The resilience of London's property market continues to draw Hong Kong buyers looking for quality apartments, straightforward transactions, and the promise of good investment returns.
It also explains the level of interest in The Residence, a new development taking shape in leafy West Hampstead.
Due for completion in September 2014, the initial sales phase is now under way for 56 stylish homes, set around a landscaped private garden in one of northwest London's most desirable districts.
The development, which is being overseen by Regal Homes, includes one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments plus penthouses, all designed and finished to the highest specifications. A stated aim is to create a sense of beautifully crafted, contemporary luxury, while providing the comforts and convenience residents would naturally expect of a modern, city-based lifestyle.
'The main rooms in each unit have been designed 'neutrally' to create a warm, luxurious space, which buyers can mould to their own tastes,' says Rosaline Lam, senior director of Colliers International, which is in charge of sales and marketing in Hong Kong. 'Most of the apartments have an outside area and all the penthouses have either a roof terrace or balcony, with views towards The City or overlooking the park next to the development.'
In fitting out the interiors, the plan is to achieve the best quality, while allowing enough flexibility to adjust for individual preferences. Kitchens, for example, will come with white high-gloss cabinetry, quartz worktops and a full range of appliances. Effective use of the space is intended to give a 'minimalist' feel, yet with all the scope and functionality that any good cook would look for.
Each kitchen will have a stainless steel under-mounted sink and a four-ring hob. The integrated appliances, supplied by Neff/ Baumatic, will include a fridge-freezer, washing machine/dryer and dishwasher.