Off plan, on target for The Edens in Eltham

Buying property off-plan, or before a single brick has been laid, can seem like a daunting prospect, especially given the current marketplace. However, one developer believes that finding a distinctive development, in a great location, with unique features will still provide excellent rewards to the shrewd buyer that gets in early.

South East based residential property developer Weston Homes will soon demonstrate the off-plan potential of its new Eltham development, The Edens, by holding a one-off, off-plan sales event, to kick-start interest in the scheme. The event will take place at the Holiday Inn, Black Prince Interchange, Southwold Road in Bexley on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th July from 10am to 4pm on both days.

Weston Homes is building a development of 31 energy efficient one, two and three bedroom apartments, in a relatively undiscovered part of the South East London commuter belt, that has great potential for the off-plan buyer to make gains in both value and lifestyle options.

Gareth Jacob, Sales and Marketing Director for Weston Homes, notes that the scheme's off-plan offering will make buying in the current market a much safer bet: "By locking in today's market prices for a purchase carried out in the future, the rule is that off-plan buyers can typically expect a substantially higher return on their investment in the future.

This is a great opportunity for buyers looking to get a great deal, especially since the development will not then be marketed again until the opening of the show home in late September. Despite the current market conditions, we feel that an off-plan purchase at The Edens will offer great growth potential, due to the development's many unique features. Also, off-plan buyers at The Edens will be able to take advantage of a range of options to pick the best plots, personalise and upgrade their home, adding more value."

At the special event, buyers will be able to select from the full range of properties available at The Edens, as well as pick and choose from a range of exclusive options and upgrades to items such as tiling, floorcoverings and kitchens.

Gareth Jacob notes that the development features a range of eco-friendly upgrades that will also add value to an off-plan purchase: "The Edens offers buyers something unique in that it will feature a wide variety of eco-friendly energy and water saving features, that come as standard with no extra cost. The apartments will be designed to the government's "Lifetime Homes", "Code for Sustainable Homes" and "Secured by Design" standards - meaning that the homes will meet stringent standards in water and energy efficiency, lowering potential running costs. Features such as these can only add value for buyers long-term."

The most important of these impressive environmentally friendly features is the unique NIBE Fighter Series Exhaust Air Heat Pump - an innovative renewable energy technology that re-uses waste heat generated by the inhabitants, to provide a source of energy efficient hot water and space heating via conventional radiators. The building also incorporates a high level of insulation as well as water-saving features such as dual-flush toilets and water meters. All properties will have energy efficient internal light fittings and A-Rated appliances will come as standard in all kitchens.

Gareth Jacob notes: "It is an old adage that the combination of location, specification, and price is the key to making a sound investment, and we think that we have got the combination exactly right at The Edens."

Off-plan prices at The Edens will start at around £185,000. For more information on the scheme, or to register to attend the off-plan event, visit Weston-homes.com.