From the canvas to your window: Wake up to the stunning country views which inspired Turner of Oxford

by Viv United Kingdom

Millgate, the award-winning country home developer, believes that location is paramount, making a concerted effort to select sites which are as aesthetically pleasing as possible and Hinksey Hill just outside Oxford is certainly no exception.

The four prestigious detached homes which comprise the boutique development sit proudly within a renowned location, the village of Hinksey Hill with the spectacular backdrop of the Oxfordshire countryside. This area south of Oxford is renowned for this pretty villages and yet just three miles from the sophistication of the city of Oxford and its ‘Dreaming Spires’.
Little surprise then that this was just the spot where William Turner of Oxford (1789 –1862, an English painter who specialized in watercolour landscapes, sometimes knows as just Turner of Oxford to distinguish him from his namesake) chose to paint his best known work – View of the city of Oxford from Hinksey Hill.
Changing little from Turner’s time, Hinksey Hill is blessed with large swathes of open countryside and forms part of the green belt of Oxford city with ten acres currently being converted into a woodland and flower meadow in a conservation scheme.
Indeed the appeals of Oxfordshire are riding high at present with the latest Land Registry data revealing that top end property sales in 2012 within the city’s postcodes were up 129% and 21% in rural areas. This prime residential market is being driven by good schools and a plentiful supply of classic large houses. The area is awash with a selection of top notch independent and state schools such as the world famous Dragon pre-school, Cherwell School, St Ebbe’s and Headington School which are all well regarded and popular with local families.
Sympathetically designed to blend in with the local environment, the properties designed and constructed by Millgate at Hinksey Hill do not forfeit outside space so often seen in new build developments. These homes all boast over half an acre of land which has been thoughtfully designed for ease of care with small planted borders, ample terracing and established lawns.
Rushton House at Hinksey Hill is an exceptional five bedroom detached home set within a southerly aspect plot. The house has are generously proportioned rooms set over three floors providing the ultimate in comfort and style.
The property comprises a wonderful open plan kitchen / family room which opens out to an orangery and then into the garden. A spacious hall has a further 3 reception rooms leading from it. On the first floor the master bedroom includes a dressing room and terrace out to the rear of the property. This house maximises space and goes up to a second floor with a large en-suite bedroom and a fabulous media room.
With prices from £1,875,000 contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344 or visit www.millgatehomes.co.uk for more information.

Barton Wyatt really do make parents and now kids’ dreams come true!

by Viv United Kingdom

Well known in Surrey as the premier estate agency, letting and selling only the finest homes in the county, Barton Wyatt not only make parents but now kids’ dreams come true as staff member, Jo Parris, embarks on a trip to Florida with the charity Dreamflight.

Lettings Manager Jo first became involved with Dreamflight back in 2004 when a new client was looking for a house within Virginia Water. This tenant was, and still is, group leader for the ‘Pooh Bear’ Group which partakes in the Dreamflight trip to the theme parks of Florida on an annual basis. Jo was instantly captivated and Barton Wyatt has been an avid supporter of this heart-warming charity ever since.
Keen to get even more involved, this year Jo offered to be an assistant on the 2013 flight to America leaving in October; she was invited to join the team and she is thrilled to be doing something that will make a huge difference to others. The children selected to go on Dreamflight are severely ill with problems which have made their lives so difficult that they simply deserve a special treat like this.
Once a year, 192 deserving children from all over the UK, accompanied by a team of medical carers, head to Florida to spend 10 magical days of fun and excitement with Mickey and Friends. These children could not undertake such a trip without the support of the army of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and non-medical volunteers such as Jo who care for the children 24 hours a day.
Dreamflight is not just a holiday. The children leave their families behind giving them an opportunity to discover independence, confidence and a whole new outlook on life. Often for the first time, these children realise that they are not alone in their illness. They see children around them who have also experienced illness or disability and they gain experience and enjoyment from things they never thought possible.
Jo Paris comments on her forthcoming trip:
“This is just the type of opportunity where I feel I can really make a difference. My husband is a Doctor and he is also joining us on the trip as a medic which will make it even more special for us. We are tasked with fundraising to the tune of £10,000 in order to take a ventilator with us – this is keeping us rather busy at weekends!
“The support I have had from my colleagues at Barton Wyatt has been amazing. They are very supportive with this charity and the Partners, James and Rupert Wyatt encourage my involvement wholeheartedly.”
For more information on Dreamflight visit www.dreamflight.org or if you would like to support Jo in her fundraising contact her at the Barton Wyatt office on 01344 843 000. 

New online property magazine for the over 50s, Retiremove.co.uk launches

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

A new free-to-use property and lifestyle website called Retiremove.co.uk has been launched for the over 50s.

Jane Slade, the former property editor of the Sunday Express, founded the site as a result of struggling to find up-to-date information and well-researched advice for her mother when she was seeking to downsize from her home on the south coast last year.
Jane also found that many of her time-poor friends were in the same position with older parents looking for quality accommodation that would see them through the third stage of their lives; but having nowhere to go to for impartial advice.
It is for them and her own parents that she established www.retiremove.co.uk as a free-to-access helpful haven offering information and case-study based articles on all aspects of retirement living including retirement villages, second homes, moving overseas, choosing a care home and investment property.
Retiremove is also for influencers like doctors, lawyers and religious preachers who want to offer well-informed advice to their clients, patients and parishioners.
“As we are an aging population it is more important than ever that we are well-informed about our options when it comes to how and where we want to live when we retire,” says Retiremove editor Jane Slade.
“Retiremove can be a huge benefit to people as it provides so much useful information in one place accessed by the click of a mouse; and while the special subject is property it covers many other related subjects too.
“I know from helping my own parents that there are so many issues and complexities involved as people get older and that it can be a very depressing exercise trying to fathom what to do. The process can also be incredibly emotional. When I was researching nursing homes for my father after he had become immobile through Parkinson’s Disease I nearly gave up until I found one that had a library, conservatory and a bar where he could entertain his friends – I literally cried with joy.”
Retiremove.co.uk helps to cut a swathe through some of the psychological problems older people face too such as loneliness, disability and finding love in later life. But it is also for people who want to grow old disgracefully and to discover that ageing is not all downhill;  the Mick Jagger generation is now 70 plus and there are all those baby boomers who want a different retirement from their parents. And with more and more silver surfers discovering the joys of the Internet an easy-to-navigate website means it is accessible to everyone 24 hours a day.
Retiremove is updated daily so users are the first to know about new property launches, exclusive deals and analysis from industry experts. Retiremove employs top-flight journalists and experts to provide up-to-the-minute information, exclusive tips and lots more photographic imagery than newspapers and magazines can provide. As well as property issues a wide spectrum of lifestyle issues are also featured including finance, gardening, travel and technology – not to mention a What’s On page of upcoming events and free ticket offers.
For more information about the site or to arrange an interview with the Editor contact Jane Slade on jane.slade@retiremove.co.uk.

It’s out with the old and in with the New England style at Millgate’s latest luxury development

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Known for being the best in British house building for 25 years, award-winning developers Millgate have taken their quintessential English home design one step further at their latest luxury collection in Surrey.

 

Friendly, warm and timeless, the six stunning 5 bedroom detached homes at Regency Place located in the picturesque village of Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey exemplify the way we really want to live with fresh New England style interiors courtesy of Alexander James Interior Design.

Classic design and relaxed living can go hand-in-hand as Regency Place proves with New England interiors being perfect for lovers of old Americana, taking inspiration from both colonial times and typical English style traits.
The warm and relaxed mood together with personalised details, all contribute to the look that makes Millgate homes so special. Combining wood furniture with natural fabrics is a must, but what are the most important features of these luxurious family homes that characterise this fashionable New England style?
Stacey Sibley, Creative Director of Alexander James Interior Design for Millgate explains;
“New England style is very much a relaxed natural look based on textures, mixing linens with cottons, sisal carpets on wood floors, light simple window treatments, distressed wood furniture mixed with industrial style pieces. It´s all about comfort, being able to kick back and relax.
“The basic idea behind the New England look is a cleanliness of lines, married with a taste for quality of design and natural materials. Nature, in New England terms, is pervasively beautiful and rich, providing inspiration for the house´s colour palette and decorations such as flowers and small branches – fresh or dried – shells, sand and pebbles. Materials are rigorously natural from the floors to the upholstery fabrics, stone-like granite and slate both for flooring and countertops, indoors and outdoors.
“Following the same principle, upholstery designs and prints are inspired by natural forms, such as stylised flowers and plant motives, or monogrammed linens and simple stripes. Woodwork in general is kept stylish but never over the top, often painted traditional white and in cream tones for everyday elegance.”
 Whether you yearn for the weathered charm of a Nantucket beach house or the rustic simplicity of a traditional farm house with country style accents, Regency Place boasts an interior to die for and a homely environment for the whole family to feel comfortable and at ease.
For those looking for laid back luxury nestled in a highly desirable location with generous accommodation priced from £1.45 million, contact Richard Saunders selling agents now for further information or arrange a viewing on 01737 363333 or visit http://www.richardsaunders.co.uk/ViewProperty.aspx?adid=MH947R 

Local property entrepreneur goes back to his roots to deliver top quality student accommodation

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

·         Sheffield lad, Robert Gavin of Property Horizons, launches new student accommodation

·         Luxury development in the heart of Sheffield where students are the happiest in Britain

·         30,000 extra students predicted to attend UK universities in 2013/14 say UCAS

Sheffield has long been a leading university city, hosting over 57,000 domestic and overseas students. Not only that but the National Student Survey 2012 and the Student Barometer Survey have together confirmed that the University of Sheffield is officially home to the UK’s happiest students!

A leading research university, the University of Sheffield is 13th in the UK according to the 2012-13 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. It won acclaim as the Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2011 and its Students’ Union was voted best in Britain in the National Student Survey 2012. Its latest accolade is having been ranked at the top of the Student Barometer Survey for student satisfaction in 2012 – for the second year running.

Born and bred Sheffield entrepreneur Robert Gavin, Founding Partner and Director of unique worldwide property investment company Property Horizons, welcomed the news,

“As my hometown, Sheffield has always been close to my heart. The University of Sheffield is already one of the UK’s highest ranking universities and it’s wonderful to see it given the recognition it deserves. With so many students, both domestic and international, clamouring to attend such acclaimed universities in the UK (an overall rise of 30,000 students is predicted for the 2013/14 academic year according to UCAS) this is inevitably putting pressure on existing housing stocks in cities including Sheffield.

“Given the observation in the recent Knight Frank survey that the student property sector is currently the UK’s highest yielding investment opportunity, I am really excited that Property Horizons is able to offer a wonderful new opportunity in Sheffield, allowing me to give something back to both my investors and hometown.”

Property Horizons is leading the field in tackling Sheffield’s student accommodation demands and raising the bar for quality with its stunning new development just minutes from the city’s universities and colleges.

The purpose-built accommodation, available for investment exclusively through Property Horizons, places an emphasis on high quality design and construction. With carefully planned interiors, the accommodation will feature solid wooden floors, a large gym and beautiful communal areas, as well as bedrooms and bathrooms that maximise use of space through cutting edge design.

Property Horizons’ unique approach sees the company investing its own funds into all of its investment opportunities and this Sheffield development showcases the perfect hands-off, hassle-free property investment. The opportunity features a 10% NET rental guarantee for two years, 125% developer buyback at the end of year four and a projected 66.5% return on investment in just four years. With investment from just £54,950 and only a limited number of units available, savvy investors will need to move fast to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity to give something back to the UK’s next generation of leading graduates.

Property Horizons will be at the Property Investor Show at ExCeL London on 19 and 20 April 2013, where Robert Gavin will be speaking at the seminars. If you can’t wait until then, more information can be obtained by calling Property Horizons on +44 (0) 1908 888 999, visiting www.propertyhorizons.co.uk or contacting the team on info@propertyhorizons.co.uk.

Looking for your dream house on the hill? Premium house builder Millgate has just the place…

by Viv United Kingdom

Millgate has once again brought its inimitable style to Oxfordshire in the form of the luxurious Rothermere Place, nestled in Hinksey Hill, a beautifully rural residential area 2 miles south of the centre of Oxford.

• Rothermere Place in Hinksey Hill, 2 miles south of Oxford’s ‘dreaming spires’
• Five bedroom detached country homes in a mature and secluded setting
• Good commuter links, under an hour to London and excellent local schools

These four detached country homes, featuring an impressive 4,500 sq ft of accommodation, are built to the same exceptional calibre for which Millgate is renowned and which discerning purchasers can see first-hand at the Show Home now open.
Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director at Millgate, comments:
“It’s been a real pleasure to showcase the beauty of Hinksey Hill through our latest luxury development. We understand the needs of buyers in the area and design our homes to exceed their exacting standards. The fact that we have already had two successful developments in the area is testament to this and we’re confident that it will be a similar story with our homes at Hinksey Hill.”
From the secluded, mature-tree setting and traditional façade to the contemporary internal specification, house-hunters will be enchanted by the charm and grandeur of Millgate’s homes.
Many new home builders suggest that small gardens are attractive because it ultimately means less maintenance but Millgate have thwarted this idea at Rothermere Place, providing large manicured gardens on these already generous plots perfect for children or pets to enjoy and those all-important summer barbeques!
Visitors to Rothermere Place will find a light-flooded hallway on the ground floor which provides access to a vast open-plan living space encompassing the kitchen, family room and an orangery, in addition to a separate formal drawing room, dining room, study and cloakroom. The first floor houses four bedrooms, including the master bedroom which features an en suite, dressing room and private terrace. The second floor, meanwhile, has a fifth bedroom, as well as a huge ‘bonus room’ ideal for use as a games room or playroom.
Savills Oxford Summertown has recently been appointed as selling agents for this boutique development. Director of Residential Development Sales, Karen Mole comments:
“Homes, such as the ones built at Hinksey Hill by Millgate, are certainly not ‘the norm’ in the area; to the contrary, they are the exception. They are the calibre of properties which people aspire to live in so I believe they will attract purchasers who are planning to reside in the area and enjoy a range of splendid attributes for many years to come.
“Hinksey Hill is in an ideal semi-rural area, which is close to the centre of Oxford and has good commuter links to the Capital, for city workers. Plus, with a number of excellent schools locally, catering for all ages, families will find it a desirable place to set up home.”
For those looking for a luxury house for the whole family to enjoy don’t hesitate to get in touch with Savills on 01865 269010 for more information or to book a viewing at the Show Home, open daily between the hours of 10am and 4pm. More information and an exclusive video tour can also be found at www.millgatehomes.co.uk

New Millgate homes in Wargrave sell within 24 hours of launch

by Viv United Kingdom

Wargrave, situated on a truly beautiful stretch of the River Thames, just a stone’s throw from well-to-do Henley, is a relatively unknown destination a hotspot none the less. At the end of last year Wargrave hit the Top 20 in the Daily Telegraph as a retirement hotspot for celebrities – citing Paul Daniels as a well-known resident of the village.

 And once you have visited this village it is easy to see why. Wargrave is peaceful, off the beaten track and has a charming, tranquil feel to it. Some delightful gastro pubs line the water’s edge, river boats bob around in the water and when you add in swans, ducks and weeping willows you have yourself a fabulously charming spot.
Millgate completed the first sale of their new townhouses in Wargrave within 24 hours of the show home opening last month. Millgate selected this village as it offers buyers a village environment close Maidenhead and Reading, a really terrific selection of local and private schools and very fast travel links to London and the motorways.
The lucky couple who snapped up one of the 3 bedroom homes within hours of viewing commented that: “we have been looking for a property for quite some time but instantly felt this was the right home for us.  The build quality is excellent throughout the property and the continued Customer Service from Millgate since we have moved in has been excellent.”
Wargrave benefits from quick train links into London, is so convenient forHeathrow and the terrific schooling available locally is a real draw for families. Also, it fortunately does not suffer from quite such a hefty property price tag as some of its local competitors. Zoopla data reveals that the average price on a Wargrave property in the past year was just over £491,000 whereas in better known Henley, just 3.6 miles away, the average house price was over £591,000.
In addition, award-winning Millgate have worked with the local community and even went as far as to name the estate Bird Gardens, the name of one of the oldest families in the village.
The original Bird home has been renovated by Millgate and further new homes built on the driveway to this home. One local resident went so far as to say:
“Well done Millage for preserving Ye Nest and building nice houses where the old Gleneagles Garage once stood. It is a lovely sight ……….all freshly painted with an attractive fence in front.”
Millgate’s Sales and Marketing Director, Jonathan Cranley, comments:
“When designing a new development in the heart of a village such as the project at Bird Gardens it is very important to work with the local community and to overcome any concerns they might have. We understand that living next to a building site for several months is never going to be a first choice so where we can.   We try to be understanding and courteous to our neighbours at all times.
“It was our pleasure to use the name of the former owner of this land as a mark of respect to the family. Little things like this can make a big difference to village life and we hope that we have built homes that will add to the area and bring more families into this delightful spot.”
Bird Gardens, Wargrave, Berkshire
A private collection of eight, three and four bedroom semi-detached homes located in the sought-after village of Wargrave. Built by local developers Millgate, each home offers well planned accommodation over three floors with modern design featuring stylish kitchen and bathrooms, light filled conservatories, garage, balcony and landscaped gardens.
Each luxury family home has been built to include a garage, conservatory and balcony off one of the bedrooms. The gardens are fully landscaped and this is undoubtedly one of the best residential locations in the village of Wargrave.
Price guide for the houses is from £675,000. To find out more and register your interest contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344.

Make sure that you can see the wood for the trees and choose the right home in splendid Surrey

by Viv United Kingdom

Did you know that Surrey is the most wooded county in England?

No? Well woodland covers a substantial 22.4% of Surrey, 37,564 hectares in fact, nearly double the national average of 11.8%. Box Hill for example, close to the charming town of Dorking, has the oldest untouched area of natural woodland in the UK and is one of the oldest in Europe; not surprising perhaps that it was closely guarded from the crowds keen to catch a glimpse of Wiggo whizzing past at the Olympics last year.
The South East of England is particularly rich in ancient woodlands. There are sites which have been continuously wooded since at least 1600 and can be found on the earliest reliable maps as well as many which have been woodland for much longer and may even be descended from the ‘wildwoods’ that covered Britain at the end of the last Ice Age.
Perhaps all this woodland located tantalizingly close to London is the continuing draw for individuals, couples and families alike to reside in Surrey? Adding another dimension to the immediate environment, woodlands attract large numbers of wildlife as well as offering beauty, tranquillity and privacy which makes living in the countryside so highly prized.
Inspired by this exquisite nature, Barton Wyatt, award-winning Surrey estate agent see an extraordinary number of homes with names linked to trees or woods. In fact 50% of their current sales inventory features just that: Keepers Wood, Pine Acre, Birchington, Willowbrook, and Woodbury House – the list goes on.
James Wyatt, Partner of Barton Wyatt, comments on how the great outdoors impact local house names in the Virginia Water area,
“A great number of our buyers come to the area from central London or overseas. They’re attracted to Surrey due to the short commute (42 minutes direct to Waterloo by rail), the great schools available and almost always for our beautiful countryside. There are very few days of the year where you cannot enjoy all the nature we have to offer. Whether you are into shooting, fishing, riding or perhaps more mainstream cycling, walking and flying a kite – Surrey has it all. The changes of season that can be hard to spot in London are around us every day and I particularly love this time of the year as we enter Spring, although it does appear to be dragging its heels somewhat this year!
“Virginia Water is particularly blessed, we have our own stunning lake in grounds that reach as far as Windsor Castle, locally there are many gardens that are open to the public such as The Savill Gardens and if you like golf – the courses at Wentworth are an amazing spectacle, particularly in May when the rhododendrons are out.”
So if you are looking for the perfect home in splendid Surrey, make sure you can see the wood for the trees and be inspired by one of these charming properties.
Queenswood, Sunningdale, Guide Price £4,250,000 
A magnificently restored country house with distinctive Dutch gables occupying a stunning location overlooking Sunningdale ladies course yet just a short walk from Sunningdale village centre and mainline station.
Queenswood is blessed with wonderful grounds. The garden to the rear of the property has a stone paved terrace with gradual steps down to the lawn.   A gravel path leads down the undulating lawn with steps down to the swimming pool area. Many of the trees and shrubs in the front and rear gardens are discreetly lit by an external lighting system.
The property offers wonderful family accommodation. The ground floor comprises a modern Kitchen / Breakfast room, utility, gymnasium and shower room. The reception rooms include formal drawing room, dining room, sitting room and orangery.
On the first floor the master bedroom has an en-suite and 2 dressing rooms. There are a further five bedrooms all with en-suite and a large games/cinema room.
Keepers Wood, Wentworth   £4,450,000
Keeper´s Wood is set within 0.7 acres of south facing rear gardens in a highly sought after road on the prestigious Wentworth Estate, in Virginia Water, Surrey.
The property includes marble floored entrance hall, large combined kitchen / breakfast / family area with walk-in larder and second cloakroom. Linked dining and drawing room opening onto terrace, a spacious guest cloakroom, TV end and study complete downstairs.
First floor has 4 en-suite bedrooms. The master bedroom suite is beautifully appointed and includes a centre, free standing bath, TV, bespoke twin basin vanity unit, super-sized walk in wet room and separate wc and bidet. The master bedroom has double doors with a glass Juliet balcony overlooking the rear garden
Top floor has a further bedroom, bathroom and a leisure room with mini kitchen.
Woodbury House, Wentworth Estate – £3,950,000
A unique stunning new house recently completed to an extremely high level of specification and finish, an opulent home with a fabulous design and attention to detail.
Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, second floor games room, drawing room, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast/family room, utility, double garage, beautifully landscaped gardens facing south at the rear of half an acre.
Willowbrook, Wentworth, Surrey £3,595,000
An architecturally handsome and traditional house with a stunning contemporary styled interior. A stunning open plan kitchen/breakfast/family room is the main feature of the downstairs giving a contemporary family lifestyle. On the first floor there is a generous master bedroom suite with a unique frosted glass wall to the en-suite bathroom. The other bedrooms are all of generous proportions. The house was built to a very high level of specification and finish and has been immaculately maintained during the first occupant’s ownership.
The property is approached though wrought iron electronically operated gates over a cobble driveway providing ample parking for several cars. A pathway leads down the side of the property to an expansive terrace across the rear of the house with steps leading down to a central path running down the middle of the formal upper lawns. There is also a path to the Jacuzzi tub area and a thatched breezes house for al fresco dining. From the upper lawns, the garden falls away to the Cabrera Trust Nature Reserve, a highly protected wildlife sanctuary. The garden is well enclosed by mature trees and high perimeters of rhododendron bushes, faces due south to the rear and amounts to approximately 0.65 of an acre
For more information contact Barton Wyatt on 0134 484 3000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

A decade to downsize. Finding the perfect property can be hard but Millgate has the answer

by Viv United Kingdom

Downsizing your home is not something to be taken lightly. It is very often a balance of finding a perfect, smaller version of your current home, which will still be able to house some of your much-loved furniture whilst being large enough to ensure you don’t get cabin fever.

Rightmove estimates that downsizing accounts for one in four property sales for people aged between 55 and 64 years old. The need to sell large family homes and move into smaller accommodation has become more acute recently with a number of factors putting pressure on baby boomers’ finances.
Indeed concerns over inheritance tax, pension shakes ups, contributions to retirement care and even a possible future bedroom tax on private homes is taking its toll. Not to mention children up to their eyeballs in debt with slim chance of getting onto the property ladder without the “Bank of Mum & Dad”, are making more and more empty nesters consider freeing up capital by downsizing.
And aside from the financial burden of owning and running a large family home there are also the physical practicalities. Keeping on top of the dusting in empty bedrooms, heating unused rooms and maintaining a garden big enough for the trampoline and climbing frame was hard enough at 40 let alone 60 years old!
So with all these factors to consider there are plenty of upsides to downsizing but how do you find the right property?
Well the recent opening of six luxury homes located in the heart of Surrey has proved particularly popular with downsizers. 50% of these wonderful detached homes from Millgate, an award-winning developer specializing in creating country mansions, sold to downsizers – all couple’s in their early 60’s – within three weeks of the Show Home opening.
All the couples moving to Regency Place in Walton-on-the-Hill had been looking for the perfect smaller home for a considerable time; in fact two started their search home a decade ago! 
Jonathan Cranley, Sales and Marketing Director for Millgate comments on the latest flurry of downsizer activity in Surrey,
“To have a 50% sales success in under a month is a terrific achievement for the team. Even in a difficult economic climate it reminds me that the fundamentals remain true – it’s all about the right property, in the right location, at the right price. We build homes not just houses; with our clients’ needs in mind. These new homes at Regency Place offer space and light as well as all conveniences for modern living; they are well located near the popular village of Walton-on-the-Hill yet the interior and indeed exterior are not too large to manage comfortably.”
Comprising an extensive kitchen, spacious family room and orangery, 5 bedrooms, 3 with en-suites plus a family bathroom and double garage, homes at Regency Place are available from £1,675,000. For more information contact Millgate on 0118 934 3344.

At a Glance: Dubai Marina dominates UAE property

by Georgina United Kingdom

Dubai Marina dominates the UAE property market, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s latest At a Glance, accounting for over a quarter of all property searches.

The infographic, which depicts activity on the portal over the last 12 months, shows that 27.89 per cent of searches for UAE property were targeted directly at Dubai’s canal city. The second most popular location is the desert resort Arabian Ranches, accounting for 1 in 10 searches, also located in Dubai.

Indeed, Dubai dictates international investment in the emirates, responsible for a staggering 87.06 per cent of enquiries in the last year. Its closest contender is Ras al-Khaimah, which generated just 7.11 per cent of enquiries, followed by Sharjah, which received 4.08 per cent, and Ajman, which took 1.75 per cent.

The other three emirates received no enquiries, failing to compete with the demand for Dubai property.

Nonertheless, the cities of Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are both on buyers’ wish lists, attracting the third highest (9.54 per cent) and ninth highest (3.22 per cent) number of searches on TheMoveChannel.com. But the desirability of Dubai leaves the majority of investors heading straight to the emirate’s recovering market. Indeed, Dubai accounts for 8 out of the 10 most popular search locations – and 84.6 per cent of all UAE searches on the site.

As well as the Dubai Marina, the most sought-after real estate hotspots include Jumeirah Lake Towers, International City, Dubai Sports City and Dubai Waterfront.

The At a Glance report also analyses buyer behaviour on Google over the last 12 months, showing that Dubai’s dominance is not just limited to TheMoveChannel.com: investors searched for “UAE property” a total of 654 times in the last 12 months. “Dubai property”, on the other hand, occurred in 15,200 searches. Indeed, many general UAE-related property keywords received no searches at all.

Buyers most commonly searched for “Dubai apartments” and “apartments in Dubai”. The only other type of property to appear in a significant number of searches was houses, but the term occurred in just 2,830 compared to “Dubai apartments”, which featured in 7,170. Overall Google activity was at its highest between the months of March and May 2012. During the final months of 2012, overall UAE-related searches steadily declined, although searches for “Dubai property” remained relatively steady before climbing back to peak levels in February 2013.

TheMoveChannel.com Editor Ivan Radford comments: “Dubai’s rebound from the housing crisis has been quite incredible to witness, from slump to economic safe haven in little over a year – and the At a Glance infographic confirms the sheer desirability of Dubai real estate at the start of2013. The fact that some of the most popular resorts within the emirate are still under construction is telling, as investors return to the market regardless, drawn by the appeal of Dubai Marina and other luxury developments.

“In contrast, it’s interesting to see the stark lack of enquiries in the capital Abu Dhabi, although this is partly because of a lack of properties on the market: Abu Dhabi is still one of the top 10 searched-for locations in the UAE, but with no listings in the emirate on the site at present, investors are turning to the emirate next door instead. Dubai remains the clear favourite in the UAE at all stages of the buying process, dominating Google activity, location searches on TheMoveChannel.com and the purchasing stage too.”

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.themovechannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack´s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.