Leading UK home developers on inaugural trip to Middle East

The London Property Show, which is being staged by Sherwoods Independent Property Consultants, will feature a selection of new developments by these two companies, who are amongst the best-known names in UK home building.

Barratt, regarded as Britain's premier house builder, will showcase two exciting new developments. Royal Artillery Quays is a spectacular new riverside development on the south bank of the river Thames, on land once used by the Royal Woolwich Arsenal. Barratt Southern Chairman, David Pretty, says that Royal Artillery Quays represents an eastward shift of the striking modern residential development that, until now, characterised London Docklands. "Quite simply, the future is moving downstream. With most of the larger remaining sites in Docklands now under development - including some of our own major developments - the focus is now moving eastwards along the Thames Gateway."

Royal Artillery Quays will comprise a series of sleek, riverfront apartment towers, from seven to 15 stories high. They will contain over 300 one, two and three bedroom apartments, most with balconies and many with river views. There will also be a number of magnificent duplex apartments on the tower tops. The apartments' features will include fully fitted designer kitchens, fully fitted family and en-suite bathrooms, gas central heating and double glazing. All apartments will be served by lift and accessed via a CCTV monitoring system. A uniformed concierge will be available to assist residents. Private parking will be accessed through electronically controlled gates.

The existing transport infrastructure is well established, with the Blackwall Tunnel being within four miles and the Woolwich Free Ferry within sight of the development. Mainline access, with a 30-minute journey time to Central London, is under a mile away. There is a proposal to extend the Docklands Light Railway from London City Airport to Woolwich Arsenal. Excellent local shopping and leisure facilities are to be found nearby.

Central House, Barratt's City Gateway situated in Stratford, is an 11-storey building, which was formerly used as government offices. Barratt is transforming it into a sleek, ultra-modern apartment building - a landmark on the Bow Road into Central London. David Pretty says, "The success of our earlier conversion in Stratford augured well for Central House. It demonstrated just how many people wanted and needed to live in the inner city, close to their work and social amenities."

Central House offers 181 one and two bedroom apartments, with features including fully fitted kitchens and bathrooms, central heating and smoke alarms. Most apartments have large balconies. Some private parking will be available at additional cost. Transport links in the area are exceptional. Within half a mile is the new Stratford transport terminal, offering mainline, underground and, in due course, Eurostar services. Docklands Light Railway access is via the new Pudding Mill Land station and there are extensive bus routes. Road links to the City, Docklands, the M11 and the M25 are all good.

David Wilson Homes are showcasing Kingfisher Heights in Chafford Hundred. This exclusive development comprises two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom homes. An ideal location in the town of Chafford Hundred offers buyers a semi-rural location, away from the bustle of city living. Perfect for commuters, too, the development is within reach of the M25 and rail services to London.

Bernadette Evans, regional sales manager of David Wilson Homes Eastern says, "The housing market has been steadily improving over the past few years, with house prices rising at the same time as mortgage rates are falling. For any purchaser this is the ideal time to look at moving house, with new homes offering the ideal opportunity to redirect into a profitable, long-term venture."

Sherwoods Managing Director, Iseeb Ur Rehman, says, "We are very excited at the prospect of bringing two of the UK's biggest home builders to the Middle East for the first time. Both companies have well-deserved reputations for building high quality homes that serve the needs of modern home buyers. With prices starting from £110,000, we feel that the properties they are offering are competitively priced and provide excellent investment opportunities, for both the first time investor and those wishing to expand an existing portfolio. We are sure that visitors to the show will want to take advantage of these opportunities."