and unlock the first-time buyer market.
NHBC indicate that the overall level of housebuilding declined last year with 104,510 new homes registered during 2012; a 9% decrease on 2011 (114,930). With housebuilding volumes so far below the numbers desperately needed in the UK, this is clearly an issue that needs to remain at the heart of government policy, said NHBC commercial director Richard Tamayo. Government-backed schemes such as NewBuy and Funding for Lending should continue to help increase mortgage availability, boosting demand for new homes in the process. But unless the supply of new homes rises significantly this year, the supply-demand imbalance in this country is likely to rise further, pushing property prices across many parts of the country higher in the process.
Property prices set to pass pre-crisis peak levels

With the recovery in the UK property market gathering pace, residential property prices are on track to surpass their pre-financial crisis peak for the first time and signs of improvement in the mortgage market. Average prices this year are expected to edge up to 219,000, marking a 0.8% rise compared with 2012, according to data from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).
Housing shortage
Bob Pannell, chief economist at CML, commented: We are more positive about the UK housing market and wider economy than a year ago, despite economic headwinds and downside risks. Despite the recent rise in demand for properties to buy, there remains a fundamental shortage of properties for sale, owing largely to the lack of new homes being developed. Recent figures released by the
www.whathouse.co.uk
What House? Awards 2012 Focus: Sustainable Developer of the Year
he efforts of several sustainable Gold residential property development firms were rewarded by the What House? Awards last year, under the Sustainable Developer of the Year category, with gold won by Barratt Barratt Developments Developments Barratt Developments collected beating off stiff no fewer than four What House? competition from awards at last years glittering ceremony at Grosvenor House Linden Homes hotel in London. and Taylor Wimpey, Aside from being named which were awarded Sustainable Developer of the Year, the firm also collected the silver and bronze gold for Best Partnership accolades, respectively. Scheme, along with other AIMC4
members, as well as bronze in the Best Exterior Design and Best Mixed Use categories. Steven Boyes, Barratt Developments chief operating officer, commented: To be recognised for design, build, partnerships and sustainability both as a business and in practice, is a fitting accolade to the hard work and dedication shown by our teams across the country.
We have made significant progress around sustainability in particular, and winning awards in two schemes leaves no doubt that we are industry leaders in this field. What House? Awards judges were impressed with the fact that the developers proportion of homes that meet the Code for Sustainable Homes developments has risen to almost 40%. Judges said: It [Barratt] has introduced an energy reduction initiative led by Green Teams in every division. The scheme has already proved a success, with its West Yorkshire division saving 237,600 hours of energy in 12 months and reducing landfill by 25,000 tonnes. A worthy gold winner.
Linden Homes
The winner of the silver award was Linden Homes, which currently builds over 300 new homes per year, including properties in a zero-carbon development, which is scheduled for completion in 2019. Wind turbines, district energy systems, solar thermal panels, source heat pumps, are among a wide range of energy efficient mod-cons used by the developer to ensure that strict sustainable goals are met. Linden Homes has set itself stringent carbon reduction targets that exceed those required by government legislation, said What House? Awards judges. Adding to Lindens eco-friendly credentials was another silver award in the Best Brownfield section too, for its popular Evolve development in Plymouth. Yet more praise also went to Lindens highly-rated Kingston
Silver
Mills riverside development in Bradford-on-Avon, which attracted bronze awards in the Best Mixed Use and Best Renovation categories. Galliford Try chief executive Greg Fitzgerald said: This is another very encouraging result in a year that saw our housebuilding efforts around the country repeatedly
recognised by the judges. Its thanks to the skill and dedication of our teams in every department of the company that we have achieved this. It sets us up to continue to strive for similar excellent results in 2013: picking up more awards and delighting customers.
Bronze
Taylor Wimpey
Taylor Wimpey was awarded a bronze in this category, illustrating that the company, which claims to
manage environmental issues in a proactive and balanced way, does indeed recognise the importance of sustainable development. Judges noted: Taylor Wimpey sent 18% less construction waste to landfill than it had done in 2010 and 53% less than in 2007. In order to continue the reduction of construction waste sent to landfill, Taylor Wimpey is introducing its ReUSE programme to maximise the sharing of surplus soil and recycled aggregates between sites. Taylor Wimpey has also recently introduced an energy and carbon
strategy programme across its operational estate, with a comprehensive review being undertaken of supply chain energy and sustainability. We are delighted that our achievements have been recognised, said Pete Redfern, group chief executive of Taylor Wimpey. We are committed to excellence in the design and construction of the homes we build, the quality of the locations we choose and the service and assistance we provide to our customers.
ONE TO ONE
Marc Da Silva talks to Ingrid Skinner, managing director of Taylor Wimpey Central London
Where is your firm developing new homes?
We build desirable new homes in central London boroughs that offer a combination of established desirability and potential for growth, particularly owing to a lack of new build alternatives in these areas. We currently have niche developments in West Hampstead, Highbury & Islington, Tufnell Park, Camden and Kensington and will soon begin developing sites in the City, Westminster and another in Kensington.
What types of properties are Taylor Wimpey Central London building?

We build high-specification homes tailored to the needs of our buyers; from apartments and penthouses to mews and townhouses. Each development is relatively small and has its individual style, particularly suited to busy London professionals and families. We believe our homes offer a great opportunity and choice for our customers. Our new build homes are designed to be of high quality and are extremely energy efficient. They are designed by reputable architects who
consider our customers needs, while complementing the local landscapes and streetscapes.
How much does a new home by Taylor Wimpey Central London cost to buy?
From 362,000 for a studio in Tufnell Park to 3.8m for a large townhouse in Kensington; the price of a Taylor Wimpey Central London home varies depending on a number of factors, mainly its location and its size.
well-known national housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey, while at the same time offering a bespoke product from a London-focused team, so we are able to provide developments that suit each location and varied target markets. I also feel it is the combination of factors that TWCL offers that makes us exceptional. Our homes are stylish and modern, yet sympathetic to local architecture; situated in excellently connected locations; of good size; and of high specification with top end appliances and finishes throughout. We also ensure our developments have unique features. For instance, it is so unusual for a residential development in a well-established location like West Hampstead to have a large green space developed alongside it, yet The Mill Apartments
What makes Taylor Wimpey Central London stand out from the crowd?
We are relatively unique in that we enjoy the support and backing of a
has been designed with a landscaped nature reserve that covers almost an acre (two-thirds of the site). Our extremely dedicated team is also well established with a wealth of experience within the sector.
Have you noticed any particular buying trends recently?

Each area of London has its own character and so the market trends are different in each place. In West Hampstead we found a lot of investors made purchases at The Mill Apartments and locals downsizing from their large family homes were also interested in property. On the other hand, more local families are looking either to upsize or upgrade at Mulberry Mews in Islington. Those interested in The Junction at Tufnell Park appear to be busy, single professionals who love the developments excellent transport links.
are specifically located in areas prime for good investment returns and longer term capital growth. One investor completed on a transaction in West Hampstead just before Christmas and a week later, his first set of tenants had moved in, ensuring an immediate rental income. This is indicative of recent research by Savills, which highlights West Hampstead as an investment hotspot, outlining the opportunities to unlock hidden value from the areas excellent transport links and quality of neighbourhood.
Has Taylor Wimpey Central London ever won a WhatHouse? Award?

As a newly launched branch of Taylor Wimpey plc, we have not entered our developments into the What House? Awards as yet. We wanted to wait until we had a product to demonstrate and solid results to share. Now that we are just over a year old, have completed our first development (The Mill Apartments) and have various others well underway, we can start to look at entering our schemes and hopefully being recognised for our successes. Taylor Wimpey plc has been extremely successful at the awards in the past and we therefore look forward to contributing to the groups overall success.
What is Taylor Wimpey Central Londons USP?

We pride ourselves in creating homes and lifestyles in key areas of central London, which are already well established residential areas, but yet have few new build options for people looking to buy in the area. The locations of our sites are always carefully thought out, to offer buyers what they want good transport links, education facilities and plenty of leisure options. The design of our homes is also very important to us. We use renowned architects, experienced contractors and highend designers to ensure our builds meet the quality specifications that our clients demand, and we make sure that all members of the team are heavily involved in the design review process, helping us to maintain a focus on common sense solutions that suit our customers needs.
Is your company currently offering any incentives or discounts to homebuyers?

Not at present.
Which Taylor Wimpey Central London development potentially offers the best property investment prospects?
All of our developments offer buyers great value for money and
Click here to view current Taylor Wimpey developments
Focus on
Derbyshire
With the Peak District National Park, The National Forest and a large proportion of sparsely populated land within its boundaries, Derbyshire is a county that offers beauty, peace and outdoor adventure for residents.
The county is well linked to the north-west, Yorkshire and the rest of the Midlands, and is around two and a half hours from London. As the main settlement in the county, Derby has a large proportion of the new homes in the county. Lying upon the banks of the River Derwent, Derby has a rich history and gained city status more than 35 years ago. With a heritage of car manufacturing, the two main employers are Rolls Royce and Toyota. There are also several other industries that thrive here, including the computer game industry. The city is computer game character Lara Crofts birthplace and there is a road named after her. Derby is served by express trains to London, the north-east and south-west while the M1 passes about 10 miles from the city. Its facilities cater to young professionals, young families, teenagers and those at retirement age. Lying 24 miles north of Derby, the market town of Chesterfield is another Derbyshire community with a good range of new homes. The settlement is best known for its crooked spire and Barratt Homes has named a current development after this. With great sports and education facilities, this is an ideal place to raise a family. Other areas in Derbyshire that currently have a selection of affordable new homes include small town Swadlincote and spa town, and home of the bottled water brand, Buxton. Both are leafy and serene settlements that offer a relaxed pace of life and a strong sense of community. Fantastic deals on property are available in this county and if you are looking to jump up the property ladder rather than climb it, four-bedroom detached homes can be picked up for as little as 150,000 here.
Peak District
137,995 The Spires is a
Affordable
development in the large market town of Chesterfield by Barratt Homes. Named after its towns crooked spire, the development currently has two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. Barton is a three-bedroom terraced house with a parking space, modern kitchen and spacious lounge.
219,995 Set in the heart of

the new National Forest, Priory Fields is a development by Redrow in the village of Church Gresley close to Swadlincote. There are a range of New Heritage Collection properties on offer including the Cambridge. The four-bedroom detached house has an open-plan lounge, kitchen and dining room and a spacious garden.
Family home
Luxury home
455,000 The Thatchams at Priors Green is a collection of elegant two-, four- and fivebedroom homes ideally located in an Essex village of Takeley setting, yet just 5 miles to the M11 and 2.5 miles to Stansted Airport. Plot 131 - The Chamberlain is a four-bedroom, three-storey detached property with a large amount of living space.
DEVELOPER OF THE MONTH
Edwards Homes
With each new home it builds, Edwards Homes is cementing its growing reputation as a stylish developer in north Wales and north-west England.
ommitted to a philosophy of excellence and high levels of customer satisfaction, the company has been recognised for its excellence of housebuilding. Edwards Homes works closely with leading architects and suppliers to guarantee they are incorporating the latest technology, techniques, materials, state-of-the-art
Barford Grange kitchen
fixtures and fittings to ensure a truly outstanding new home. The developer is committed to making each property visually appealing, practical, economic and comfortable to live in. Across the range of developments, Edwards Homes offer a wide range of house styles to suit all family types, from the first-time buyer to large family groups. These homes
reflect the needs of the potential buyers and also blend with the surrounding area. Getting involved in the NewBuy scheme, the developer offers 95% mortgages, in partnership with the government and the Home Builders Federation. This will help buyers who do not have a large enough deposit to qualify for a mortgage with participating lenders.
Featured developments
Barford Grange, Heath Lane, Willaston, Wirral, CH64 1UQ
Newbury
Ascot
An exclusive collection of just three luxury family homes, located in a picturesque village in the heart of the idyllic Cheshire countryside. Barford Grange is made up of five-bedroom detached homes, with prices starting at 635,000 for The Epsom. The picturesque village of Willaston is just 15 minutes from the historic city of
Chester and 20 minutes away from Merseysides capital Liverpool. The enticing surrounding area also hosts an outstanding selection of leisure attractions including golf and sailing clubs. For those with young children, Willaston offers an excellent primary school and a selection of playgroups in the area.
Epsom
Lingfield
The Kempton
The Warwick
High View Grange, Chester Road, Helsby, Cheshire WA6 0PY

High View Grange, near Chester, offers an aspired range of stylish family homes. From the much-sought-after threebedroom The Lingfield through to stylish four-bedroom detached The Warwick. There are only two properties remaining at this soughtafter development. Prices start from 187,500.
SCOTLAND
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CALA unveil two new show homes

What House? Housebuilder of the Year 2012 CALA Homes has started the New Year in style with two more new show homes now open at prestigious Scottish new homes developments. Jeffreys Interiors has designed the mews show home at Trinity Park in Edinburgh, while Blocc Interiors has worked its professional magic at The Glade in Dalkeith.
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Planning minister confirms commitment to reform at Springfield Properties site

The Scottish Minister for Local Government and Planning, Derek Mackay MSP, visited the countrys busiest private sale housing development where he confirmed the governments commitment to reforming the current planning system. The minister toured Springfield Properties Riverside Point in Braehead to learn more about the activities of NHBC, the UKs largest new homes warranty provider.
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East Lothian, a great option for commuters to Scotlands capital

With its scenic coastline, beaches, countryside and numerous historical towns and villages, its easy to see why East Lothian is popular with those who crave a relaxed pace of life but still want to be within easy reach of Edinburgh city centre. The area is home to a diverse population and this is reflected in the wide range of different property types open to those looking to find a new home in East Lothian.
SCOTLAND
INVERKIP, RENFREWSHIRE
Kip Village Manor Kingdom

An award-winning collection of homes in a stunning new waterside village location within easy reach of Glasgow and Scotlands west coast.
ABERDEEN
FROM 180,000
FROM 169,995 EDINBURGH
Choice Cruden Homes

A mix of apartments and villas in Craigmillar, just 10 minutes from the centre of the Scottish capital with a great specification and eye-catching contemporary architecture.
Vision Stewart Milne Homes

A collection of apartments with views of the River Don, located on the outskirts of the city but within easy reach of its centre and airport and major transport links.
FROM 74,400 LENZIE, EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE
Woodilee Village CALA Homes

Four- and five-bedroom luxury family homes from the What House? Housebuilder of the Year, with woodland and the Campsie Fells nearby and Glasgow just six miles away.
FROM 339,995
Click here to view more new homes in Scotland
NORTH EAST
Proposal for 600 new homes in Hartlepool unveiled

JC Musgrave and Helios Properties have submitted plans for a 155m property development in Hartlepool to the Borough Council. The property firms already have planning consent to build 168 houses on the site, called Wynyard Park, but they want to develop a further 600 more new homes as part of the scheme.
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Buying cheaper than renting at Summervale thanks to FirstBuy

Located north of Rotherham and east of Barnsley, the former mining village of Goldthorpe is the location of Summervale, where developer Ben Bailey Homes is now offering the FirstBuy scheme to assist firsttime buyers onto the property ladder. Its possible to buy a first home from under 66 per week.
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Application by Larkfleet Homes to build new homes in Morton

A planning application to develop 34 houses in land off Bourne Road, in Morton, Lincolnshire, has been submitted to South Kesteven District Council by Larkfleet Homes. The residential property development firm insists that it is dedicated to providing quality, energy-efficient new homes for people in the east of England and East Midlands.
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New homes developments in the NORTH EAST

BOURNE, LINCOLNSHIRE
Oak Springs Taylor Wimpey

Two-bedroom apartments and two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses situated close to the centre of popular Bourne, with great shopping, schools and transport links close by.
PONTEFRACT, WEST YORKSHIRE
FROM 119,996
FROM 214,950 SUNDERLAND, TYNE & WEAR
Alexandra Park Persimmon Homes

A great mix of homes with two, three or four bedrooms on the outskirts of Sunderland, with easy access to the city centre and incentives available.
Holme Farm Charles Church Developments

Three-, four- and fivebedroom,detached and semidetached homes to the south of Pontefract, with buying options including NewBuy and part exchange.
FROM 111,996 PICKERING, NORTH YORKSHIRE
The Gateway David Wilson Homes

A mix of family home types in an historic market town on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, with excellent transport links across the region.
FROM 149,995
Click here to view more new homes in the North East
HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS
Lifes a beach in Devon

Laurna Robertson looks at the housing associations offering affordable housing in Devon
www.whathouse.co.uk
Hastoe Housing Association

Hastoe Housing Association has been established for more than 50 years and works mainly in rural settings in partnership with 62 local authorities across the south, east and west of England. It offers a mix of rented and shared ownership on most of its new developments.
Tor Homes
As part of the Devon and Cornwall Housing Group, Tor Homes is based in Totnes and it has a good range of properties for sale that it has developed. The majority of these are through shared ownership and it has a range of developments on offer that are currently being marketed.
Westward
Working across the south-west, Westward offers both old and new properties for sale and its goal is to make it more affordable for people on low incomes to afford to have a home of their own. It offers both shared ownership properties and retirement properties for sale.
Sanctuary Housing
With homes across the UK, Sanctuary Housing manages more than 9,000 properties in the south-west alone. It offers a range of different home ownership strategies for its properties including shared ownership, Do-It-Yourself shared ownership (DIYSO), right-to-buy, right-to-acquire, privately owned schemes, private retirement schemes and leasehold schemes for the elderly.
Devon and Cornwall Housing

Working across the two counties, DCH caters to a wide range of tenants including those looking for shared ownership. It currently has a substantial development plan in which there will be many new affordable homes built in Devon available for shared ownership.
www.whathouse.co.uk
AFFORDABLE HOMES
The latest news on new affordable homes developments in Britain

Darlington Up to the 80 new affordable houses will be built in Cockerton as part of a major regeneration project. Some 56 units will available for rent from Endeavour Housing Association and 24 will be for sale. Darlington Borough Council is working with Dunelm Acorn Homes and Esh Group after the Homes and Community Agency granted it 900,000 for the new homes.
Carnforth A government-appointed
planning inspector has controversially given developers the go-ahead to build 16 affordable homes in Carnforth, despite opposition from some local residents and Lancaster City Council after the Environment Agency identified the area as being at risk of
Berwick Plans for the next phase of the Raynham Road housing development in Belford have been approved by Northumberland County Council. Tynesidebased NB Clark has secured planning permission for 12 new homes - six of which will be affordable homes for rent.
Norwich
Housebuilder Charles Church has unveiled plans to develop a range of affordable homes in the city centre as part of a 90home scheme. The housing development, if approved by planners, will feature a mixture of one- and two-bedroom apartments along with three- and fourbedroom townhouses.
Chesterfield A new affordable housing project in Chesterfield has been unveiled to councillors, project partners, and the people who are going to live there. The 6m development on Honeysuckle Road and Snowberry Close was built by contractor and developer William Davis Ltd in partnership with Derby-based housing provider Derwent Living and North East Derbyshire District Council.flooding.
London Close to 200
affordable homes will be developed in Harrow as part of the 320m redevelopment of the Kodak site, off Headstone Drive. The scheme will feature 985 new homes in total.
www.whathouse.co.uk
New AFFORDABLE HOMES developments

SOUTHWARK, LONDON
Beacon Notting Hill Housing

A minimum 25% share of these one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments in an enviable location close to Southwark and Borough tube stations.
STANHOPE, KENT
FROM 82,500
FROM 15,000 SANDWELLS, WEST MIDLANDS
Regis Heights Bromford Homes

Fourteen of these two- and threebedroom homes have been set aside for shared ownership, in a location that is convenient for many destinations in the region.
Frinstead Gardens Moat

Part of a regeneration project close to thriving Ashford, these apartments are available on a shared ownership basis, with a minimum share of 25%.
FROM 30,000 AYLESBURY, WARWICKSHIRE
The Serpentine Thames Valley Housing Association

Apartments and houses on a distinctive development, available on a shared ownership basis with purchasers able to buy from as little as 40% of the market price.
FROM 49,000
Click here to view more new affordable homes
RETIREMENT
Banner Homes launch over 55s development in Berkshire after success at Cobham Grange
After selling out of properties in Surrey at their Cobham Grange development, Banner Homes has launched another prestigious site, Glebelands, for the over 55s in the heart of Wokingham, Berkshire. Set in the grounds of Glebelands, a family home built in 1897 by a famous architect of the era Ernest Newton R A and now a retirement home for The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF), Banner Homes will be building oneand two-bedroom ere to read m kh apartments and cottages exclusively for the over 55s.
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McCarthy & Stone opens the first assisted living development in Scotland
Giffnock is the place to be on the 22nd and 23rd February for over-70s and their families! This is when McCarthy & Stone will be holding a Grand Opening at Hilltree Court, Scotlands first Assisted Living development. The Grand Opening will be a great opportunity for anyone interested in finding out more about Assisted Living and ere to read m kh seeing how an apartment at Hilltree Court could help them achieve a greater life in later life.
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East Grinstead retirement village has high levels of interest

Demand for properties at the launch of the areas new retirement village Charters Village was unprecedented. A quarter of the properties available in phase one, eight apartments and chalet bungalows, were snapped up ere to read m kh during the three day event so anyone interested in the remaining properties best act quickly.
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New RETIREMENT HOMES developments

GUISELEY, WEST YORKSHIRE
The Laureates Anchor

A scheme of 62 one- and twobedroom apartments for over-60s with a 24-hour on-site team and the option of extra housekeeping and personal care services.
MALVERN, WORCESTERSHIRE
FROM 224,950 DITCHLING COMMON, EAST SUSSEX
FROM 175,950
St Georges Park Augustinian Care

An award-winning luxury development of apartments for over-60s with a wide range of amenities and leisure facilities onsite, close to the South Downs.
Elgar Lodge Churchill Retirement Living

Just 33 one- and two-bedroom apartments with 24-hour support in a great location in the picturesque town in one of Englands most scenic areas.
FROM 345,000 WOKINGHAM, BERKSHIRE
Glebelands Banner Homes

An age-exclusive development for over-55s with a club house and salon, with a stylish luxury specification to each spacious two-bedroom apartment.
Click here to view more new retirement homes
FROM 315,000
MIDLANDS
More homes on sale in Birmingham city centre
new homes in Birmingham to register their interest ahead of the launch of the latest phase of the Park Central in the city centre. The latest phase, Central Plaza, goes on sale in February and will offer a selection of apartments.
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Crest Nicholson is inviting property seekers looking for
Affordable homes near Chesterfield unveiled

A new affordable housing project in north-east Derbyshire has been unveiled to councillors, project partners, and the people who are going to live there. Located on the outskirts of Chesterfield, Honeysuckle Road and Snowberry Close is a 6m development built by contractor and developer William Davis Ltd in partnership with Derby-based housing provider Derwent Living and North East Derbyshire District Council (NEDDC).
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105% part exchange scheme introduced in Nottinghamshire

Morris Homes has launched a new 105% part exchange scheme in Nottinghamshire to help homeowners sell their property and move up the ladder. The scheme is available at the Newstead Grange development in Annesley, and involves Morris purchasing a homeowners property for its full market value, plus an additional 5%.
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New homes developments in the MIDLANDS

NEWBOLD PACEY, WARWICKSHIRE
Flint Hall Farm Banner Homes

Individually designed luxury homes with five/six bedrooms and an exceptional interior specification set on large plots in a delightful rural setting within easy reach of the M40.
MARKET HARBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE
FROM 1.275 MILLION STAFFORD, STAFFORDSHIRE
FROM 219,950
Castle View Redrow Homes

A range of traditionally designed property types from Redrows acclaimed New Heritage Collection, located within easy reach of the town centre and M6.
The Chase Ben Bailey Homes

NewBuy and part exchange are both available on this collection of two-, three-, four- and fivebedroom homes constructed with Ben Baileys latest specification.
FROM 182,995 SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE
Autumn Brook Taylor Wimpey

Two- and three-bedroom cottage style terraces and three- and four-bedroom detached homes on the edge of town, with many incentives available to buyers.
FROM 127,995
Click here to view more new homes in the Midlands
MORTGAGES
Rate war continues with more competitive deals
Homebuyers and remortgagers are set to benefit from an even greater choice of competitive home loan rates thanks to a batch of rate cuts and new products from several lenders. Interest rates have been falling regularly over recent months as the governments Funding For Lending Scheme gives lenders access to cheaper borrowing.
Halifax has cut rates on a host of two-year rates available through intermediaries, including those for new-build and affordable new homes and luxury properties. Among the best new rates are: A 90% loan-to-value (LTV) affordable housing mortgage down 0.50% to 5.99%, with a 999 fee An 80% LTV loan for new-build homes cut by 0.20% to 4.19% (with a fee of 999) or 4.59% fee-free A three-year fixed rate of 2.68% with a 995 fee, up to 75% LTV A market-leading five-year fix at 2.74% with a 995 fee, up to 60% LTV More competitive rates and increased cashback have been announced by BM Solutions on some of its buy-to-let mortgage products with a maximum LTV of 75%: A two-year fixed rate down 0.15% to 4.54% with a fee of 995 and 500 cashback A three-year fixed rate also reduced by 0.15% to 4.64% with a fee of 995 and 790 cashback Finally, Tesco is continuing to make a name for itself as a lender with some excellent new deals for those with a larger deposit to offer, such as: A two-year fixed rate at 2.28%
Lender launches unique interest-only low-start deal

Many lenders have tightened their interest-only criteria while others including the Royal Bank of Scotland, Nationwide and the Cooperative Bank have abolished interest-only lending altogether. And new Financial Services Authority rules set to come into force next year will also further restrict interestonly lending. However, a major lender has bucked this trend by launching a new product that offers a three- year interestonly deal. The Clydesdale Bank has launched a product that it says is unique and could help wealthier firsttime buyers afford a new home loan.
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An 80% LTV loan for amounts in with a fee of 1,300, up to 60% LTV excess of 1m down 0.20% to A five-year fixed rate at 2.89% 4.49% with a 999 fee with a fee of 1,300, up to The Post Office has introduced 70% LTV new mortgages including:
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A two-year fixed rate of 3.75% with a 1,495 fee, up to 90% LTV
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What House? Mortgages
Speak to our expert mortgage advisers today and let us help get you on the the housing ladder, even with an exisiting mortgage a free no obligation chat may get you a better mortgage by finding the right deal for you. www.whathouse.co.uk/mortgages
NORTH WEST
Work starts on new affordable homes in Bowness-on-Windermere
Two Castles Housing Association and South Cumbria Construction have started construction work on a new 1.8m affordable housing scheme in Bownesson-Windermerel, which will be aimed at those with the greatest housing need. Located on a brownfield site on Biskey Howe Road, a total of 12 affordable homes to rent are being built for local people with a connection to the town and its surrounding area.
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Every Jones Homes property in Wigan comes with a conservatory as standard
From the location to the interior design, the exteriors to the landscaped gardens, everything about Jones Homes development, The Oaks in Standish, is high standard. Each of the 16 fivebedroom detached homes are unique and come with double garages. Crafted with the traditional homes of the area in mind, these properties fit perfectly in the affluent suburb while the interiors include all the modern necessities that buyers want from a new home.
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Redrow gets creative with Chester show home interiors

Chester Zoo, pirates and Redrows mascot Issy may seem to have little in common but youll find all three on the developers Crown Park site in Chester. With three show homes on the site, it was important for Redrow that each property had its own character. Each of the childrens single bedrooms has been crafted with care.
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New homes developments in the NORTH WEST

CARLISLE, CUMBRIA
Barley Edge Persimmon Homes

A collection of 49 three-, four- and five-bedroom homes on the outskirts of town, with buying options including NewBuy, FirstBuy, part exchange and affordable housing options.
HELSBY, CHESHIRE
FROM 114,396 THORNTON-CLEVELEYS, LANCASHIRE
FROM 187,000
Hawley Gardens Barratt Homes

Two-, three- and four-bedroom homes located just to the north of Blackpool, close to local amenities including shops and schools and within easy reach of the coast.
High View Grange Edwards Homes

A mix of traditionally designed three- and four-bedroom homes with excellent transport links to many of the most popular destinations in the north-west.
FROM 147,995 ALTRINCHAM, GREATER MANCHESTER
Bowdon Place P J Livesey

Two- and three-bedroom apartments of a very high specification at this exclusive development of converted Victorian buildings set in private landscaped grounds.
Click here to view more new homes in the North West
FROM 464,950
Country look
The country look remains a popular interior design trend and this offering will add warmth to your lounge. This is Country Oak 248, starting from 19.99, from Moduelo.
Pebble effect
If you love the feeling of sand and pebbles between your toes, you can recreate that with the flooring in your bathroom. This pebble flooring is from Karndean Design Flooring and is called Navarra Chalk MS2 Michelangelo. It costs 39.99/m.
Click in place
Resembling real wood, 100% recyclable Senso Clic is an innovative new vinyl plank flooring from Gerflor, which simply clicks together using Gerflors unique, vertical, interlocking technology for quick and almost effortless installation over virtually any existing floor surface including existing tiles, vinyl, wood and concrete. It is available for 35/m.
Flooring
T
his is often the last consideration for people when decorating a room as they feel that it offers limited choices. However, many design houses are doing innovative things with flooring and it can now be a talking point in your room. Here are some different ideas from a range of top brands. Futuristic
This Weave tile (as designed by Raffaello Galiotto for Kreoo) is incredibly futuristic looking and for those with a big budget to spend. To get this statement flooring, the tiles cost 1,200/m plus VAT.
Environmentally friendly
With the focus shifting in all areas to being more environmentally friendly, natural eco flooring is becoming increasingly popular. As recommended by presenter Kevin McLeod, Eco Friendly Tiles has a wide range of products available including the 3.3 Ossa range an Ecolabelled stone-effect range, incorporating upcycled tv monitor content and pre-consumer and recycled ceramic to create the perfect natural interior finish. This range is available from www.ecofriendlytiles.co.uk.
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The best new homes in Britain
On the go but looking to move?

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SOUTH WEST
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63 new homes near Chippenham to be build by Redrow

Redrow Homes will develop 63 new homes on the site of a former factory in Sutton Benger, near Chippenham, after the residential property developer acquired the site with the intention of constructing the new dwellings.The 10.2-acre site to the north of the high street was previously used as a food processing factory, which ceased operating in 2008, and is now seen as ripe for the erection of new residential properties, with construction expected to begin onsite in the spring.
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Buy-to-let in Cornwall international resort with opportunity for 8% guaranteed return

On the international St Mellion resort in Cornwall, a new housing development attached to the resort is offering a buy-to-let opportunity with a guaranteed 8% return within three-years. With an average return rate in the area of 5%, Esprit St Mellion has 66 properties to buy.
87 new affordable homes in Halcon planned

Plans have been drawn up for a scheme featuring 87 new homes in Somerset by Taunton Deane Borough Council and Knightstone Housing Association. Knightstone Housing Association wants to build 30 affordable homes on Creechbarrow Road in Halcon, while Taunton Deane Borough Council plans to develop 57 affordable properties on another part of the development.
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New homes developments in the SOUTH WEST

SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
The Sidings David Wilson Homes

A mix of two- and three-bedroom homes on the edge of Swindon, set on the former site of the Great Western Railway sports ground, with leafy landscaped views.
BRISTOL
FROM 187,000 DAWLISH, DEVON
FROM 215,000
Aspects Cavanna Homes

A development of apartments and houses in the popular coastal resort, with good schools and amenities nearby and convenient links to Exeter by road and rail.
Petherton Dean Persimmon Homes

A collection of three- and four-bedroom houses on the southern outskirts of the city, with a range of assistance and incentive schemes available to buyers.
FROM 210,000 WESTON-SUPER-MARE, SOMERSET
Locking Parklands St Modwen

These three-, four- and five-bedroom homes are close to woodland and parkland and just 10 minutes from the centre of the popular seaside resort.
FROM 219,500
Click here to view more new homes in the South West
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February 2013 WHATS YOUR DREAM HOME?

ADD A TOUCH OF SPRING TO YOUR HOME WITH OUR HOW TO GUIDE

HOMES OF THE FUTURE EXPLORED

16 Dream home of the month Rushton

House, Rotheremere Place, Hinksey Hill, Oxforshire by Millgate Homes

18 Homes of the future 20 On the Road with Wolves Nottingham

Hanham Hall, Bristol by Barratt Homes and Sovereign

56 What House? Awards 2012 focus

58 One to One Ingrid Skinner, managing director of

the month Edwards Homes

Whats your dream home?

A waterfront apartment A converted mansion

A zero carbon eco home

What House? February 2013

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Which is your favourite room?

A Mothers Day present for every budget

Whathouse.co.uk to co-sponsor the Hope Challenge 2013

L&Q launches Ravensbourne Place in Chislehurst

Three other L&Q London developments

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Dream home of the month

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Homes of the future

On the Road with Wolves FC

Redrow Compton Park

Disused offices to be converted into new homes

Zero carbon uncertainty holding back new homes

Green home of the month

How to... add a touch of spring to your home

Floral and fauna

Bright and colourful

Plans for new homes in Norwich city centre unveiled

Spectacular firework display opens Weston Homes development in Cambridge

Plans for 1,196 new homes near Norwich approved

New homes developments in

Springfield Grange Croudace

FROM 209,995 GREAT BLAKENHAM, SUFFOLK

Blakenham Fields Orbit Homes

Millers Tye Hopkins Homes

FROM 159,995 NORWICH, NORFOLK

Orchard Place David Wilson Homes

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529,995 Mulberry Gardens in

235,000 Neave Place is a stylish

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Taylor Wimpey introduces new FTB assistance scheme in West Drayton

Plans approved for almost 300 new homes in Thamesmead

New homes developments in LONDON

One Commercial Street Redrow Homes

FROM 395,000 HOUNSLOW