Following on from impressive new homes sales activity in 2012, Colin Tutt, CEO of Octagon Developments Ltd, takes time out of his busy schedule to talk to WhatHouse.co.uk about his firm's plans for 2013.
Continuing in the direction that has kept the company healthy during the last few challenging years, Tutt says that Octagon will only consider land in prime locations for their new homes.
"Our price range is pitched at the very top of the luxury market, so secondary sites for our high quality product do not work for Octagon, or indeed, our clients, who want the assurance that their investment will hold up in a slow market," he said.
Octagon will be starting a busy New Year with two key developments that are already live. Kingswood Warren Park and Esher Park Avenue, both initially launched in 2012, where new show houses were recently launched to introduce the remaining properties and future phases.
At Kingswood Warren Park, a 19 acre private estate which is already attracting some major industry awards, there is a centrepiece building, the original Victorian Mansion, which Octagon is renovating and converting into eight apartments.
"We already have three early sales here, ranging from £1m-£2.5m but have commissioned a fully dressed two-bedroom apartment, which will be open for viewing from January 2. This is one of the remaining five apartments which range from one- to three-bedrooms with a price guide of £650,000 to £1.95m," said Tutt.
In the grounds of Kingswood Warren Park, Octagon is building fourteen new detached five-bedroom family homes. The first phase, already released, includes the show house designed and decorated by Hill House Interiors. Three of the new homes have already been sold, and the final phase of homes with prices starting from £2.5m, is scheduled for release in early spring.
Tutt added: "At Esher Park Avenue, just a few minutes walk from Esher High Street; we are midway through construction of a collection of 13 large townhouses and detached family villas. We had a show house launch in October 2012, and have already sold three houses. The New Year starts with the opening of a brand new show house, a second project for The L & C Company, whose first scheme helped clinch the original show house sale. The remaining houses, which are already attracting healthy attention from prospective buyers, are priced from £2.75m."
Scheduled for release in 2013 is Octagon's first development in Windsor, Long Walk Villas. Comprising nine rather grand houses with a price range starting at £2.5m, the development is positioned on the famous Long Walk, in Windsor Great Park.
"This is a really first class location overlooking the park, and just a few minutes from the charming old town centre. The five-bedroom homes will be introducing some exciting new Octagon design features including roof terraces to capture that Royal Windsor vista, and all will come with private gardens and some highly coveted garage parking.
"Octagon's bread and butter turnover is generated from the large single plot projects, and we have a fine selection already in place for 2013, where prices will range from £4.5m -£15m. All are in prime locations such as the Wentworth Estate, Virginia Water, St Georges Hill in Weybridge, Kingston Hill, the Crown Estate in Oxshott and Totteridge Village in North London. "
Finally the Octagon Bespoke division, opened in 2009, is also busy, with several projects completed and six houses currently under construction for private clients in Surrey, Essex, Berkshire and Highgate, North London.
Tutt concluded: "Our purchasers, still heavily weighted by UK domiciled residents, is also developing an excellent profile overseas, where individuals are investing in some of our most expensive properties. In fact, in conjunction with an international agent, we have planned a spring visit to selected areas of the Middle East with our 2013 portfolio, believing much of it will be of serious interest to families looking for an additional home close to London."