South Africans are showing an increasing appetite for prime central London residential property, reports Andy Collett, a director of Pam Golding Properties International Division.

With the recently launched Vizion7 development in the Highbury Project in Islington selling well with 18 sales secured to date at a capital investment of just over GBP 5 million, PGP is now marketing homes in a redevelopment of the Sir Giles Gilbert Scott Building in Whitelands Park in an exclusive area of Putney in South West London.

"Situated in the 'biltong belt' of London, where many South Africans reside, the response even prior to launch of the Whitelands Park project has been overwhelming and we have already secured the sale of a three bedroom house, with a great deal of interest from other local investors, including four other reservations." says Collett. He says interest is mainly from those who have children living in London, as well as corporate investors.

The developer is a South African, Ira Rapp of Westcity Developers, who are involved in a number of very upmarket developments such as West End Quay in Paddington and the Phillimores in Upper Kensington. Designed by the eminent architect of the renowned red telephone box, Battersea Power Station and the Tate Modern, and now meticulously restored, the iconic Grade II listed Sir Giles Gilbert Scott Building comprises 100 homes - mews houses and one, two and three bedroom apartments - situated in landscaped gardens - with a sculpture park - within a leafy 12 acre site. Prices start at GBP 285 000. While traditional features such as fireplaces, ornate windows and banisters have been retained, the homes have wooden floors, contemporary kitchens and latest appliances and uniquely styled bathrooms. Communal facilities include a gymnasium and imposing library, while car parking is available for purchase.

"This exceptional development offers a first class investment opportunity with estimated rental yields of up to 5.7 percent in an established and highly desirable residential location which also offers sound potential for corporate rentals. The strong response from the market is not surprising as this is one of London's architectural masterpieces, offering a blend of location heritage and rental potential," says Collett.

Whitelands Park is adjacent to the A3, one of the primary arterial roads into and out of central London and linked to the M25 and London's main airports and within easy access by train and tube into the city and central London. Putney itself is regarded as providing a balanced urban and rural lifestyle with the bustle of high street offset by the calm green spaces on its periphery such as Putney Common, Putney Heath leading into Wimbledon Common and Whitelands Park. Putney High Street is lined with gastropubs, cocktail bars and fashionable clothing shops.

Adds Collett: "As quintessentially English locations go, it couldn't be better as there are golf, cricket, rowing and rugby clubs moments away, not to mention the world famous All English Tennis Club and the River Thames, as well as boutique chic with Fulham, Chelsea and Wimbledon Village within easy reach."

PGP are holding exhibitions in Johannesburg at the Michelangelo Hotel on 21 April (1-6pm) and 22 and 23 April (11am-6pm) and in Cape Town at the Table Bay Hotel on 26 and 27 April (12pm-8pm).

For further details contact Lynne Spence on 021 7622617.

Ends

Issued by Gaye de Villiers
Tel: 021 6837788 or 083 325 1939
On behalf of Pam Golding Properties