A YouGov survey commissioned by the Home Builders Federation has shown the value of new homes over older properties. Figures in the report revealed that the average cost of upgrading a second hand home to the standard of a new build is around £45,000[1]. On average, today’s new homes are 65% more energy efficient than a Victorian home of the same size and style, thanks to modern glazing, quality insulation in roofs and walls and energy efficient boilers. At Bellway Homes’ brand new development St George’s Gate in Tooting, SW17, buyers can enjoy the traditional style of a Victorian terrace home, such as those in the surrounding South West London area, but are safe in the knowledge that their annual fuel bills can be as much as £1,410 lower than older housetypes.

Launching next month, St George’s Gate will offer a collection of two and four bedroom townhouses that are ideal for a range of buyer types, from young professionals to growing families. The development features tree-lined avenues and large open spaces, ensuring the architecture sits comfortably within this suburban area. The homes form part of the exciting redevelopment of Springfield Hospital, which will include 32 acres of new public parkland, woodland and wetlands, wildlife areas and formal gardens.

Mark Harrop, Head of Sales at Bellway Homes South London, comments: “New build homes today face much stricter build regulations than years gone by, and as a result benefit from being a much higher quality. Buyers of new homes can rest easy knowing that their bills are lower than those of older homes, and St George’s Gate is no different. Despite being aesthetically designed to fit comfortably within with the local vernacular, the homes boast thoroughly modern specification throughout, maintaining current build standards of eco-friendliness.”

The townhouses at St George’s Gate, such as the four bedroom Bartholomew house type, are ideal family homes. Set over three storeys, the home affords plenty of living space for growing families. The ground floor features the kitchen and a cloakroom, and at the rear of the property is the open plan living / dining room, with access to the garden via French doors.

The first and second floors offer two double bedrooms. The master bedroom has access to a private en suite through a walk in wardrobe dressing area, and the bedrooms on the top floor have their own bathroom facilities.

The kitchens are fully fitted with contemporary units and a range of integrated AEG appliances, including a fan oven, microwave, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. All bathrooms, en suites and cloakrooms are tiled, with white Roca sanitary ware and finished with chrome fixtures and fittings such as a heated towel rail. All homes will benefit from landscaped gardens and off-street parking, a surprising bonus for those living so close to Central London.

The perfect balance between city and suburban living, St George’s Gate benefits from a close proximity to an excellent range of local amenities. SW17 is well known for its music and comedy venues such as the Tooting Tram & Social, plus a range of stylish cafes, bars and restaurants and independent and high street retailers.

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Tooting, Clapham and Wandsworth Commons are all close by, with a variety of facilities between them including Tooting Bec Lido, the largest outdoor swimming pool in the UK, is less than two miles away.

A number of well-regarded schools, including Fircroft Primary School, Hillbrook School and Gatton VA Primary School are nearby, making the homes ideal for families. For older students, Ernest Bevin College and Burntwood Schools at secondary level and South Thames College for further education are less than one mile from home.

An ideal base for city workers, the area boasts superb transport links with underground, national rail and buses all within close proximity. Tooting Bec is less than half a mile from home, offering Northern Line services with direct journeys into Waterloo, Charing Cross, Bank and Old Street. Wandsworth Common and Earlsfield, both around 20 minutes’ walk away, provide fast and frequent trains into Waterloo, Clapham Junction and Victoria stations. Major roads are easily accessible from the development, including the A24, A3 and A23.