Research by central London estate agency, Bective, has revealed that London is currently home to the third largest available level of super-prime property market stock, with just Hong Kong and New York placing above the capital. There are an estimated 63 billionaires currently living in London accounting for 2.3% of
The award-winning Queens Quay Heat Pump Energy Centre is providing low-carbon heating to the first phases of the £250m Clydebank-based development and members of West Dunbartonshire Council, Vital Energi and Star Renewables recently gathered to celebrate the achievement at an official opening. The opening is a particularly timely showcase of
The Government is consulting on its plans to give British workers the right to request flexible working from the first day in a new job, rather than having to wait up to six months under existing legislation. Currently, an employee can make one flexible working request (for working from home
One great way to build wealth is to become a landlord. Many people don’t think of this as an option, but I’m here to tell you it most certainly is. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and that definitely applies to landlord-hood. Before you sign that rental lease, you
A selection of never-seen-before CGIs have revealed the first look inside the 60 new homes for outright purchase on offer at Edward Street Quarter, Brighton’s newest neighbourhood, which also offers ‘Grade A’ office space, cafes, retail and leisure facilities. The images show off a sleek and spacious design, contemporary features
Real estate in the UAE has experienced its strongest two years since the early 2000s, with factors such as the global COVID-19 pandemic and low USD interest rates transforming the market. Prices have been rising dramatically and supply has been unable to keep pace with demand. As the vaccine rollout
A Welsh company that has worked on many of Wales’ most iconic buildings is celebrating a key anniversary by giving to and helping charities – rather than holding a physical celebration. AB Glass, an award-winning architectural aluminium and access control specialist, marks its 30th anniversary – and will celebrate by
Rotpunkt, award-winning carbon neutral manufacturer of quality German kitchen furniture is delighted to announce its dynamic Ceiling Frame Extractor System makes the Kitchen LONGLIST, named a finalist for ‘Product of the Year’ at this year’s Designer Awards. Now in its 19th year, the Designer Awards ceremony will take place at
Grand Rapids-based Orion Construction’s CEO Roger Rehkopf has announced he is “passing the baton” as company president, while remaining CEO of the commercial construction contractor. Rehkopf has appointed VP of Pre-Construction Brad Walsh as the company’s president. In addition to Walsh, Rehkopf made the following other appointments: Kathy Ringnalda, controller
Bellway Homes has revealed the first details of its new launch – Poppy Fields at Yew Tree Gardens – at Cholsey in Oxfordshire. The homes will be built as part of the popular Yew Tree Gardens development which has already sold out. The homes at Poppy Fields will provide a
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Research by central London estate agency, Bective, has revealed that London is currently home to the third largest available level of super-prime property market stock, with just Hong Kong and New York placing above the capital. There are an estimated 63 billionaires currently living in London accounting for 2.3% of the world’s total. When analysing this number in relation to the city’s total population, Bective’s research shows that London ranks third for the highest number of billionaires per 100,000 of the local population (0.70). Just San Francisco (1.45) and Hong Kong (1.07) currently boast more billionaires per 100,000 of the local population. A clear sign that London remains one of the locations of choice for the world’s wealthiest. Bective’s research also found that London sits within the top three in terms of the availability of super-prime property stock for existing, or future, billionaire homebuyers. Bective analysed 10 global cities based on the level of homes currently for sale at the £10m mark or above. The research shows that globally, there are 1,890 homes listed for sale at the very top end of the market across these 10 global destinations. 317 of these are located in London, meaning the city currently accounts for 16.8% of this global, super-prime property stock. Just Hong Kong (904) and New York (537) are home to more £10m+ properties listed for sale, accounting for 47.8% and 28.4% of the global market respectively. In contrast, super-prime homebuyers face the toughest task in Moscow and Mumbai, with each nation accounting for just 0.1% of all super-prime properties on the market. Bective Sales Director, Craig Tonkin, commented: “It’s fair to say that the pandemic has proved more problematic for London’s super-prime market than it has for the rest of the UK market and ongoing travel restrictions have stifled demand at this very top tier since the start of last year. However, we’re now seeing signs that this is on the turn and the prime London market, as a whole, is well poised to make a swift recovery. Not only does it boast the quality of properties that appeal to the super-wealthy homebuyer, but it also has the available stock to sustain this appetite for high-end homeownership. As a result, London continues to rank as one of the dominant forces within the global, super-prime property market and the city remains an area of high interest for the world’s wealthiest homebuyers.” City Est number of billionaires 2021 Est population (metro areas and city areas) Billionaire rate – number of billionaires per 100,000 population San Francisco 48 3,313,000 1.45 Hong Kong 80 7,481,800 1.07 London 63 9,002,488 0.70 Moscow 79 12,655,000 0.62 Hangzhou 47 7,845,501 0.60 Shenzhen 68 12,592,000 0.54 New York City 99 18,823,000 0.53 Beijing 100 21,450,000 0.47 Mumbai 48 20,668,000 0.23 Shanghai 64 27,796,000 0.23 Sources Visual Capitalist MacroTrends City Property Stock Listed at £10m plus % of All Super-Prime Properties Sources Hong Kong 904 47.8% link New York City 537 28.4% link London 317 16.8% link Shanghai 59 3.1% link San Francisco 32 1.7% link Shenzhen 19 1.0% link Beijing 11 0.6% link Hangzhou 8 0.4% link Mumbai 2 0.1% link Moscow 1 0.1% link All Cities 1890 N/A
The award-winning Queens Quay Heat Pump Energy Centre is providing low-carbon heating to the first phases of the £250m Clydebank-based development and members of West Dunbartonshire Council, Vital Energi and Star Renewables recently gathered to celebrate the achievement at an official opening. The opening is a particularly timely showcase of Scottish innovation as world leaders are set to gather in Glasgow for the COP26 United Nations Conference. The £20m project, which was delivered by Vital Energi on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council will provide heating and hot water to the 23-hectare Queens Quay development which includes plans for 1,200 homes, businesses and public buildings. The initial phase connects Aurora House, the Titan Enterprise Centre, Clydebank Leisure Centre and care home, Queens Quay House. At full build out the project will deliver circa 5,705 tonnes of CO2 reduction per year due to grid decarbonisation. Scott Lutton, Vital Energi’s Operations Director – North & Scotland said, “With COP26 fast approaching it is timely that we showcase the local authorities who have successfully delivered initiatives to meet their carbon targets and are an inspiration to others. West Dunbartonshire Council have shown that it is possible to, not only deliver large carbon reduction by harnessing renewable technology, but that this heat can be delivered at a more affordable price. “One of the truly exciting things about this development is that it will continue to grow over multiple phases, increasing in scale, becoming more efficient and allowing more people, businesses and organisations to access low-carbon heat.” The energy centre houses two 2.65MW water source heat pumps which extract water from the River Clyde at a rate of 125 litres per second and use the latent heat to produce heating and hot water for the development via a 5km district heating network. Councillor Iain McLaren, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “I am extremely proud to officially open the West Dunbartonshire Energy Centre. This ambitious project has been many years in the making and it’s a pleasure to see the system up and running, providing low-carbon heat energy to so many buildings already, and with the capability of expansion throughout Clydebank. “As the world turns its eyes to the West of Scotland for COP26, and we work to agree action to try and halt the climate emergency, we are determined to do our part. This system, alongside a number of other steps taken by the Council, will help us achieve our goal to be net zero by 2045 and lead the way in tackling the climate emergency.” The network was designed to accommodate further growth, with the potential to expand beyond Queens Quay over several phases. The network has been future-proofed, and pipework has been installed to supply the forthcoming Health Centre, West College Scotland, the first 140 flats and retail units currently on site, all other homes planned for the site as well as Clydebank Library and Clydebank Town Hall. Future plans also include connections to the Golden Jubilee Hospital, Clyde Shopping Centre Dalmuir Flats, and into the town centre. Councillor Daniel Lennie, West Dunbartonshire Energy LLP Board member, said: “This fantastic system is already heating so many public buildings from the leisure centre to the care home, with the potential to expand to the Golden Jubilee and beyond. “It makes me so proud that as a Council we are showing our commitment to our net zero mission, especially because we are using our shipbuilding heritage and the Clyde – our most famous resource – to do so. “As well as taking these steps to tackle the climate emergency, we are also addressing fuel poverty for our communities and I’m sure Clydebank will see the benefits of the system for years to come.”
The Government is consulting on its plans to give British workers the right to request flexible working from the first day in a new job, rather than having to wait up to six months under existing legislation. Currently, an employee can make one flexible working request (for working from home or elsewhere, flexi-time, reduced/compressed hours, job shares, annualised/staggered hours, phased retirement) every 12 months and an employer has three months to consider whether that request can be accommodated. The consultation is seeking views on how many flexible working requests should be permitted, how quickly employers should respond, whether the business reasons for refusing such requests remains valid, requiring employers to suggest an alternative if the original request is refused, and the administrative burden for businesses. The Government supports flexible working as a key part of its ambition to ‘build back better’ from the pandemic and, recognising that such arrangements are not appropriate for all individuals or all businesses, is seeking to create a framework which encourages employee/employer conversations leading to genuine two-sided flexibility. In the consultation document the Government sets out its view that flexible working arrangements not only benefit individual employees, they can also positively impact employers by removing invisible restrictions to jobs and fostering a more diverse and more skilled workforce, improving staff wellbeing, inclusion and motivation, and reducing staff turnover and recruitment costs, leading to increased productivity and improved financial performance. IWFM’s CEO, Linda Hausmanis, said: ‘We view the Government’s intent as a positive sign that the right lessons are being learned from the home-working experiment of the past 18 months and will engage with the substance over the coming weeks. ‘Now that many more people recognise that work is an activity, not a destination, it is critical that businesses enable them to do their best work, whenever and wherever it may take place. ‘We will feed into the consultation to put forward flexible working best practice, while also guarding against unintended consequences, such as hindering career progression or creating two-tiered workforces.’ The Making Flexible Working the Default consultation is open until 1 December 2021 and can be viewed here. If you have any comments on flexible working which you would like us to consider as part of our response to the consultation, please email: policy@iwfm.org.uk Also as part of the Government’s flexible working agenda, the cross-sector Flexible Working Taskforce is to look at developing advice and best practice to support the change to new ways of working emerging from the pandemic. Focusing initially on the location aspect of flexible working, the Taskforce will consider the essential practical and legal issues around policy and procedure, contractual issues, remote working health and safety, equalities and fairness, and performance management. We will continue to monitor developments on this topic and update members on relevant outputs and outcomes.
One great way to build wealth is to become a landlord. Many people don’t think of this as an option, but I’m here to tell you it most certainly is. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and that definitely applies to landlord-hood. Before you sign that rental lease, you need to understand the incredible responsibility that comes with managing other people’s property. If you’re interested in becoming a landlord, read on for 7 things to help guide your decision. 1. Get legal right from the start If you’re thinking of renting your property, it’s a good idea to get legal help. Landlords and tenants should know the basics of their rights and responsibilities under the law. This will help you avoid significant problems. It could also help your case in the event of a dispute over the rental property and make your relationship with your tenants happier, which is good for everyone involved. 2. Obtain landlord insurance Landlord insurance is an essential piece of property protection. One of the first things you should do is obtain landlord insurance. This will help ensure that if anything does go wrong with your property, such as flooding, it can be replaced without breaking the bank. 3. Choose Your Tenants Carefully Selecting the right tenants for your property is crucial to both the success and overall return on investment of your property. The wrong tenant may cause irreparable damage to your property, While the right tenant will help you maximise the return on investment of your property. 4. Be ready for maintenance issues Landlords are responsible for the upkeep of their properties and owe it to themselves to make their properties secure and fit for habitation. This means there is a responsibility of dealing with routine maintenance and fixing problems. 5. Consider tax laws Landlords have a responsibility when it comes to paying their fair share of taxes. It’s your duty to understand these laws and fill out the necessary paperwork. 6. Make Sure You Hire the Right Property Manager Property management is a lot more than a job. The manager is the face of the property to both the tenants. Hiring the right property manager can really help your business run better. Your property manager will interact with each of them for every aspect of the property. 7. Learn about rental agreements A tenancy agreement is a legal document that conveys all rights and obligations between the landlord and a tenant. A typical rental agreement contains the rights and responsibilities of the tenants, as well as what the landlord experts, policies and situations, such as if a tenant can keep a pet, and so on. Final Thoughts Being a successful landlord takes more than just understanding the industry and its practices. You also need to have a unique skill set that sets you apart from other potential landlords. Hopefully, the content of this article is able to provide some of the help you need to get started.
A selection of never-seen-before CGIs have revealed the first look inside the 60 new homes for outright purchase on offer at Edward Street Quarter, Brighton’s newest neighbourhood, which also offers ‘Grade A’ office space, cafes, retail and leisure facilities. The images show off a sleek and spacious design, contemporary features and spectacular sea views, with an exclusive roof terrace taking centre stage. Based at Edward Street in the heart of Brighton, the development offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments, many with balconies, and an impressive communal roof terrace. Steve Eccles, Project Director at First Base, commented: “We worked with award-winning architects Buckley Gray Yeoman to design features to boost mental and physical wellbeing. The showstopper is without doubt our exclusive roof terrace which will enable residents to get to know one another, adding to the feelgood factor of living by the sea in an exciting and vibrant new community. “The largely pedestrianised new quarter with green spaces and public art installations will offer our residents more spaces to relax, get active and socialise. “For anyone looking for a contemporary home just minutes away from the seaside, the new neighbourhood at Edward Street Quarter is ideal.” Within walking distance of Brighton’s central train station, Edward Street Quarter offers residents access to the city’s cultural quarter, fabulous food scene, stunning seaside and buzzing Kemptown area. James Epps, Director of Land & New Homes and Residential Agency for Oakley Property, said: “Edward Street Quarter presents a fresh vision of contemporary urban living not seen before in the city. “The development will help meet the demands of modern life, including spaces designed for home working, premium cycle facilities and a spectacular roof terrace with views across the Brighton skyline and towards the sea.” Tom Bryant, Director, Residential Development Sales at Savills, commented: “We have already seen strong demand from a range of different buyers, all seeking a sense of community and access to the vibrancy that Brighton has to offer”. Edward Street Quarter will also comprise 125,000 sq ft of office space, as well as 20,000 sq ft of leisure, retail and hospitality facilities. The development is being jointly developed by First Base and Patron Capital Partners. All enquiries for these stunning new homes in Brighton’s newest address should be directed to Oakley Property or Savills via edwardstreetquarter.com.
Real estate in the UAE has experienced its strongest two years since the early 2000s, with factors such as the global COVID-19 pandemic and low USD interest rates transforming the market. Prices have been rising dramatically and supply has been unable to keep pace with demand. As the vaccine rollout continues and measures such as lockdowns are being eased, prices in the UAE property market will continue to rise; according to Reuters, residential property prices in Dubai rose in April-June 2021 for a second straight quarter. Ryan Mahoney (Dubai, UAE) is the CEO of Better Homes and the CEO and owner of CenCorp, both property-related businesses operating within Dubai. Tourism Dubai is one of the most visited international destinations in the world; therefore, COVID-19 related disruptions to travel impacted the market as it did in other cities around the world. Lockdowns, social distancing and travel restrictions over the past 18 months have inevitably caused a slowdown in tourism. However, as restrictions begin to be lifted and travel becomes a possibility once more, tourists are starting to return to the emirate. This is good news for the hotel industry, which has been operating back up to full capacity since the middle of May 2021. Pent-up demand has resulted in tourism numbers increasing more than expected since the end of lockdown. Many investors are now seeking prime properties at a time when demand is outweighing supply. Business Travelers In 2019 alone, more than 2.3 million people visited Dubai for business purposes. The rise of flexible working, which began as a response to the pandemic, is also potentially good news for the hotel industry. With employees and employers alike recognizing the benefits of remote working, hotels offering business hubs and facilities may find themselves busier than ever before. Short-Term Rental Growth Increased numbers of visitors for both business and leisure purposes are forecast to drive sustainable growth in the short-term rental sector in Dubai. The implementation of new technologies will help to push this growth forward as people emerge from lockdown. Technologies such as online self-check-in and virtual viewings help travelers feel safer as their contact with others is minimized. Increase in First-Time Buyers In the first two months of 2021, first-time buyer sales across the UAE increased by 62% year-on-year. The rental market has also seen an influx of new contracts. While it remains to be seen how the recovery phase post-vaccine will pan out, the signs look promising for the Dubai property market.
A Welsh company that has worked on many of Wales’ most iconic buildings is celebrating a key anniversary by giving to and helping charities – rather than holding a physical celebration. AB Glass, an award-winning architectural aluminium and access control specialist, marks its 30th anniversary – and will celebrate by renewing its commitment to charities associated with the armed forces. AB Glass was founded by managing director Alan Brayley in 1991 after he cut his teeth as an apprentice in the glass and glazing industry. He started by going door-to-door seeking work in the Swansea area and it was four years before the business moved into its first premises. Today, from its state-of-the-art, purpose built, headquarters in Swansea West Business Park, the company employs more than 40 people and supports a 20+-strong team of sub-contracted installation specialists. It has won numerous awards for its quality and environment standards as well as commitment to a number of charities. The business has worked on a host of landmark buildings in Wales including the Royal Mint Visitor Centre, the Royal College of Music and Drama, the Newport city centre campus of the University of South Wales, The Institute for Innovative Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT), and HMS Cambria in Cardiff Bay, which is now the Royal Navy’s sole reservist base in Wales. It has also worked on a number of important education institutions including the £40 million ‘super school’ in Baglan, Port Talbot, Croesyceiliog School in Cwmbran, Ysgol Carreg Hir in Briton Ferry, Dylan Thomas School in Swansea, Cefn Saeson Comprehensive School in the Afan Valley, Aberystwyth University, Swansea University’s Bay Campus and many phases of student accommodation including a landmark scheme for Fusion Student in Swansea. As it turns 30 this year, it had planned a summer barbeque. Instead, driven by the many challenges that charities have faced in the past 18 months because of COVID-19, it will donate what it would have spent on a party to a number of charities. The company has a strong affinity with the armed forces and the veterans community in this part of Wales. Alan Brayley served in the Royal Regiment of Wales and Royal Welsh for 20 years, finishing his military career as a Sergeant Major. AB Glass has also employed many ex-service personnel and helped many more in other ways. He is a big supporter of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity – the national charity of the British Army – and recently judged the Welsh Veterans Awards. In addition, he will support The Queen’s Green Canopy, a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. As Deputy Lieutenant for West Glamorgan, supporting Louise Fleet, JP, HM Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Brayley will also play a wider role in helping organise the Platinum Jubilee celebrations locally. Alan Brayley, managing director, AB Glass, said: “We have been debating how to celebrate this landmark for some time. It has been a tough period for everyone in the past 18 months due to COVID but many charities have really felt it. As such, we decided that rather than spend the money on ourselves, it would mean a lot more to help others – something that has always been central to our ethos as a company. “We will still raise a glass to what we have achieved internally. I am very proud of everything we have achieved. My colleagues and clients have always been incredibly supportive, and I would like to thank them for everything they have helped us achieve – here’s to the next 30!”
Rotpunkt, award-winning carbon neutral manufacturer of quality German kitchen furniture is delighted to announce its dynamic Ceiling Frame Extractor System makes the Kitchen LONGLIST, named a finalist for ‘Product of the Year’ at this year’s Designer Awards. Now in its 19th year, the Designer Awards ceremony will take place at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on 12th November 2021, to celebrate the best of the best and crown its winners! Reflecting on today’s desire to push design boundaries in blended living spaces, the Ceiling Frame Extractor System by Rotpunkt, is a best in class canopy-style storage solution that utilises the floors, walls and ceiling in the kitchen. Ideal for keeping herbs and spices in easy reach of the chef, this innovative hanging storage is designed to suspend from the ceiling to create extra shelving space and new planning options for the central island unit and built-in extractor. How? Rotpunkt’s ceiling frame can be made full size or custom, featuring a black metal surround, shelving and electrical containment in order to make use of the 390mm apertures specially designed for statement extractor systems that are discreet yet utilitarian. As truly hybrid solution for the kitchen, canopy-style storage has opened up an entirely new design landscape that monopolises the ceiling and is geared towards extractor fans, trailing houseplants, herbs and even cookware. Drawing the eye upwards, ceiling frames not only enhance the height of the room, they are sensitive to the native architecture of the home, while emphasising the cook zone. Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt says: “On behalf of the Rotpunkt family worldwide, I am really pleased that we have been recognised by the Designer Awards for our innovative Ceiling Frame solution, a 2021 innovation which has received a positive response industry-wide. I am very proud that it has made the shortlist for kitchen products, especially as the line between work and play continues to merge at home, and this type of hybrid furniture is answering demand for quality kitchen living that focuses on design and artistic value.” “With so much innovation in the kitchen sector right now, I want to take this opportunity to wish the nominees luck and we have everything crossed for winning results in November” says Matt.
Grand Rapids-based Orion Construction’s CEO Roger Rehkopf has announced he is “passing the baton” as company president, while remaining CEO of the commercial construction contractor. Rehkopf has appointed VP of Pre-Construction Brad Walsh as the company’s president. In addition to Walsh, Rehkopf made the following other appointments: Kathy Ringnalda, controller and office manager, as CFO; DuWayne Johnson, senior project manager, as VP Multi-Family; and Jeff Smigielski, senior project manager, as VP Construction and Logistics. “For over a decade, I have had the privilege to be part of the driving force behind constructing many of the successful businesses, entertainment and dining establishments throughout the city of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Holland, Lansing, Flint and beyond,” said Rehkopf. “While I will continue to remain CEO of Orion Construction, I trust that, under Brad’s leadership, the company will continue to thrive in enhancing Michigan’s cityscapes well into the future.” Rehkopf joined Orion Construction as part owner in 2014. With more than 35 years of experience in construction project management and business development, he has a strong background in architectural design and design build projects. Walsh joined Orion in 2015 as project manager with multi-faceted experience within the commercial construction industry. His construction knowledge spans commercial, municipal and industrial projects comprising of government, university and healthcare projects nationwide. Under his supervision and leadership, Walsh has overseen the completion of several mid-rise, mixed-use and multi-family projects, including Heritage Place, Rivers Edge and Gateway at Belknap Apartments. Additionally, he managed the construction process of many notable restaurants in downtown Grand Rapids, such as Wheelhouse, Holiday Bar, and Linear Restaurant, and Corner Bar in Rockford. “Roger has been an outstanding company president of Orion Construction throughout the past seven years, and through his leadership and vision, has contributed to the creation of much of the region’s commercial landscape,” Walsh said. “I am honored to fill Roger’s shoes as Orion’s new company president and continue to grow our footprint in West Michigan and beyond.” Since its founding in 2000, Orion Construction has managed many distinguishable multi-family, high-rise and mixed-use construction projects in the entertainment, dining, education, community, healthcare, and hotel and conference industries. Notable projects include: The Warner Building, 20 Monroe Live, Venue Tower, Spectrum Health Bridgewater, and Arena Place in downtown Grand Rapids; Hyatt Place in Lansing; MSU Student Village in East Lansing; Blue Water Convention Center, and Baker College in Port Huron; Samvardhana Motherson Reflectec (SMR) in Marysville; and The Lodge and Alpine Student Housing in Allendale.
Bellway Homes has revealed the first details of its new launch – Poppy Fields at Yew Tree Gardens – at Cholsey in Oxfordshire. The homes will be built as part of the popular Yew Tree Gardens development which has already sold out. The homes at Poppy Fields will provide a fabulous new opportunity for buyers looking to move to this sought-after area and reservations opened last weekend. The scheme will provide 108 new homes for the area and is launching with an exceptional range of homes. Two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes, as well as a select number of two-bedroom bungalows and one-bedroom apartments will be available, offering something for everyone. This large range of properties on offer at Poppy Fields means that prospective homeowners will have plenty of choice. The homes have been designed with everyone from first time buyers to families in mind, including those commuting to Oxford and London for work and those who work from home. The interiors will be spacious and full of light, with layouts designed around contemporary family life. Emma Jones, Sales and Marketing Director at Bellway Thames Valley, comments: “Cholsey is a lovely location for traditional village life. Just five minutes’ walk from Yew Tree Gardens, the village provides a variety of restaurants, shops, cafes, bars and other high street staples. The new properties at Poppy Fields will be perfectly located for enjoying the best that Cholsey and the surrounding area have to offer.” Close to the picturesque Berkshire downs, the homes provide easy access to Didcot, Reading, Oxford and London, which can be reached by train in around an hour. Cholsey station is less than a mile from Poppy Fields, while each home comes with its own garage. The surrounding countryside is perfect for hiking, running, cycling and enjoying a number of local historical landmarks. For foodies, Raymond Blanc’s Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is a 25-minute drive away. Meanwhile, for school aged children, the local area is home to several primary and secondary schools, including well-thought-of state and independent options. With demand for homes in the UK continuing to outstrip supply significantly, expectations are high that the new homes at Poppy Fields will be snapped up fast. Prices start from £355,000.
