Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

Lisa Ronson, commercial director of Ronson Capital Partners, says: “The exclusivity of an SW1 post code on the north bank of the Thames, coupled with panoramic river views and an exceptional specification, makes Riverwalk a rare opportunity to buy in one of London’s top addresses.” And areas like Soho or Fitzrovia, which may not even have been considered five years ago, are being helped along by some highly credible schemes and developments, such as Fitzroy Place, an attractive complex which for the first time provided the opportunity to buy a brand new apartment with all the amenities in that area. WithMiddle Eastern buyers being particularly keen on finding lateral apartments with a large square footage, most of the new ultra luxury schemes tend to cater for their preferences, such as well- proportioned rooms, plenty of storage and air con. They usually have a minimum of three bedrooms and often four to five if possible, fitted out with the latest technology and lift access. Concierge services are a must, and leisure facilities (spa, pool and gym) are important. Car parking is also essential, preferably underground for heightened security, and storage units are popular. The newly approved £3 billion Chelsea Barracks scheme is one of the latest developments to target the Middle Eastern market. Funded by the Qatari government, the first 74 flats in three modern eight- storey blocks - topped by two level penthouses - between Pimlico Road and Chelsea Bridge Road are set to be completed by 2018. When the scheme is finished there will be 448 new apartments with prices expected to range from £2 million to £50 million. “The Qatari government is investing quite heavily in the [London property] market and funding the development of new homes, and as the nationals see the confidence that their government has in the market they feel confident to transact themselves as well,” says Collins. “So we now have huge numbers of buyers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and really the entire Middle Eastern region.”