Fully charged! Why developers and investors are considering electric vehicles

In November, Boris Johnson spoke at the Confederation of British Industry’s conference and announced that Electric Vehicle charging points will become a legal requirement for new build homes from 2022 forward.

The new initiative is set to be another part of the current government's strategy to reduce emissions and act as a world leader on green issues. As well as new build properties having to provide charging ports, buildings that have "major renovations" will also be required to make the upgrade.

Here at Clearview Developments, we are taking the lead on this challenge. The majority of our buyers already own electric vehicles and they appreciate our development featuring suitable charging points. Other buyers stated that they are likely to make their next car an electric one. To cater to the increasing demand, our development Broadwater House in Tunbridge Wells features EV charging points for all onsite parking spaces.

According to the latest statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), October saw a staggering 73% increase in pure-electric car sales in the UK compared to the same month last year. In total, there were 106,265 new car registrations in the UK in October this year of which 15% were pure-electric cars, 7.9% were plug-in hybrids and just over 8% were full hybrids. 

It’s projected that, by the end of 2021, one in 10 new cars in the UK will be electric. This is particularly the case after the Chancellor allocated more than £1bn of the Budget of which £830m will go towards the “electrification of UK vehicles and their supply chains, to support investment in zero-emission vehicle manufacturing, battery giga-factories and the electric vehicle supply chain”. An additional £620m was allocated for public charging in residential areas and plug-in vehicle grants.

With high demand for properties in the local area that also offer sustainable aspects, it is our priority to find existing buildings that can be transformed into modern homes for today’s discerning buyers as well as investors.

Broadwater House is a stunning 19th-century mansion that was previously subdivided into five units and is currently being completely refurbished. As part of Clearview Developments’ approved planning permission, an extension is being added to create 14 tastefully designed one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

Residents will be able to enjoy bright and spacious interiors that celebrate the property’s history with neutral colour schemes, reinstated ornamental ceilings, decorative stucco and floor-to-ceiling windows. Upon entry, the carefully restored wooden entrance doors open up to the building’s foyer, greeting guests with stunning interior detailing that’s being brought back to life. This includes a newly installed staircase in the position where the original staircase was likely sited as well as the retention of some of the original fireplaces.

The newly built apartments, which are spread across three floors, will mirror the style and design of the original building, whilst offering all the modern conveniences of 21st-century living. In addition, buyers can choose from two furniture packages that offer comfort with a balanced colour palette.

Located within a conservation area, Broadwater House will spoil its residents with unrivalled tranquillity and direct access to the nearby flora and fauna as Broadwater Down features the only official, public entrance to the adjacent Hargate Forest. The forest is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and was once part of the great medieval forests of the Sussex High Weald. To this day, nature lovers can admire an incredible diversity of plants and wildlife as well as stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Similar can be said for Broadwater House itself, which will feature beautifully landscaped communal gardens.

As much as Broadwater House’s location is in close proximity to nature, it offers equally convenient access to the hustle and bustle of the local community.  The Pantiles shopping district and village area with its variety of boutique shops, restaurants, cafés and theatres is a 5-minute drive away. Those requiring regular access to London, benefit from Royal Tunbridge Wells’ railway station being a mere 10-minute drive away. The station is serviced by regular direct trains that reach London Bridge and Charing Cross stations within 60 minutes.

Families will appreciate that Broadwater Down offers a choice of nearby, highly-regarded schools, including The Mead and Rose Hill preparatory schools. Further educational institutions include Holmewood House preparatory school in Langton Green, the boys’ and girls’ grammar schools in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge as well as independent secondary schools in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Mayfield.

Investors who are interested in the new apartments at Broadwater House are invited to contact Clearview Developments on 03334442220 or visit www.broadwaterhouse.com. Prices start from £375,000.

*Jason Tema is the Director of Clearview Developments