Hertfordshire’s premier development, Image, has been named as the Best Starter home at the What House Awards? 2010. The fiercely competitive category included developments located across the UK which particularly suited the needs of first time buyers and featured entries from some of the UK’s largest and best-known housebuilders.
The prestigious accolade was presented to developer Dandara at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Friday 19th November. This success is the latest in a series of award wins which has also seen Image named as Best High Rise Development in the 2009 Daily Mail UK Property Awards.
Oscars of the housebuilding industry
The What House? Awards, widely known as the Oscars of the housebuilding industry, is now in its 29th year and is designed to celebrate the very best new homes built throughout the UK. The selection process includes the review of a written submission on the development followed by a visit from the judging panel consisting of some of the country’s leading property professionals including architects, consultants and journalists.
Exceptionally popular with first time buyers
The judges’ decision followed a visit to the development and a tour of the stylish 14th floor one bedroom show apartment. The apartment was chosen as it has proved exceptionally popular with first time buyers looking to balance value for money and practical layouts with inspiring interiors and exceptional views which will impress their friends and families.
The judges commented that they found the property to be “extremely light due to the impressive floor to ceiling windows”. The judges also commented that all of the appliances and flooring were included as part of the purchase price and that the “storage throughout is excellent with fitted wardrobes, a large hall cupboard and large bathroom cabinet all included.”
Successful shared equity scheme
The judges highlighted the financial schemes and incentives available to first time buyers at Image including Dandara’s Parent Power scheme whereby the developer pays parents 6% interest on the deposit they put down for their sons or daughter’s property. The development’s successful shared equity scheme, which requires only a 5% deposit from buyers, was also acknowledged by the judges.
In addition to Image’s overall victory in the category, Dandara’s reputation as a developer which helps first time buyers was further enhanced by its gh2o scheme in Glasgow being named as one of the runners up. The scheme which has transformed a former shipyard area on the banks of the River Clyde into a high quality residential development was honoured with a Bronze award in the category.
Michelle Harris, Sales and Marketing Director at Dandara comments: “First Time Buyers genuinely connect with Image as it offers them the stylish apartment and modern lifestyle they have always dreamed of but at a price which they can afford. The first apartments are very nearly ready to move into and we are excited to be able to welcome our customers into their new homes in time for Christmas. The What House? Award win is a fantastic achievement but we are even more proud of the new community which we are building in the heart of Hemel Hempstead.”
Image includes a total of 455 luxury apartments set in six contemporary designed buildings including an iconic 22 storey tower which provides breathtaking views across Hertfordshire.
The spacious apartments offer a central London level specification, unrivalled anywhere else in the local area. All apartments benefit from luxury interiors including fully fitted kitchens with all the latest appliances as standard as well as boutique hotel style bathrooms with contemporary sanitaryware and sleek Hansgrohe fittings. The expansive living areas benefit from floor to ceiling windows maximising the use of natural light throughout the apartments.
Furniture packages at competitive prices
All of the flooring is included in the purchase price meaning that buyers can simply furnish their properties and unpack their suitcases to move in. Mindful of the fact that many of the purchasers at Image are first time buyers who do not own furniture, Dandara has teamed up with specialist provider David Phillips to offer a range of furniture packages at competitive prices.
Set around a Piazza, Image offers residents the complete lifestyle with on-site retail facilities, a concierge and even transport to and from Hemel Hempstead station during peak hours.
Image is situated in the heart of Hemel Hempstead, a thriving town with both excellent amenities and superb transport links. The town centre is only a short walk from the development, via a newly opened footbridge, and offers a selection of popular shops, bars and restaurants. The town also has a variety of leisure facilities including cinemas, sports centres and the Snow Centre, one of the UK’s leading indoor ski attractions.
Rails services provide direct access to London Euston in 30 minutes, Shepherd’s Bush for Westfield Shopping Centre in under 40 minutes and Birmingham in only 90 minutes. For international travel both Luton Airport and Heathrow Airport are within easy reach.
Find out more about Image apartments in Hemel Hempstead
Prices for the apartments at Image start from only £160,000. For further information contact the sales and marketing suite which is open daily on Tel: 01442 838 120 or Visit the Image website
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