12 NEW BUILDS & DEVELOPMENTS


MY PROPERTY, MY HOME 1 APRIL 2018


Buckinghamshire bucks the trend for buyers


Not everyone wants to live right in the heart of the city, and an easy commute from a Buckinghamshire base could be exactly what you’re seeking. Words: Ginetta Vedrickas


Last year saw property prices slowing across the UK. Uncertainty over Brexit was blamed for the lull, yet Land Registry statistics reveals hotspot Buckinghamshire bucked the trend with a 5.2% increase. Antony Gibson of Romans estate agency admits that figures aren’t always reliable — a single £5m sale can skew stats — but he’s noticed consistent price growth in some parts of the county: “Gerrards Cross rose by 14% and Burnham by an astounding 30%,” says Gibson, who finds that larger houses in


upmarket Gerrards Cross have been partially responsible for the price growth, alongside the impending arrival of Crossrail which has been the catalyst for booming Burnham: “Burnham’s price has been positively affected by Crossrail coming to the town and increasing the demand for property. We are now expecting average prices to stabilise until the launch of the Crossrail next year.” Crossrail may be driving the market, but


Buckinghamshire’s towns, suburbs and villages have always proved popular hunting


New homes at Glade in The Spinney, Gerrards Cross, where prices start from £1.65m have proved popular, and Page predicts new development Greenings in Long Crendon will be equally sought after. Plans for 41 new homes plus a play area and potential GP’s surgery and community rooms now have the go-ahead says Page: “The homes will occupy a fantastic position on the edge of Long Crendon, and have been sensitively designed to blend seamlessly with their surroundings whilst also forming their own unique character.” spitfirepg.co.uk


IN HARMONY WITH NATURE


grounds for families who flock here for its highly-rated grammar and state schools. Access to great transport links, including Crossrail, are ‘must haves’ for city commuters and despite the recent price hikes, Gibson believes that there may well be more growth when the line finally opens next year. Romans are currently marketing a smart, four-bedroom detached house in Chalfont St Peter for £845k and their Buckinghamshire branches have seen a recent flurry of buyers registering as spring is the traditional time


A TOWN TRANSFORMED Maidenhead is often voted one of the top 10 commuter hotspots into London, and Crossrail can only improve this rating. Plus, investment in the town will see ancient and neglected waterways brought back to life. Waterside cafes will serve those working in the almost 100,000sq miles of new office and retail space already


for house-hunters who are seeking value, according to Gibson: “Location, size and quality will not count for anything if buyers believe the price is wrong.” Buckinghamshire’s schools are helping to


drive the market and the county was recently named one of the top three places in the UK to bring up children. Spitfire Bespoke Homes’ Richard Page sees strong demand from both families and downsizers who are seeking a better quality of life: “We have sold to purchasers coming from London postcodes for education and quality of life; from outlying villages wanting to be closer to the station; and an international sportsman who wants quality and an easily maintained home that he can lock up and leave.”


transforming the town centre. New scheme Green Gates is the perfect location for those seeking a stress-free commute, as the four- and five-bedroom houses are set on a private drive, just a 10-minute stroll from Maidenhead Station. Prices start from £1.495m through selling agents Roger Platt. T: 01628 773333.


A MILLENNIAL HOTSPOT Buckinghamshire undoubtedly appeals to those seeking larger family homes, but there’s plenty to suit first time buyers says developer Redrow. Half of its buyers in Newport Pagnell are under 35 and a third of customers at new scheme Priory Mews are first-time homeowners, making the location a first-time buyer hotspot according to Redrow’s Tonia Tyler: “Millennials or Generation Y are commonly dubbed ‘Generation Rent’, but our experience at Priory Mews suggests those in Newport Pagnell are bucking that trend. A third of


our customers are first time buyers, but what’s perhaps most surprising is that half of homeowners here are under 35, including those making their next step on the housing ladder.” Four beds at Priory Mews start from £384,950 with government scheme Help to Buy on offer enabling buyers to take out an equity loan for up to 20% of the property price, so they only need a deposit of 5% plus a 75% mortgage from their lender of choice. Reduced stamp duty rates for first timers mean that just £4,249 is payable in tax. redrow.co.uk/priorymews


Anyone seeking a rural village, complete with duckpond, farmers market and twice- yearly beer festival will enjoy life in Haddenham, where housebuilder Rectory is selling new homes at The Chilterns. Help to Buy is available with three-bedroom houses starting from £465k. The village boasts two outstanding Ofsted-rated infant schools and The Chilterns is also in the catchment area for Buckinghamshire’s grammar schools. Train services whizz you into London Marylebone from Haddenham and Thame Parkway in just 34 minutes, while regular services run to Oxford, Bicester Village and Birmingham. rectory.co.uk


PONDS AND PARKS GALORE


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