Published: Thursday, 28th May, 2009 10:00am

Life's a Beach on the Island

by Alan Bunce

Comments (0) | Print | Email

ALMOST all the available homes at continental-style Kennet Island have been sold.

Now developer St James" Homes is pressing ahead with another 234 in phase two of the scheme which will eventually consist of 1,150 houses and flats.

So far 421 of the 428 homes already built have been sold. The developer reports enquiries up 25% since Christmas with 17 sold in that period and since last July homes have sold every month.

Around 350 are occupied and two residents have moved within the scheme to larger homes.

Head of sales and marketing Deana Everingham said: 'We have found that early buyers have recommended Kennet Island to friends and relatives. That"s one of the best compliments you can get.

"We"ve also seen a number of early purchasers investing in a second property to rent out, and other investors have been keen to buy into the development too. Conventional wisdom is that buy-to-let demand is weak - but investors are identifying a real opportunity here.'

A central piazza now has its own cafe and hair salon already open with a dentist and convenience store set to open next month. The residents" car club has been a big success and buses now serve the area.