Investors cashing in on popularity of four-beds in Bracknell

Thu, Feb 28th 2008, 16:00

Martin Hembra, of Roman Lettings, is championing the investment potential of the four-bedroom homes at Redrow’s Imperial Heights development due to them having a good ratio of purchase price to rental income.

He said: “Personally I don’t think the difference in the cost of buying a four-bedroom home compared to a two-bedroom home is as significant as you might think when you compare it to the much-higher rental incomes that can be achieved by the larger properties. In Bracknell, and specifically at Imperial Heights, we have achieved rents of around £1,400 to £1,500 a month for the four-bedroom homes compared to around £900 to £950 for the two-bed properties, which is a big jump.

“A lot of people who we see are looking to rent a four-bedroom property in the current market, when previously the one and two-bedroom properties probably were more popular. That is partly due to the fact that there is a trend among some families to sell their homes at the moment, and rent for a year, in the hope that property prices will be lower when they come to purchase a new home.”

The good news for buy-to-let purchasers at Imperial Heights is that Martin’s company is having no trouble finding people to rent the properties they have on their books. He added:  “We are tending to find tenants in an average of about four to six weeks at Imperial Heights. It is a popular choice because many people looking to rent like the idea of a brand new home and want to be the first people to live there. It’s in a great location between Bracknell - an affordable choice for investors - and Wokingham, a desirable area which achieves higher rental values. Essentially investors can take advantage of the Bracknell market, while capitalising on the popularity of Wokingham with renters.
“The development as a whole is very attractive, with lots of greenery and superb quality homes.”
Redrow’s Imperial Heights development is part of Jennett’s Park, a joint housing venture which, as well as featuring a country park of 91 acres in the future, will also come complete with a doctor’s surgery, primary school and 10 play areas.
Approximately half of the development is set aside for open space, retained woodland and recreational areas.
There is a selection of homes available at the development, including two bedroom apartments, from £199,950, as well as four and five-bedroom houses, with prices from £334,950 to £469,950.
Just five minutes away from Bracknell and 20 minutes from Reading, the location near to the A329 Berkshire Way also gives it easy access to the M3 and M4 – perfect for commuters.
Visit Imperial Heights daily between 10am and 5.30pm to view the four show homes or for more information log on to www.redrow.co.uk/developments/view/153 or call 01344 428339.  General information about Jennett’s Park available at:  www.jennettspark.co.uk.