Last week in its monthly House Price Index, Halifax reported that the average UK house price was up 5.2% on the same month last year and that property values had risen by 1.6%. At £245,747, this is the first time the average price has risen over £245,000 and annual growth is the strongest for almost four years. This is reflected at North Stoneham Park where new home sales continue to thrive with more properties being reserved and completed on than we could ever have anticipated when the lockdown was introduced in March.

It’s said that all good things must come to an end and, sadly, the Government’s Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme will cease for all but first-time buyers in 2021 – however the Government has now announced there will be a brief extension of the existing scheme to cover building delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic. We’re urging all prospective purchasers to secure their new home as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Highwood has successfully handed over over its prestigious 57-bedroom care home project in New Milton to trusted care partner, Cinnamon Retirement Living. Despite facing a pause in construction and the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, Mornington Court was completed with safe working measures in place to the delight of Cinnamon.

Highwood’s proposals for redevelopment of the Old Mansion House site at North Stoneham Park have been recognised by national planning awards judges with a shortlisting for HGP Architects Limited in the Award for Best Housing Scheme (Fewer than 500 Homes) at the Planning Awards 2020.

The site management team at our extra care development in Westergate, West Sussex, has scooped the annual Highwood Health and Safety Award having consistently achieved high scores across every aspect of its on-site operations.

Highwood’s high-end 68-bedroom care home at the Botleigh Grange site in Hedge End has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence from the Considerate Constructors Scheme in recognition of our on-site compliance and consistently high build and operational standards.

Guy Hayward, who has steered Highwood so successfully as Managing Director, has formally announced his retirement following the conclusion of his five-year commitment to the Board. Steve Matthews, Highwood Construction Director, has been duly appointed to take over Guy’s role.

We’re very pleased to have given a welcome boost to families living in Romsey who have experienced particular hardship since the start of the coronavirus lockdown. We donated over £1000 in Sainsbury’s vouchers to Romsey Foodbank who worked with local schools to identify families who would most benefit from support during the lockdown and summer holidays.

If lockdown has taught us one thing, it’s to cut our cloth. The uncertainty that arrived with the global COVID-19 pandemic has led many to re-evaluate and prioritise household finances and, for those keen to make a move to a new home, there’s never better time to look at new homes that keep their running costs down. 

Highwood’s safety measures implemented in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic have had a reassuringly positive effect for visitors to our development marketing suites and show homes as well as our on-site teams. Throughout the lockdown, we’ve made a considerable effort to safeguard our visitors, customers and team and to remain compliant with Government guidance…