With research from Lloyds Bank showing that spending on household repairs and maintenance in the UK rose by 10% in 2014 to reach the highest level since 2008, buyers are increasingly turning their back on period properties in favour of low maintenance, new build homes that come ready-made to meet all the demands of modern family life.

London buyers in particular are now seeking homes that offer better value for money within short commuting distance of the city. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that Berkshire is becoming one of the Country’s prime locations for the development of luxury new build homes. Blessed with idyllic country views, quality schools and excellent transport links, the area is primed for families and young professionals in search of more living space just outside the capital.

In spite of the fact that much of the county is largely marked out as green belt, increased government backing for the development of new family homes has meant that we have seen the launch of several residential developments in Ascot and Sunningdale over the last twelve months. This is a trend that we expect to continue throughout 2016 and beyond, especially given the Chancellor’s latest decision to further relax planning laws to accommodate residential development within brownfield and other disused sites.

Those searching for a beautiful new build home will often be happy to forego exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces in favour of convenience, luxury and a more hassle-free way of life. Research from the UK Construction Index has shown that buyers of new build homes can expect to save up to £1,400 per year on energy bills when compared with buyers of older properties.

Normally sold chain free, new build homes also reduce the chance of complications when purchased direct from the developer. This not only lowers the risk (and the cost) of a sale falling through at a crucial moment, but also decreases the wait time from offer to completion almost by half.

An example of one of the major local sites in Berkshire set to launch this month is the ‘Sandringham Gate’ development from housebuilder Shanley Homes. Set in a convenient location just moments from Ascot High Street, the site is comprised of eight luxury 5-6 bedroom family homes. Priced upwards of £2m, each property is built in a tasteful, mock Victorian style and offers a high quality finish as well as all the latest home technologies.

Another similar luxury development set within walking distance of Ascot’s mainline train station is Spitfire Homes’ neo-Georgian inspired ‘Imperial Row’. The site is made up of four extensive luxury homes spanning an impressive 5,000 sq ft per unit. Spitfire Homes is renowned for the bespoke nature of its finishes and has consequently ‘future-proofed’ these stunning properties with state of the art fixtures, fittings and home appliances. Properties here offer 5-6 bedrooms, one third of an acre, close proximity to Ascot High Street and are priced around £3m.

Just 10 minutes’ drive away from Ascot is the neighbouring village of Sunningdale which has also recently been targeted for luxury residential development. One such development is Cala Homes’ ‘High Peak’ which is set conveniently close to the mainline station, as well as two of the local schools and a major Waitrose. The site is made up of both 5-6 bedroom family houses as well as state-of-the-art luxury apartments.

For more information please contact Strutt & Parker’s Sunningdale office on +44 (0)1344 989470