WhatHouse? West Midlands December 2015 by WhatHouse? Local

l r, or ca e o lo ap r d ur y p ou Yo ert to y op d pr ere liv de

West Midlands Edition

November / December 2015

INTERIORS P15 NEW HOMES P20 AGENT INSIGHT P28 MORTGAGES P28 GARDENING P30

Six appeal –

our pick of converted homes for sale P6

WhatHouse? Awards – preview P23

Put it away! –

how to save effectively for your deposit P3

Share in our Success The UK’s fastest growing housebuilder

Award winning Lioncourt Homes have just been recognised as the second fastest growing company in the Midlands. Visit one of our sites and find out why! For more information about our current and up-coming developments

Call 0845 873 2880† or visit www.lioncourthomes.co.uk

www.lioncourthomes.com †Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details.

West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire – Find your new home at Whathouse.com

Help to Buy

M ak in g your Christm as pe rfect th is ye ar Move in for Christmas at Kineton Meadows and enjoy an extra special treat. Celebrate Christmas in style this year by making the move to a new Bloor Home in Kineton. Move in by 18th December on selected 4 bedroom homes and choose from an Interior Design Consultation* plus £1,000 to spend on upgrades OR a VIP Removals Package*.

The Thornsett – Available from £495,000 or just £396,000 with Help to Buy† The Osterley Sp – Available from £515,000 or just £412,000 with Help to Buy† The Osterley – Available from £525,000 or just £420,000 with Help to Buy† Kineton Meadows, Southam Road, Kineton, Warwickshire CV35 0LG

Book a viewing today. Call 01926 671348 or visit bloorhomes.com. We’re open daily from 10am to 5pm.

*Interior Design Consultation provided by Bloor Homes chosen interior designer. Interior Design Consultation + £1,000 towards upgrades and VIP removals package offers given for completion by 18th December only. †Help to Buy price represents 80% of purchase price. Help to Buy and all Bloor Homes’ incentives and schemes are subject to terms and conditions and are available on selected developments and selected plots only. Help to Buy is only available on developments in England, up to the value of £600,000 subject to contract, status and eligibility. Help to Buy is not available with Home Exchange. Prices and details correct at time of going to press. Images shown for illustrative purposes only.

saving tips 3

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

Saving for I a deposit

Welcome!

What’s the best way to build up your deposit funds?

or many homebuyers – particularly first-timers – saving the deposit is the toughest part of the purchase

process. Even with tough new mortgage lending rules, getting the money together to put down on your new home will probably be even more difficult. For many, the last few years have brought scant increases in wages, even as house prices have surged ahead. In England and Wales, the average property now costs £186,553, according to September’s Land Registry data, and in London, you’re looking at a pocketful of change from half a million, at £499,997. With the average deposit at around 30%, the sums involved are considerable. If you’re not on a big salary, they are even harder to attain against rising rents and bills and low savings interest rates. Of course, schemes such as Help to Buy are one alternative – the deposit required can be as little as 5%, if you’re buying a home under this government initiative. (Read about it at www. whathouse.com/advice/help-to-buy). But you’ll also need to factor in your other costs – legal fees, removal costs, stamp duty etc. So, how can you maximise your savings to reach your deposit target?

START EARLY It’s never too early to start saving. Putting money to one side is a great habit to get into, even if buying a home may not be your initial aim. Whether it’s putting spare change into a jar or diligently transferring money from your current account every month, every little really does help right from the word go.

SET A TARGET Be realistic in your expectations. Aim for a property at a price that you think you can afford (you might want three bedrooms but could you cope with a place with two?) and a timescale that you can achieve. If you can save £400 a month and need £15,000 in all, it’s

going to take you three years. Aiming for a shared ownership property (www.whathouse.com/advice/sharedownership) will reduce your deposit requirement and get you on the property ladder at the same time.

REDUCE YOUR SPENDING You’ll need discipline to do this, but even small sacrifices can add up to a lot. Forgoing the posh coffee on the way into work might save you £2 a day or more – upwards of £500 in a year. Cancelling any underused subscriptions (magazines, clubs etc) will also reap benefits that will quickly accumulate.

REDUCE YOUR RENT Paying rent is probably the biggest hindrance to saving the cash to buy your own place, and rents are rising quickly in many regions. Could you cope with downsizing to a smaller place for a while? Is it possible to move back in with parents for a period of time? There’s a sacrifice to be made

here that won’t suit everyone, but could mean boosting your monthly savings considerably.

SAVE AUTOMATICALLY If you don’t have access to the money in the first place, you’ll miss it less. Set up a standing order or regular transfer (usually free of charge) out of your current account into a separate savings account every week or month. It’ll stop you being tempted to overspend.

LOOK AROUND FOR THE BEST RATES The biggest brands spend a fortune on marketing and advertising, so it would be easy to get the impression that they are your best bet for saving your money. But there are lots of other large and small organisations that don’t spend savers’ money on adverts and offer better returns instead. Look at comparison websites and check on the internet for a lesserknown brand that will pay you more.

CHECK YOUR REGULARLY

RATES

Many of us have put our money into accounts that have promised the world, only to find a year or two later that the rates have been slashed without us really noticing. Keep your eye out for the rates on your existing accounts and compare them to the best deals. Don’t be afraid to move your money around if you can see a better deal elsewhere.

HELP TO BUY ISA Help to Buy Isas were announced by George Osborne in the March 2015 budget. They are specifically aimed at people saving for their first home and are set to launch in December. Like normal Isas, these provide a tax-efficient way of saving. There’s a contribution limit of £200 per month (to which the government adds £50) and a total limit of £12,000 (£15,000 once your tax is added back). If you’re buying with a partner, you can both take out a Help to Buy Isa and double the benefit.

t comes around quick enough, doesn’t it? The end of a busy year in the housing industry – and one which ended on a flurry of new and renewed measures by Chancellor George Osborne to boost the property market. Most of his housing announcements in the Autumn Statement were broadly welcomed: the introduction of Help to Buy London to assist buyers in the capital; expansion of the Shared Ownership initiative; extending the Right to Buy scheme; and suggesting that the government can fund 400,000 new starter homes at discounted prices to buyers under 40. For some, his introduction of a 3% stamp duty levy for second homes and buy-to-let property was applauded, while others pointed out that it seemed an unnecessary to amateur investors who have opted to use their savings in an additional property rather than a more traditional pension fund, for example. Many spectators, however, pointed out that the announcement of new starter homes was not new, having already been proposed a year ago, and that the numbers of homes to be constructed which the Chancellor has proposed are unachievable due to a chronic shortage of skilled labour in our workforce. Our editorial director Rupert Bates made a rallying cry to the new homes industry at our WhatHouse? Awards event last month, to be brave and pioneer a substantial and long-lasting structure of attracting talent and teaching skills to housebuilding, so that the crisis of new homes numbers can start to be alleviated. From bricklayers to quantity surveyors to managers, we simply can’t build enough homes without them, and it will take a concerted effort from all the parties involved, including government and the employers, to build our workforce to be able to achieve the task. Our housebuilders are working hard to produce new homes, whether they be starter homes, houses for growing families or properties aimed at retirees. If your search for a new home hasn’t ended in success in 2015, keep looking at whathouse.com for more listings of new plots coming to the market over 2016. Merry Christmas, a prosperous New Year – and happy househunting!

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

Buying overseas? Don’t miss out on your FREE overseas property guide Buying a property overseas can be easy when you’ve got the right team on your side. To see what’s happening at your destination, or for tips and guidance on the overseas property-buying process, visit everythingoverseas.com.

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Rupert Bates, editorial director of WhatHouse? has been a property journalist for 25 years. He is an award-winning writer who started on local newspapers before becoming a columnist on The Daily Telegraph. He presents the annual WhatHouse? Awards, edits leading housebuilding magazine Show House and is property correspondent of The Field magazine.

A chance to win £50 It couldn’t be simpler – just ‘follow’ us on Twitter (@What_House) One of our new followers One of our new followers from 3rd August September will win 10from December 2015toto1st 9 January 2016 will win £50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers

Keith Osborne started writing about property 14 years ago and has been editor of Whathouse. com since 2010. He is currently a columnist in housebuilding trade magazine Show House and has previously written for Homes Overseas magazine. He has also been a part of the WhatHouse? Awards judging panel for a number of years.

Managing director Daniel Hill Editorial director Rupert Bates Editor Keith Osborne ko@whathouse.com Assistant editor Stephen Maunder sm@whathouse.com Chief sub-editor Suzanne Frost Designer Sarah Davies Contributors Marc Da Silva Nick Parkhouse Richenda Oldham Tilly Rubens Sales director Adrian Talbot Sales director Adrian Talbot at@globespanmedia.com at@globespanmedia.com Sales manager Murad Paloba Head of sales Andy Lunn mp@whathouse.com al@whathouse.com Sales Ian Richardson Business development manager ir@whathouse.com Steve Coyle Head of digital Simon Phillips sc@whathouse.com simon@whathouse.com Sales manager Murad Paloba mp@whathouse.com Head of digital Simon Phillips simon@whathouse.com

Stephen Maunder is assistant Cover photo: The Coppice in Leegomery, Telford, Shropshire, Redrow Homes; editorfrom of Whathouse.com, 01952 324046having previously spent 18 months there as a freelance special correspondent. He has a background in academic research and has worked at Sky News as a picture researcher. He has also written for BBC News, Huffington Post UK and the Shropshire Star newspaper.

What House?

@What_House

Cover photo: One Shore Road, Sandbanks, Dorset, from £1.3million, courtesy of Savills; 01202 708888

Published by: Globespan Media Limited, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG T: 020 7940 1070 E: info@globespanmedia.com W: www.whathouse.com Printed by 39zero / Distributed by Royal Mail © 2015 Globespan Media Limited WhatHouse?, ISSN: 02691310

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

NHBC – the mark of a quality home Before you buy a new home, make sure it has Buildmark, which provides you with 10 years’ warranty and insurance. Then you’ll know it’s good quality and that your investment is protected.

0844 633 1000 www.nhbcnewhomes.co.uk

NHBC is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. NHBC is registered in England and Wales under company number 00320784. NHBC’s registered address is NHBC House, Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK5 8FP. J441 09/15

6 six appeal

Find your new home at whathouse.com/new-homes

The Bartlet, Old Felixstowe, Suffolk From £299,950 No two apartments are quite the same at this former sanatorium and hospital, which was built on a Napoleaonic-era Martello Tower, but each property shares a high standard of finish with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, integrated appliances, a choice of floorings and paint colours to walls, and inbuilt technology cabling. The show home in the Grade II* listed building includes a Bang and Olufsen’s Smart Home system, where you can listen to your favourite music through speakers on the terrace, when taking a shower in the “walkin” wet room, or simply while relaxing in the spacious lounge. The development is perfect for those looking for a lock-up-and-leave home,

set within the genteel Edwardian charm of Old Felixstowe. The communal, landscaped, south-facing gardens have views out to sea and, as they are tended by the maintenance team at the development, there’s no need for residents to lift a finger to get the most from them. In the local area, there’s plenty to do to stay active with tennis, golf, windsurfing and sailing and an uninterrupted four-mile walk along the promenade.

From: Gipping Homes/Banham Dark Contact: 01394 272728

Six appeal Our pick of conversion properties currently for sale The Star and Garter, Richmond-uponThames, London • From £1.3m

Battersea Police Station, Battersea, London • From £490,000

Located just a stone’s throw from the gates to Richmond Park at the top of Richmond Hill, the Star & Garter is a meticulous refurbishment of a Grade II listed landmark building – a former hotel and hospital for injured servicemen. The developer is retaining the imposing period features as it converts the building into luxuriously specified one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. It has a magnificent setting, with an iconic view across meadows to the River Thames and beyond and visible from the building’s

The former Battersea Police Station building is being converted into new apartments and extended with a brand new building, which will be linked to the red-brick Victorian original by a glass atrium. Eleven of the one-bedroom apartments are being offered for purchase by shared ownership, seven in the police station and four in the new building. The apartments in the converted police station are spacious, with high ceilings and full-height sash windows and homes on the ground floor open onto a garden terrace. Full-height windows in the new building mirror those of the original building and most have a balcony with plenty of room to enjoy a drink or meal outside.

restored gardens. It was once painted by Turner and other artists and is the only view in England protected by an Act of Parliament. An immaculate interior specification and numerous private facilities, including a leisure suite with a pool, spa and treatment room, Harrods concierge service, and town car, ensure an incomparable lifestyle for residents. The sales suite and show apartment are open daily, with viewings by appointment.

From: London Square Contact: 0333 666 0102

The homes are arranged around a large landscaped south-facing courtyard, a perfect retreat for residents to relax in and socialise with their neighbours. Kush Rawal, salers and marketing director at Thames Valley Housing, says: “This is an amazing opportunity. Homes with such character and in a hotspot like Battersea are far beyond most people’s reach, but shared ownership makes it accessible to buy one of these very special apartments. I’ve no doubt that interest will be very high.”

From: Thames Valley Housing Contact: 020 8607 0550

For the latest on the property market

six appeal 7

@What_House

York House, Farnborough, Hampshire • From £177,500 York House is a four storey, 12,735 sq ft modern development, which has recently been converted from an office block into 23 one- and twobedroom apartments located within walking distance of Farnborough town centre. Each apartment has been designed to a high specification for comfortable modern living, including individually designed fully fitted kitchens, with high-gloss units and black granite work surfaces, engineered oak flooring to the hallway and contemporary bathrooms with white sanitaryware and ceramic tiling to walls and floors.

The developers, Plymouth Residential, are a specialist asset management company based in London that formed in 2005. York House has been converted with great care and attention to detail. The company’s vision was to design homes for their customers that feel light and spacious and will offer modern contemporary living, not just to accommodate, but also enhance the lifestyles of its residents.

From: Romans Contact:01344 753 110

The Fitzbourne, Fitzrovia, London W1 • From £2.995m

King Edward VII Estate, Midhurst, West Sussex From £252,500 Built in 1901, the King Edward VII Estate has a fascinating history. Designed to serve as a specialist tuberculosis sanatorium, the building was officially opened by King Edward VII on 6 June 1906, and heralded as “one of the three finest buildings of the time”. The design for the hospital and its grounds was undertaken by an important triumvirate of the day: Charles Holden, Percy Adams and Gertrude Jekyll - a partnership which played a pivotal cornerstone

of the Arts & Crafts Movement. Having lain empty and at risk of decay for a number of years since it officially closed, the estate has now been given a new lease of life, with City & Country fully restoring and converting the majestic Grade II and II* listed buildings. This includes the transformation of the outstanding central tuberculosis sanatorium and an Arts & Crafts style chapel. The gardens - originally designed and planted by highly acclaimed horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll - are

also being lovingly restored and reinstated. The homes juxtapose contemporary, high-quality specifications with interior decoration that has been influenced by the Arts & Crafts period. Owners also have access to the surrounding 165 acres of grounds as well as a concierge service.

From: City & Country Contact: 01730 817979

This scheme comprises three twobedroom and three three-bedroom apartments together with two triplex penthouses, which have been created by this award-winning boutique developer from a Victorian former office building. The Fitzbourne dates from 1894 and has been fully refurbished to make the most of its high ceilings, triple-aspect living areas and handsome red-brick build. It occupies a double corner plot and with captivating views over the West End. The interiors have been bestowed with a lavish, nocompromise specification, with bespoke Häcker kitchens, in-built Miele appliances and Crestron automated home systems that can be controlled via your smartphone or tablet. While interior designer Louisa Penn Interiors has utilised the original features of the building,

such as the glass framework fanlight above the dedicated entrance doors, there is a distinctive, elegant, contemporary feel to the properties, with concealed lighting, hi-tech electronic controls and modern classic materials and finishes throughout. The development is well connected, too, with Great Portland Street and Oxford Street underground stations a short stroll away, just like the open spaces of Regent’s Park. Purchasers also automatically receive one year’s membership of Quintessentially lifestyle concierge services on completion, helping to maximise the enjoyment of central London living.

From: Oakmayne Bespoke Contact: 020 7486 8866 (Carter Jonas) / 020 7420 3050 (CBRE)

We’re open for business, whatever the climate.

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The Hyde Housing Group Making a lasting difference, Working with Local Authorities The Hyde Group is an award winning provider of The Hyde Group is an award winning provider of homes and makes a significant contribution to homes and makes a significant contribution to meeting housing needs and improving peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meeting housing needs and improving peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quality of life. quality of life. Hyde is one of the largest housing associations working in England, Hyde is one of the largest housing associations working in England, owning or managing circa 50,000 homes with a focus on London, owning or managing circa 50,000 homes with a focus on London, Kent and the South Coast of England. Kent and the South Coast of England. Hyde built high quality new homes for 4,413 people in 2014/15. Of these, Hyde built high quality new homes for 4,413 people in 2014/15. Of these, 83% pay a subsidised price, with 3,643 people housed in a new Hyde 83% pay a subsidised price, with 3,643 people housed in a new Hyde affordable home. affordable home. Hyde is acutely aware of the housing crisis in the UK. A continuing Hyde is acutely aware of the housing crisis in the UK. A continuing decline in levels of house building, combined with increased demand, decline in levels of house building, combined with increased demand, particularly within London and the south east of England, has increased particularly within London and the south east of England, has increased housing costs significantly and impacted on local economies. housing costs significantly and impacted on local economies. Members of our team will be at MIPIM 2015 promoting New Members of our team will be at MIPIM 2015 promoting New Challenges; Challenges; New New Partnering Partnering Solutions our Local Authority Offer launched earlier this year. Solutions our Local Authority Offer launched earlier this year.

CGI CGI of of proposed proposed Hyde Hyde HA HA Development Development in in Harrow, Harrow, London London

Hyde Hyde is is committed committed to to tackling tackling the the housing housing shortage shortage and and reducing reducing some some of of these these impacts impacts by: by: • • Developing 1,000 mixed tenure homes a Developing 1,000 mixed tenure homes a year with a focus on increasing this further year with a focus on increasing this further • • Delivering quality management services Delivering quality management services across all tenures and uses across all tenures and uses • • Maximising life chances for residents Maximising life chances for residents through Hyde Plus’ support service through Hyde Plus’ support service • • Retaining a strong financial covenant and Retaining a strong financial covenant and commitment to invest for the future commitment to invest for the future

We believe that the answer to delivering more We believe that the answer to delivering more homes, particularly ones that are affordable homes, particularly ones that are affordable or are available for low cost ownership, is to or are available for low cost ownership, is to work collaboratively with local authorities. A work collaboratively with local authorities. A partnership approach allows local authorities partnership approach allows local authorities to match their assets with our experience of to match their assets with our experience of mixed tenure development and regeneration, mixed tenure development and regeneration, to create housing and communities in the to create housing and communities in the most cost-effective and sustainable way. most cost-effective and sustainable way. True True partnerships partnerships can can be be achieved achieved in in aa number number of of ways: ways: • • A joint venture model with sharing of risk A joint venture model with sharing of risk and reward and reward • • Sharing the build programme: Hyde Sharing the build programme: Hyde develops and sells the commercial develops and sells the commercial elements of a mixed tenure scheme and the elements of a mixed tenure scheme and the local authority develops and retains some or local authority develops and retains some or all of the affordable/social homes, to deliver all of the affordable/social homes, to deliver an ongoing revenue an ongoing revenue • • Hyde acts as the development and/or Hyde acts as the development and/or sales agent for the local authority sales agent for the local authority • • Traditional regeneration projects Traditional regeneration projects • • Stock transfer opportunities Stock transfer opportunities

We have the financial capacity, A1 Moody’s We have the financial capacity, A1 Moody’s credit rating and the highest validation credit rating and the highest validation from the Homes and Communities Agency. from the Homes and Communities Agency. Equally, our reputation for innovation and Equally, our reputation for innovation and creativity in designing new solutions for creativity in designing new solutions for delivering affordable homes means we are delivering affordable homes means we are an ideal partner for local authorities. an ideal partner for local authorities. We are committed to communities and We are committed to communities and places for the long term, supporting our places for the long term, supporting our developments with high quality, coordinated developments with high quality, coordinated management services. These core objectives management services. These core objectives as a registered provider distinguish us from as a registered provider distinguish us from other market housing developers. other market housing developers. We are open to ideas, so let’s do more to We are open to ideas, so let’s do more to work together, pooling resources, ideas and work together, pooling resources, ideas and ambitions, to create homes for people that ambitions, to create homes for people that need them the most. need them the most.

We look look forward forward to to working working with with you you We in the the future. future. To To arrange arrange aa meeting, meeting, in please contact: contact: please Simon Vevers Vevers Simon Development Director, Regeneration Development Director, Regeneration simon.vevers@hyde-housing.co.uk simon.vevers@hyde-housing.co.uk Tom Shaw Shaw Tom Development Director, South Coast Development Director, South Coast tom.shaw@hyde-housing.co.uk tom.shaw@hyde-housing.co.uk Mike Johnson Johnson Mike Development Director, London and Kent Development Director, London and Kent mike.johnson2@hyde-housing.co.uk mike.johnson2@hyde-housing.co.uk

12 housebuilder news

For the latest on the property market

@What_House

National recognition for West Midlands housebuilder Sunday Times honours Worcester-based business as one of the most dynamic in the UK

h enomenal growth at Lioncourt Homes has been recognised as among the fastest-growing businesses in the UK by the Sunday Times, which has put them in 25th place in their annual national survey. The housebuilder, whose headquarters are in Warndon, northeast Worcester, is the fastest-growing pricvately owned housebuilder in the entire survey and has been ranked second in all businesses in the Midlands region. t is now one of the largest new homes builders and landowners in Central England, having seen rapid turnover and profit growth and a near doubling of staff each year over the past two years. The company is currently building on 15 sites and has

a land bank of over 6,000 plots. For founder executive directors Colin Cole and Neil Chandler, the challenge has been to manage this exceptional growth while maintaining the culture, work ethic and expertise of everyone in the Lioncourt team. Cole, chief executive of the group, says: “There is no doubt that the growth of Lioncourt Homes is attributable to the tremendous commitment of the Lioncourt staff, who work tirelessly to achieve our growth plans. As a consequence we have an excellent culture which makes Lioncourt such an enjoyable and challenging place to work.” Quality is still the primary focus of the company, he adds. “The whole business is based on our quality approach and everyone in the business

is focused on quality of build, quality of design and quality of service to our customers. This quality approach has been recognised by HBF (House Builders Federation) and Lioncourt are holders of the coveted five-star Quality Award, one of only 15 developers in the whole of the UK to hold the award.” Despite this national recognition, Cole is determined that the company’s ambitions show no sign of diminishing. He says: “We are only at the start of the Lioncourt story. We have significant growth planned for the period ahead and we have excellent managers and staff developing throughout the business as part of our succession plans. But for now it is time to reflect and celebrate this latest success.” Find out more at www.lioncourthomes.com

Colin Cole (front centre) with finance firector Neil Chandler (front left) and non-executive Chairman David Andrews (front right) with the Lioncourt Homes team

Lioncourt is currently working on 15 new homes sites

Share in Our Success!

We’ve just been named the second fastest growing company in the Midlands by the Sunday Times. Visit one of our developments and find out why: Artisan’s Walk Orton Gardens Off Delph Road, Brierley Hill, DY5 2RP

Off New Road, Water Orton, Birmingham, B46 1QP

Manor Park

Heritage View

Park Hill Drive, Handsworth Wood, B20 1DJ

Sommerfeld Road, Trench, Telford, TF1 5RY

Park Edge

Saxon Meadows

Off Noose Lane, Willenhall, WV13 3BU

Off Main Road, Kempsey, Worcestershire, WR5 3LH

Tannery Court

COMING SOON:

Tasker Street, Walsall, WS1 3QW

Linley Grange, Coalport Road, Broseley, TF12 5AW

For further details visit www.lioncourthomes.com or call 0845 873 2880† †Calls will be charged at seven pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details.

Help to Buy

Communication is the key to success At Moving Made Easy, we have a reputation for providing an unbeatable service in Part Exchange and Assisted Sales. We are proud to operate on a national scale with some of the largest housebuilders in the UK, Barratt Homes, Berkeley, Bellway and Redrow Homes to name just a few. Our promise is to communicate with you effectively and pledge to keep you informed of our progress every step of the way.

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t 01787 222700 e info@mme.uk.com www.moving-madeeasy.co.uk

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For the latest on the property market

Black and gold is a classic colour pairing as this sleek contemporary chandelier demonstrates; Hexagonal polished brass and black glass chandelier, £6,560, www.touchedinteriors.co.uk

@What_House

Metallic curtains - whether in gold, silver or bronze – will add a glamorous sparkle to any room; faux silk curtains, £57, Colours at B&Q

Shock and Au Say goodbye to bland, and grasp the gilded lily. Richenda Oldham explains how to make the most of gold in your home

n the world of interior design trends, gold is proving a keeper as Dulux has demonstrated with their chosen Colour of the Year 2016 - Cherished Gold. It’s a warm, intense, gold-influenced ochre that works beautifully with other tones and demonstrates perfectly the scope that gold offers in decorating. Gold has taken the design world by storm and it is exciting to see how its influence comes across in everything from accessories and fabrics to wallpapers, paints and furniture. Interior fashionistas certainly know how to get the most out of this hot metal, which can be teamed with warm earthy colours, pastels or rich jewel shades. But the less confident should not be afraid to have a go, too. If you haven’t got the courage to embrace the colour of the hour wholeheartedly, then try adding touches of gold to a neutral scheme. You will be amazed at how just a small nod to the trend will give instant lift and sparkle to a room. Gold lightens and brightens rooms, adding interest to dark corners, creating warm and inviting spaces instantly. It’s amazing how even a sprinkle of gold

interiors 15

can have such an impact. Don’t think of gold in terms of its shiny, hard metallic form, golden colours expressed in fabrics and wallpaper are equally magical. Above all, this is a seriously versatile shade.

GOLD + PASTELS/ NEUTRALS A simple scattering of golden cushions, lampshades, occasional chairs and rugs can bring a neutral scheme to life. A sprinkling of gold will give greys and creams a boost, resulting in a scheme that is upbeat and contemporary, as opposed to bland and lifeless.

RETRO GOLD Throughout history gold has had an important role to play in buildings and interior design with fabulously opulent results. Owners of period properties can take inspiration from the past and yet still be bang on trend. Victorians loved deep, rich jewel colours, such as burgundy, olive green, Prussian blue, shades of purple and of course these are all perfect for combining with gold.

Pineapples were once a sign of luxury and affluence and make eye-catching decorative accessories; gold pineapple, £89.95, www.miafleur.com

Cherished Gold is Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2016

Try gold-tasselled tie-backs and fringing, button-back furniture with gilded wood, gold flocked wallpapers, gilt carved mirrors and porcelain with gold highlights.

GOLD IN A CONTEMPORARY SETTING Don’t for one minute think that gold should be restricted to heritage interiors. Uber-cool, super-white modern schemes look absolutely fabulous with a blast of earthy gold. It adds warmth and prevents a room from becoming antiseptic and clinical. White kitchen units can be transformed by gold mosaic tiles or a golden ochre glass splashback.

GOLD AND BLACK Black and gold is a classic combination beloved by designers. It offers elegance and sophistication and is an effortlessly grown up choice. Team black lacquered chinoiserie furniture featuring gold decoration, with golden walls, pale creamy gold upholstery and inky black curtains.

Bask in a golden glow with this stunning, hand-drawn wallpaper that mixes English gardens and birds with vibrant colours evocative of Rajasthan; Golding Bunting Birds Wallpaper, £88 per 10m roll, www.occipinti.com/shop

16 interiors

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Winter wonderland Christmas decorating trends for 2015 range from homespun natural to the unconventional and wildly extravagant. Richenda Oldham is torn between going eco friendly and using recycled materials and romantic notions of feathers and fur with lashings of metallics

h ristmas has a grand old tradition of storytelling and none more so than when it comes to festive decorating. This is the time of year when drama and glamour can really take hold, veering from the traditional to quirky, breathtaking schemes. One of the strongest colours to emerge this year is blue, which can be used as a primary colour and teamed with gold and champagne tones.

FROSTED The Disney film Frozen has had a knock-on influence on Christmas decorations, and frosted fantasy wonderland themes are particularly prevalent. Look out for icicles, snowballs, polar wildlife (bears, deer, foxes and owls). The ice can be broken with soft pastel tones of mint green, pale blue and champagne, or can be keep pure and simple, with dashes of silver for added lift.

BOLD BLUE All kinds of shades of blue are here this season, offering a rich and varied palette from which to choose. Schemes range from vivid royal blue, teamed with gold, for a royal and powerful look, to pale tones of frosted turquoise and pale, ice blue. Azure blue brings added Mediterranean warmth and a relaxed, more informal atmosphere.

METALLICS Metallic tones have been a prevalent trend in interiors for several years now and form a key part of Christmas decorating. Although gold remains perennially popular, warmer tones of copper and bronze have crept in, as well as pewter and silver. Copper and bronze work beautifully with natural

themes that focus on materials such as wood and woollen fabrics. Metallics offer an injection of sophistication and elegance and give all the colour palettes a real ‘lift’.

RETRO NOSTALGIA This is where Christmas gets really fun. Embrace kitsch and indulge in a good old yesteryear wallow. Look out for the many fabulous lustrepainted glass decorations that are available, including dogs, vintage cars, santas and snowmen. Make your own paper chains and make sure you hang those iconic paper lanterns from ceiling lights. Decorations dating from a core period of the 1950s are particularly hot and make a welcome change from the usual Victorian style baubles.

PEPPERMINT CANDY Red and white is striking trend that is taking prime position this season. Think of the traditional peppermint candy cane, but on a wider scale. Christmas stockings, reindeer, snow boots, paper napkins, candles, hearts and stars all look terrifically fresh, as then white and red contrast creates a light and bright effect. A dash of green complements this look perfectly. The Nordic trend looks particularly good using red and white.

NATURE’S OWN Natural materials such as wood and textured fabrics such as sackcloth and wool offer a restful and charming alternative to all the festive bling. Use contrasting white decorations, such as pine cones against wood backgrounds and bring on the woodland creatures, such as foxes, deer, squirrels and owls, which are a strong and prevalent influence.

1. The vibrant blue of the Mediterranean has been carried through to Christmas with this vivid blue and silver themed tree. Midnight Christmas decorations, from £2.99 and Bluffton tree, 6.5ft, £169; www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk 2. The traditional Christmas colour of red looks fabulous when teamed with white – the result is a dazzling festive scheme, bursting with warmth. Use spray snow to create an icy backdrop then decorate with red ornaments interspersed with turquoise/blue and silver baubles. Keilder Snowy Spruce tree, £169.99, red stockings, £11.99; www.dobbies.com 3. Sparkling white decorations contrast beautifully with green foliage edged in frost – together they form a striking yet simple theme that picks up from the nature scene trend. Christmas ornaments from 99p, 6ft pre-lit Nordic tree, £59.99; www.dunelm-mill.com 4. Nordic style has really taken off for Christmas decorating as well as an interior trend generally. You’ll see plenty of reindeer, of course, as well as snowflakes, stars and Christmas trees. Nordic Grey Christmas Collection; www.janconstantine.com 5. Be eco-friendly and trendy this Christmas by making your own decorations using natural materials, evergreen boughs and recycled materials. Homesense from www.tkmaxx.com

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interiors 17

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Deer, oh deer

Glittering reindeer are key players as Christmas decorations andaccessories. Silver, gold or diamante, they look stunning as table centrepieces, says Richenda Oldham, who has tracked down five of her favourites

2 1

1. Silver sitting deer with gold antlers, £19.99, www.wyevalegardencentres.co.uk; 2. Gold sparkle resin reindeer, £4.99, www.melodymaison.co.uk; 3. Gold reindeer ornament with sequins and glitter, £9, www.tch.net; 4. Gold glitter stag, £6.25, www.berryred.co.uk; 5. Prancing deer, £16.95, www.adventino.co.uk

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Good, old-fashioned telephones are now considered funky accessories in their own right. Richenda Oldham goes nostalgic and picks her favourite cool handsets This American diner three-slot style payphone was first introduced in the 1950s. It plugs into a standard telephone socket, but features an original mechanical bell ringer, push buttons and has a coin bank; £79, www.4living.co.uk

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This stunning retro purple phone is straight out of the 1970s, with a few alterations of course. You can control the volume of the ringer and the earpiece, plus it plugs into a standard phone socket. Purple Plum Wild and Wolf Trim phone, £29, www.redcandy.co.uk Who could resist the grey and orange colours of this Wild and Wolf 746 model, which comes with push dial buttons in the shape of a rotary dial, £37; furnish.co.uk

xperience E s r a e Y 4 1 Over Drawings D A C o d o We als The 746 was the standard phone design used by the GPO (General Post Office) from the 1970s until it was privatised; ivory replica wall telephone, £36, www.black-bydesign.co.uk

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18 interiors

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A world of colour

Viola’s Bloom and November Gorse

The nature of Britain inspires the shades of the luxury products from Paints by Conran

h e name Sir Terence Conran is synonymous with modern classic design, from architecture to interiors and home accessories. Paint by Conran, a collaboration with Master Paintmakers, sees the world-renowned founder of Habitat lending his name to the home decoration market, with 96 handcrafted, environmentally friendly paints in five collections. The company’s research found that homeowners spend around £120m per year in the ‘designer paint’ sector and that in all, 30m of us in the UK don a brush every year, collectively using 200m litres of paint. Paint by Conran’s hues are available in three different finishes: eggshell (for interior and exterior), matt

Blue Kale, Dandelion Puff and Winter Rocket

emulsion and gloss (for interior and exterior), available online and from a range of specialist retail stockists up and down the UK, such as Brewers, Bennett and Bowman, The Conran Shop, John Charles Interiors and Painthouse. The company has looked at ways of differentiating itself from some of the established brands by aiming for excellence in every aspect of its product, making them easy to apply, quick to dry and hardwearing. The colours of the current Paint by Conran collections (Cottage Garden, Harvest, Highland, Kitchen Garden and Orchard) have been inspired by British landscapes, ranging from the pales and neutrals, such as Nutty Shiitake and Pippin in Spring, to vibrant, statement colours such as the

Mon Amie and November Gorse

rich blue Cornflower Heart and sunny Dandelion Puff. Sir Terence Conran says: ”Master Paintmakers, with their impeccable pedigree and attention to detail, were the perfect choice for us to develop this beautiful range of colours. I have wanted to have a paint range for many years and colour has the power to transform lives and this range is the very best for consumers in palette and quality and reflects my values.” Chairman of Master Paintmakers, Arnie Kosky, adds: “Deciding on a colour scheme for your home can be one of the most challenging tasks but we help you get that important look just right. Paint for beautiful homes is what we do”.

Cornflower Heart and Seed Pod

Find out more at www.paintbyconran.com

Aloe Spike and White Floret

20 new homes

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It’s a shore thing The Lees find downsizing uplifting as they retire to a brand new home at Lakeshore in Lincolnshire

h e notion of downsizing – moving out of an old family home to a new, smaller and more easily maintained property later in life – is a hot topic in the property industry, and the sector which looks set to thrive as our population grows older. While there are an increasing number of dedicated retirement properties for older people, it’s not the only option for those looking for a brand new home in which to enjoy their retirement years. Retired children’s nursery owners, Alistair and Rosemary Lee, took a wide look around the market before choosing to sell their old property and buy a new home at Lakeshore at Burton Waters, a park home scheme in Lincolnshire. “I really want to enjoy my retirement,” says Alistair, “and maintaining our house and gardens was becoming more and more of a chore. I certainly didn’t want to spend my retirement mowing the lawn.

“Our children have grown up and long flown the nest so we don’t need a large family home - we should be freeing it up for a younger generation who can look after it more easily and use all the rooms as they should be. “It is also important for us to release some equity so we can travel and enjoy our retirement without worrying about home maintenance and high utility costs.” In fact, the couple were the very first buyers at Lakeshore, a development for over-55s run by Arbor Living. Graham Richardson, who heads the company, says: “We set up Arbor Living to create a smarter lifestyle option for a new generation of over 55s. The concept is driven by five critical elements: design, quality of life, community, security, and pricing attractive to those wanting to free up equity. “As experienced residential developers, we realised today’s highend park homes offered fantastic potential to deliver all these and more.

There has been a real gap in this sector for a professional developer to come in and do things properly and that is exactly what we intend to do. We intend to set the benchmark for a real quality park home offering. “We are not owner-operators, instead we are approaching this market as a professional house builder with a national approach.” The high-specification and fully furnished homes have been created by Pathfinder Homes, with an array of services, including phone lines, cable, high-speed broadband, Nest intelligent heating controls and a Sky box. The secure, gated development offers residents a wide variety of facilities close by, such as a large health and fitness resort, a collection of small shops and a lively marina. Alistair, 66, adds: “This is the perfect solution for couples who are looking to downsize but want to keep all of the comforts of home. It’s an idyllic place where our five

grandchildren can visit and play in a secure environment.” Lakeshore currently offers four different property types, with the homes set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland and with great views over a lake. The site also benefits from all

the amenities that renowned Burton Waters inland marina has to offer and has classic Lincolnshire fenland countryside on the doorstep. Find out more at arborliving.co.uk; 01522 561450 (Pygott & Crone)

Cbeebies star helps open new woodland walk

Youngsters learn about habitats and wildlife on new Redrow development in Shropshire

h ere was a big surprise for a group of schoolchildren invited by Redrow to explore the new woodland walk at The Coppice in Leegomery, Telford – TV presenter Andy Day, star of Cbeebies series such as Andy’s Wild Adventures and Andy’s Dinosaur Adventure. The presenter joined a class of 30 youngsters from Apley Wood Primary School, who had been invited by the housebuilder to officially open the walk at the development on the outskirts of Telford. Pauline Turnbull, sales director for Redrow Homes (Midlands), says: “Teaching children about the environment around them is important and so we wanted to invite them to be the first to explore the new woodland walk we’ve created at The Coppice. What they didn’t realise is that we’d also invited TV presenter Andy Day to surprise them. They all had great fun building hedgehog houses, participating in a quiz, searching the woods for things, painting and having stories read to them by Andy.”

Day had hidden some ‘dinosaur eggs’ for the children to find along the walk, and he also entertained the class with a reading of What Happens on Redrow Green, a book written by Turnbull to teach children about natural habitats and the things different creatures want and need for a home. The children were encouraged to join in by miming actions for the characters in the story. Day said afterwards: “The woodland walk is a fantastic place to explore and it’s a great thing for families to have on their doorstep.” Class teacher Rachel Gould added: “It’s been a fantastic experience for the children and they’ve loved every minute of it. The activities complement what we’ve been learning about in science about wildlife and the local area.” Redrow has built the nature walk within a 1.3-acre area of mature woodland at the corner of The Coppice, giving residents the chance to learn about the protected trees there, including English oaks, common ash, common alder and crack willows, and

the wildlife that live with the habitat. Balancing ponds and swales have also been created to preserve and enhance the ecology of the area. These areas will be overseen by a management company in the long-term. “Many people don’t realise just how much of a positive impact developers can have on the environment,” adds Turnbull. “Last year, Redrow created 209 hectares of public open space in England and Wales and planted a huge number of new trees and shrubs within our developments, as well as protecting existing woodland like that at The Coppice. We’ve also committed to key initiatives to protect and enhance the UK’s bumblebee and bird populations.” The Coppice still offers homebuyers in Telford a choice of two-, threeand four-bedroom homes from Redrow’s Heritage Collection. The show homes are open daily from 10.00am to 5.30pm. Find out more at http://whathou.se/ Zb4ZtL; 01952 304242

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new homes 21

Sweet charity

Services for older people win Midlands-based charity an innovation award

o ventry-based ExtraCare has been awarded for its care services for older people at the Chartered Institute Of Housing Midlands Awards. The organisation’s Well-being Service was named Innovation of the Year. The Well-being service sees that charity’s team of advisors – all registered general nurses – speaking with residents of the ExtraCare villages about their individual health issues and the decisions they can make to improve their health and lifestyle. Testing residents for conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, as well as general fitness allows the advisors to pinpoint areas which can be treated independently and when doctors or other professionals need to get involved. Suzanne Jones, care manager at ExtraCare’s Hagley Road Village in Edgbaston, Birmingham, accepted the award for the charity. She says: “Our Well-being Service enhances people’s quality of life. Our Well-being Advisors have been able to pick up on previously undiagnosed conditions. We’re saving the NHS money and improving our residents’ lives.” The Service was the subject of a long-term research project with Aston University, which found a number of benefits to the people receiving them. Among the findings were that NHS costs for residents were cut by 38% over 12 months compared with

their costs when they first moved in; that residents experienced a significant reduction in the duration of unplanned hospital stays from 8-14 days to just 1-2 days; and that routine GP appointments for residents fell 46% after a year. ExtraCare provides schemes and villages across a large swathe of the North and Midlands, with services provided in areas from Buckinghamshire to Merseyside and Herefordshire to Yorkshire. The charity’s latest village launched in October. Bournville Gardens is a partnership between Birmingham City Council, Bournville Village Trust and The Homes and Communities Agency and will offer specialist care for some 300 residents. ExtraCare’s five villages will provide homes for of 1,152 homes for older people by 2017. Properties at the new site start at £220,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. Of the 212 homes, 44 are rented out by the Bournville Village Trust and 168 are available for outright purchase or through Shared Ownership. As well as their specially designed new home, residents at the £39m scheme also have access to a range of communal amenities such as a café bar, hairdressing and beauty salon, fitness suite, greenhouse, library and IT suite. ExtraCare staff will provide care for up to a third of residents within the village. Find out more at www.extracare.org.uk; 0300 303 2333

Right: New Bournville Gardens residents Maureen and Michael Rickards

BOURNVILLE GARDENS New residents Maureen and Michael Rickards lived in their house for 47 years before moving to a home at this stateof-the-art village. Michael, now 75, had a stroke when he was 39 while 71-yearold Maureen has looked after hime for many years; they now want the security of knowing that the village team will provide care if necessary. “We’ve got children who would help him pay the bills, but he wouldn’t be able to do things like prepare meals if I wasn’t there,” says Maureen, a former primary school teacher. “The care team could do that for him, or he could go to the restaurant. The whole concept of having everything on site is perfect. Even if you don’t drive, you can still have a life.” Margery Crampton is another of the new residents. She has been living alone in her old three bedroom house since her husband died in 2010. Feeling lonely, unsafe and insecure in her property, she has found a welcoming and happy environment at her rented home in Bournville Gardens. “I was nervous in a house that had three outside doors, especially during the winter months,” says 73-year-old Margery. “I wouldn’t put on my light in the kitchen because I was frightened someone might be in the garden watching me.” Margery has already made new friends and she is sleeping better now she is in a secure home. “I’m looking forward to everything: the atmosphere, the friendship, the security, the peace of mind. It’s going to be absolutely great,” she says. Mark Curran, acting chief executive of the ExtraCare Charitable Trust, says: “We admire our new residents for the partnership they have shown in forming a vibrant new community at Bournville Gardens. The village represents a celebration of independence and opportunity and offers people a shared sense of community. For those wishing to downsize, knowing there is a support if they need it, a comfortable and affordable apartment at Bournville Gardens is an inspired move. “As a result of demand for apartments at our three existing Birmingham villages in New Oscott, Newtown and Edgbaston, at least 457 homes have been released back into the community for family housing.” Peter Roach, chief executive of Bournville Village Trust, adds: “George Cadbury didn’t just build the homes in Bournville for the workers of his factory as many believe; he wanted everyone to have the opportunity to live in highquality housing with the benefits of open space and community facilities. “Bournville Gardens, which we are very proud to be a part of, continues this legacy by offering homes for a range of different tenures, including affordable rent, and fantastic facilities to help people to keep active and healthy. “This is the first phase of our ambitious plans for the creation of the wider £60m care village which we believe will be a national exemplar of how to integrate housing, health and social care.”

22 housebuilder news

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Midlands housebuilder aims to make wishes come true Walton Homes celebrates 30 years of trading with special charity boost

i d l a n d s - b a s e d developer Walton Homes is calling on charities, organisations and individuals across the Midlands to make a wish as it celebrates 30 years in business by making 30 dreams come true. The business, which has built quality new homes throughout the region for the past three decades, wanted to share its success with the communities it works so closely with, and is inviting applications from anyone with a dream that they can support. Walton Homes aleady has an established track record supporting causes within the areas where it builds new developments, but Helen Rollason, sales manager for the business, said that the initiative would widen the net to encompass the whole of the Midlands. “While Walton Homes is based in Lichfield, we provide homes as far north as Nottingham and as far south as Worcestershire, so we’re keen to get

applications from every region, and “We will fulfill 30 wishes over the we want to make sure that everyone coming months, one for every year is aware of the opportunity so that we’ve been in business, and we hope they’re in with a chance. to forge a host of great new contacts “We want to hear from teams, and connections across the region as schools, charities, groups, businesses we progress with the campaign.” and individuals with special requests Walton Homes is currently that we might be able to help deliver. promoting a range of developments in It could beTake a football team seeking andhow the we Westcan Midlands, the first step today Staffordshire and find out make your property a success. a new sponsor, a gardening group each sympathetically constructed to fit wanting new supplies, an intrepid in with the heritage of the towns and 01237 426 712 explorer raising money to climb villages where they are located. Everest or a charity needing a boost – To register a wish, visit but we want to know about it! waltonhomes.co.uk/30wishes

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Eyes on the prize WhatHouse? honours the very best new homes in Britain

a vid Walliams was a very popular celebrity host at this year’s WhatHouse? Awards, as the great and the good

of the UK new homes industry descended on the Grosvenor House Hotel to take part in the biggest event in the UK housebuilding industry. Editorial director Rupert Bates

urged the industry to up its game in the recruitment of the workforce needed to tackle our severe shortage of new homes before introducing author, actor and charity

fundraiser Walliams, whose exuberant character won over the audience of some 1,700 people – the biggest event in its 34-year history. Prizes were handed out in 20 categories to new homes and housebuilders from across the UK

Thinking of selling your home? Do you know how much your home is really worth? Find out with our FREE valuation service. It’s a quick and easy process that you can carry out online or over the phone. Visit www.whathouse.com/value-my-property/value-myproperty-now or call us now on 01245 835 053.

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

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before the blue riband prize – the title of WhatHouse? Housebuilder of the Year – was announced. Read our supplement here to get the low-down on this year’s event and find out more about the WhatHouse? Awards at www.whathouse.com/awards.

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whathouse? awards 25

“And the winners are...”

WHATHOUSE? HOUSEBUILDER OF THE YEAR

BEST STARTER HOME

BEST RENOVATION

Hill

Gold: Thames Valley Housing Association, Russell Square, Horley, Surrey Silver: Places for People, Roman Fields, Twechar, East Dunbartonshire Bronze: Hill, 243 Ealing Road, Alperton, London HA0 Bronze: Notting Hill Housing, Camberwell Fields, Camberwell, London SE5

Gold: City & Country, King Edward VII Estate, Midhurst, West Sussex Gold: City & Country, The General, Bristol Silver: PH Property Holdings, Hulme Hall, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire Bronze: Comer Homes, Royal Connaught Park, Bushey, Hertfordshire

BEST LARGE HOUSEBUILDER – SPONSORED BY ZOOPLA PROPERTY GROUP

Gold: Redrow Silver: Berkeley Bronze: Barratt Developments Bronze: CALA

BEST MEDIUM HOUSEBUILDER

– SPONSORED BY ROCA Gold: Hill Silver: City & Country Group Bronze: Churchill Retirement Living Bronze: Weston Homes

BEST SMALL HOUSEBUILDER – SPONSORED BY ALEXANDER JAMES GROUP

Gold: London Square Silver: Spitfire Bespoke Homes Bronze: Regal Homes Bronze: Millwood Designer Homes

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR

– SPONSORED BY BRITISH GYPSUM Gold: Barratt Developments Silver: Linden Homes Bronze: Hill

HOUSING ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR – SPONSORED BY SHOW HOUSE Gold: L&Q Silver: A2Dominion Silver: North Wales Housing Bronze: Network Housing Group

– SPONSORED BY ALDERMORE

BEST HOUSE

– SPONSORED BY NHBC Gold: Q Developments, The Longfords, Teddington, London TW11 Silver: Kilpark Properties, Bronlei Woods, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey Bronze: Habitat First Group, The Water Garden, Lower Mill Estate, Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire

BEST APARTMENT SCHEME

– SPONSORED BY WARWICK ESTATES Gold: St James, Riverlight, Nine Elms, London SW8 Silver: London Square, London Square Putney, London SW15 Silver: Oakmayne Bespoke, 10 Soho Square, London W1 Bronze: Martins Properties (Chelsea), 195-197 King’s Road, London SW3

BEST LUXURY HOUSE – SPONSORED BY LAUFEN

Gold: Q Developments, Laurel Grove, Kingston upon Thames, London KT2 Silver: Searchfield Homes, Waverley House, Farnham, Surrey Bronze: CALA Homes, Glenthorne, Bentley Priory, Stanmore, London HA7 Bronze: Antler Homes, Archdale Manor, Cheam, Surrey

– SPONSORED BY ZOOPLA PROPERTY GROUP

BEST DEVELOPMENT

– SPONSORED BY SPICERHAART & NEW HOMES Gold: Hill/Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association, The Scene, Walthamstow, London E17 Silver: Habitat First Group, Lower Mill Estate, Somerford Keynes, Gloucestershire Bronze: Hopkins Homes, St Michael’s Place Bronze: Bure Place, Aylsham, Norfolk and Freeman Homes, The Avenue, Ross-onWye, Herefordshire

BEST PARTNERSHIP SCHEME

– SPONSORED BY COLLYER BRISTOW Gold: Cavanna Homes/Clinton Devon Estate, Horizon, Budleigh Salterton, Devon Silver: Hill/Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association/Waltham Forest Council, The Scene, Walthamstow, London E17 Bronze: Lovell/Stroud District Council, The Paddocks and Old Common Mews, Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire Bronze: City & Country/Millgate Homes/ CALA Homes, King Edward VII Estate, Midhurst, West Sussex

BEST LUXURY DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED BY NOLTE KITCHENS Gold: London Square, London Square Fulham, London SW6

Silver: Millgate Homes, Sundridge Park, Bromley, London BR1 Bronze: Ultrabox, The Woods, Kings Wood, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire

BEST MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT

– SPONSORED BY BEKO Gold: Hadley Mace, Greenwich Square, London SE10 Silver: Inland Homes, Drayton Garden Village, West Drayton, London UB7 Bronze: Hyde New Homes, The Barrows, Brighton

BEST SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

– SPONSORED BY GREEN LIGHTING Gold: Igloo, Four Hundred Caledonian Road, London N1 Silver: Hill/Cambridge City Council, Virido Concept Houses, Trumpington, Cambridgeshire Bronze: Radian, Exhibition Mews, Whitehill & Bordon, Hampshire

BEST RETIREMENT DEVELOPMENT

– SPONSORED BY LOCAL WORLD Gold: BEN, Lynwood Village, Sunninghill, Berkshire Silver: Renaissance Villages/Helical Bar, Durrants Village, Faygate, West Sussex Bronze: Adlington, Adlington House, Portishead, Somerset

BEST BROWNFIELD DEVELOPMENT – SPONSORED

BY ZOOPLA PROPERTY GROUP

Gold: Hill, The Scene, Walthamstow, London E17 Silver: Catalyst by Design, Portobello Square, London W10 Silver: Berkeley Homes, Holborough

Lakes, Snodland, Kent Bronze: Hyde New Homes, One Hove Park, Hove, East Sussex

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

– SPONSORED BY NICHOLLS & CLARKE GROUP Gold: Newcourt Residential, Alderbrook House, Weybridge, Surrey Silver: CALA Homes, Hurlingham House, Ascot, Berkshire Bronze: Berkeley Homes, One Tower Bridge, London SE1

BEST EXTERIOR DESIGN – SPONSORED BY COINS

Gold: Regal Homes, Banyan Wharf, London N1 Silver: Bernard Construction, The Warren Apartments, Tulse Hill, London SE27 Bronze: Octagon, The Grove Villas, Highgate, London N6

BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN –