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Sustainable, affordable living in Harrow

21st September 2010 Print
Emerald Green Exterior

Affordable housing has come a long way in the last 50 years and leading the way in innovation is Octavia Housing, providing affordable, contemporary and yet sustainable new homes at Emerald Green in Harrow.

Emerald Green does not compromise on style, location or value. Neither does it skimp on sustainability: the development is truly green in its aspirations and complies with Level 3 of the government’s Code for Sustainable Homes.

Andy Warman, Assistant Director at Octavia Housing, is proud of Emerald Green’s green credentials. ‘Responsible housebuilding is the way forward at all levels of the market,’ he says, ‘and sustainability is not an indulgence; indeed, it can make real savings, not only environmentally but also financially, in terms of lower bills and transport costs.

‘We believe that Emerald Green is setting the standard for affordable housing. Gone are the days when affordability meant sacrificing the quality and aspiration that everyone looks for in a home. There is no reason why affordable housing should be the poor relation in the market, and we think Emerald Green proves it.’

Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, means that the apartments at Emerald Green have been rated against such criteria as energy use and CO2 emissions, pollution, water use and management, and materials.

In addition, Level 3 homes must include features such as energy-efficient lighting, bicycle storage facilities, space for drying clothes and a room that can be used as a home office. Emerald Green’s impressive green credentials include solar-powered hot water and central heating systems (with mains-powered back-up) and rainwater harvesting, which make its apartments not only highly energy efficient but cheaper to run, too. Secure bicycle storage is provided and windows feature highly efficient double glazing.

And such green living is truly affordable. Apartments at Emerald Green, which is launched this month, are available under a shared ownership scheme. Buyers purchase 25 per cent of their apartment and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share to Octavia Housing. Over time, they may buy more shares in the property until they own it outright.

So Emerald Green’s apartments start at just £42,500 – 25 per cent of a one-bedroom property’s £170,000 market value. Two-bedroom apartments cost £56,250, or 25 per cent of the market value of £225,000 – remarkable value in such a popular area where the average price of a flat is around £200,000, especially given that at Emerald Green each apartment has its own balcony and comes with a fridge-freezer, oven, hob, extractor hood and mains-powered smoke alarm.

Emerald Green’s choice of four styles of apartment – two one-bedroom, two two-bedroom – offers something to suit everyone, from first-time buyers to downsizers. The location has been carefully chosen. Neighbouring allotments provide an attractive backdrop for the two three-storey buildings, Abigail House and Ewart House, both designed for maximum style but minimum impact on this peaceful residential neighbourhood. And proximity to the area’s superb public transport links – the borough boasts 11 tube stations and three mainline stations – further enhances Emerald Green’s environmentally friendly profile.

For sales information, visit: stagnellfox.co.uk

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Emerald Green Exterior