Deciding where to buy or rent in the capital is a fraught undertaking at the best of times, but with the additional complications of rising prices (that feared housing market slump is still to happen), pressures including new cost-of-living issues, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our gradual emergence from a global pandemic, it can feel more difficult than ever. Perhaps that only increases the appeal of new-builds, since they simplify and even eradicate some of the problems of older properties. And top of the list given the current climate and the expense of fuel, has to be their energy-efficiency. New-build homes are almost always constructed in a fully-insulated manner which means they’re extremely good at retaining heat. They also offer buyers multiple payment options of the kind that are generally not available when buying an older property. Here are some of the most interesting and attractive new-build developments, by borough.
Wesminster
The Broadway
The Broadway is a residential complex with views of Big Ben and St James’s Park. Its official website talks of its “iconic” architecture, which is in the Art Deco style, describing it as a “modern-day masterpiece” representing the “best in urban living and true British design”. It’s formed of six towers, containing large apartments and penthouses. Below it is “wellness destination” Orchard Place, full of shops and cafés. In additional to the usual benefits of new-builds, residents are given lifetime memberships of Zipcar. In total, the project comprises 358 luxury apartments and 16 penthouses. Decorative touches include diamond-shaped windows and interiors made from marble and oak. A three-bedroom flat is currently available at £3,610,000.
The Mansion
Describing itself as a “new contemporary classic” featuring “iconic design”, The Mansion is just a hop, skip and jump from opulent New Bond Street. Inside are apartments with luxury-hotel-like interiors designed by Arney Fender Katsalidis. Bathrooms are constructed with Japanese mosaic tiles and Dornbracht brassware. The complex is situated at the perfect spot for quick access to Mayfair, Marylebone, Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus. As well as a lobby with 24/7 concierge, there’s a private garden, Residents’ Lounge and indoor swimming pool. Every apartment includes a Lutron lighting system, underfloor heating, cooling system, ribbon gas fireplaces and anti-steam bathroom mirrors. Remaining residences start at £4.85 million.
Chimes
This just-completed project contains 39 one-to-three-bedroom apartments “in the heart of London’s cultural and intellectual capital”. Chimes is near St James’s Park. Living rooms are designed with white linen painted ceilings and walls for a clean, bright atmosphere. Kitchens are finished with Davos Oak cabinets and Quartz worktops plus integrated Miele appliances (ceramic induction hob, oven, microwave, dishwasher, fridge-freezer). Communal facilities include screening room, rooftop terrace, “stretch studio” and gym and prices start at £1,550,000.
Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Kensington Row
There’s just one property left for sale at this £2billion West Kensington development. With private flats clocking in at up to £3.5 million and penthouses pushing £13 million, the Warwick Road complex is divided into sections. Thomas Earle House contains 82 apartments and penthouses, the Cityhouse Collection is made up of 14 split-level homes and Mowbray House is a collection of 11 flats and duplexes. Some of Kensington Row’s social-housing allowance has now been allocated to survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire. The last remaining home on the market is on the eighth floor of Thomas Earle House and available for £4,250,000.
80 Holland Park
Here are 25 individual homes within a five-building complex whose sleek, modern architecture is designed to be a contemporary echo of the traditional Victorian white stucco of its neighbours. Within are fully-serviced penthouses, duplexes and loft apartments (or “loft-style” as the brochure puts it). There’s a “hotel-standard” concierge and “wellness amenities” including a 16.8 metre pool, steam room, splash pool, screening room and hot-desking business lounge. If you’ve just been on an autumn/winter walk through Holland Park or Hyde Park, you can kick off your boots in the Residents’ Mud Room. A state-of-the-art gym designed by Olympic athlete, Tim Weeks, is yet another lure. A three-bedroom, three-bathroom apartment is currently on the market with Savills for just under £7 million.
Hammersmith & Fulham
Chelsea Botanica
Property developers and estate agents have never been able to resist the temptation of using the word ‘Chelsea’ to describe homes that are actually located in SW6. Chelsea Botanica is a development by Peabody and Mount Anvil made up of 133 studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. A communal garden has been designed with help from Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. An Atelier Club provides round-the-clock concierge, residents’ lounge, work-spaces and a fitness suite by Peloton. Chelsea Botanica is at the ‘register your interest’ stage, with guide-prices spanning £440,000 to £1,500,000, and was officially launched to the market this June. Interiors are “light, airy and open-plan” and the complex is just a short walk from the Thames.
Lillie Square
This project includes a range of one-to-four-bedroom apartments, including a set of “garden collection” apartments and “terrace collection” special apartments which include home offices and terraces. Although it’s billed as lying “where Kensington, Chelsea and Fulham meet”, it’s SW6 postcode places it firmly in the last of those three areas. It comes with “5-star” concierge and is set beside designer-landscaped gardens and “London’s most exclusive private residents club” the Lillie Square Clubhouse. Inside, there’s a private cinema, children’s playroom, spa and gym. Sixth floor apartments have “views across West London” and properties come with the latest in Miele appliances. There’s underfloor heating and a cooling system, and all but two apartments come with south/west-facing balconies. This ambitious regeneration project has been designed to create a distinct new neighbourhood and properties are currently on the market from £8,900.000 (four bedrooms) down to £770,000 (one bedroom).
