Our guest blogger –Tony Wallwork, managing director of Key Estates, which developed the visionary, eco-sensitive, Linden apartments on The Beeches in West Didsbury – explains why dressing your development leads to faster sales and rentals:
‘’In a tough market, we decided to do things differently to make The Linden stand out from the glut of apartments available in the area. Calling on Loft’s home staging expertise is just one initiative that has made all the difference.
‘’Preserving The Linden’s classic 19th century frontage, but marking the development with a 21st century stamp by totally rebuilding the rear of the building, has created stunning aesthetics and eleven apartments all featuring magnificent living spaces.
‘’The development features four distinct products, including a penthouse apartment and three varieties of two bedroom apartments – including a duplex option – each designed to suit a different demographic: from professionals to young families.
‘’Initially we put the apartments on the market unfurnished, but it quickly became apparent that viewers were finding it hard to envisage how they’d live in the spaces. So, we decided to call in the experts to furnish and dress examples of each type of apartment to realise their potential.
‘’Loft was recommended to us by Philip James which has been working with the team for years. I took a leap of faith and gave Loft a free rein, simply briefing the team to deliver a sensational look to a certain budget. The results have been fantastic.
‘’We noticed an immediate difference in viewers’ reactions. They can now see in the apartments the lifestyle they aspire to, thanks to a really glossy look, courtesy of Loft. Out of the 11 apartments, only three are remaining, and some buyers decided to snap up the Loft furnishings too.
‘’Loft’s approach to the environment – with its diligent disposal of packaging – was also a real draw for us, as The Linden is an environmentally sensitive development, built to Eco Standard (very high). We’ve planted £40,000 of new trees, included £220 of public transport vouchers for buyers in the sale price, and have even installed a lawned roof top which encourages bees to pollinate the surrounding areas.
‘’Unlike many other apartments, we built The Linden 100% DDA compliant – which, for full disabled access, means wider doorways, corridors and lifts – all pleasant features for any homeowner.
‘It’s this attention to detail that makes The Linden a stand-out development and has ensured its success even in a tougher market. Key Estates will definitely be working with Loft when it comes to furnishing our next project: 17 three storey townhouses in Stalybridge.’’
