Sea view apartments in Newquay

Jun 20 2006

By Marsya Lennox, Property Correspondent

Landlocked Brummies have been turning their sights on the seaside for fashionable new investment opportunities. As Newquay and Cornwall have grown in popularity among incoming buyers, Midland property-hunters have been heading south west in force. "We have seen a huge increase in the number of buyers on our recent developments that have come from the Birmingham area," said Simon Scott-Nelson of Strutt & Parker's new homes arm in Exeter. Where the agency had tradition-ally targeted the buying audience in London and the south east, it was now looking to tap the spending power in the heart of England. "We are now switching our attention to the Midland buyers who don't want to miss out." An influx of keen buyers is expected at Ocean Gate, a new, upmarket scheme of 25 apartments. Being built on dramatic curving lines at a top Newquay address, the development will provide seven one bedroom apartments, 14 two bedroom layouts, two three bedroom homes and two, generous penthouses, each with three bedrooms and a duplex design plus roof terraces overlooking Fistral Beach. All the apartments come with balconies with nothing to mar the view between the building and the beach. All the residents will have access to a communal roof terrace with sun loungers and Jacuzzis and there will be a trendy bistro adjoining the scheme. Non surfing types may not be aware of Newquay's reputation as "capital" of England's surfing scene. It is now known for its variety of surf from "fast hollow waves" to quieter shores for beginners, advise Strutt & Parker. Fistral Beach is a regular venue for both national and international surfing events. Recently, the Exeter office saw a new development of 14 apartments sold out completely, off-plan in seven weeks from launch. Ocean Gate is also expected to grab early attention on its off-plan launch later this month, June 19. "We are very proud of this landmark development," added Simon Scott-Nelson. "It is being marketed at a time when Newquay and Cornwall are being credited national publicity for their investment potential and we have a number of buyers who already want to reserve off-plan." The Ocean Gate apartments are expected to go to a mix of purchasers including those after a private holiday bolt-hole and investors. Prices are to start at £195,000 for a one bedroom apartment, from £230,000 for two bedrooms and £390,000 for three bedrooms. Figures have not been released on the duplex penthouses, expected to set a new local record. Details are available from 01392 215631.