Newbuilds provide the key to downsizing
11th May 2018
For many people, the idea of downsizing and giving up the family home can seem like a daunting prospect. The reality is that it can be an exciting and fulfilling next step in life, as their needs and requirements change. Downsizing to a new build apartment can help free up equity, facilitate an easier lifestyle and also remove the maintenance and costly energy bills associated with larger, older houses. Downsizing also has a wider positive benefit for the property market; it frees up larger properties for families who need the additional space, something that the current Government and political parties of all colours are keen to encourage.
In the North West London enclave of Northwood, one such development that is proving popular with downsizers is The Hudson, a boutique development of nine three bedroom apartments in the leafy setting. Created by award-winning developer Fruition Properties, the gated development offers beautifully designed apartments set amongst communal gardens, with a combination of excellent local amenities and the convenience of Northwood underground station on the doorstep.
The apartments at The Hudson are expansive and light-filled, with high ceilings and larger than average proportions which resonate with buyers who are keen to downsize but still want their space. This is something that attracted locals Joseph and Janice Engel, both in their retirement years, to the development.
Janice comments: “As soon as we saw the apartment we fell in love with it. It is well designed, full of light and larger than most newbuilds, with a spacious terrace that will come into its own during the warmer months. We wanted somewhere that didn’t require any work and we had the added benefit of being able to choose our own fittings as we reserved at an early stage. The contemporary finish was exactly what we are looking for and thanks to the build warranty in place, we have peace of mind for the future.”
"The community feeling at the development is wonderful. It truly feels like home and we even have a WhatsApp Group with our neighbours."
Homes at The Hudson enjoy an outstanding specification, with sleek bathrooms and kitchens with bespoke design and luxuriously appointed materials, as well as bedrooms with ensuite facilities – including walk-in dressing rooms for most of the master bedrooms. Additional features include wet underfloor heating, oak engineered timber flooring and mood lighting. The new homes also all benefit from lift access, private and secure underground car parking, visitor’s ground level parking and basement storage units, ensuring that all details have been considered to provide an easy and hassle-free lifestyle.
Commenting on the location, Janice says: “Having lived just over a mile away, we were familiar with the area and knew that we wanted to stay here. It offers the best of both worlds, with green spaces, shops, cafes and restaurants nearby, as well as good road links and the underground station if we need to get around.”
Janice adds: “The community feeling at the development is wonderful. It truly feels like home and we even have a WhatsApp Group with our neighbours. In fact, we are so happy with our purchase that we referred several of our friends here, who are in the process of carrying out viewings.”
Further to the East in Finchley, The Halley is another development by Fruition Properties that is proving popular with downsizers. Situated just a 10 minute walk from Finchley Central station on sought-after Dollis Avenue, it comprises a mixture of nine spacious two and three bedroom apartments, with large landscaped communal gardens, private outdoor space, underground parking and lift access, creating a holistic living experience.
Close to central London yet on the cusp of open countryside and woodland, Finchley offers an appealing mixture of chain and independent shops, cafes, gastropubs and restaurants, providing every day convenience on the doorstep. Finchley enjoys excellent transport connections and open spaces, proving particularly popular with older buyers and empty nesters.
Prices at The Hudson start at £1,150,000, with just three properties remaining. Prices at The Halley start at £1,000,000 for a two bedroom apartment with three properties already reserved. To find out more about either development, please visit the developments section of our website or call +44 (0)20 3828 0128.
