The downsizing community is forming a powerful force in the property market at the moment, with Rightmove saying that one in four 55 – 64 year old sellers is planning to move to be closer to family or to get a better lifestyle.* This was the case for Rod and Jacqui Smith from Ruislip. With the children having flown the nest, they decided it was time to leave their older property with a large garden to move to a smart two-bedroom apartment at London Square’s new Eastcote scheme. The house, which Rod and Jacqui are moving from in Ruislip has been their home for the past 20 years, however the older style means that it requires considerable maintenance. They chose to buy a lock-up-and-leave style new build property at London Square Eastcote because they sought a different way of life, with the option to spend more money on travelling, going out and seeing friends. They have lived in Ruislip all their lives so a short hop over to Eastcote just five minutes away, means that they can stay close to their friends and family. Jacqui Smith, 59, an Occupational Therapist at Buckinghamshire Health Service comments:

“We are so excited for our new way of life. I can’t wait to spend more time doing hobbies, going out for dinner and socialising with our friends. Our move is mainly driven by wanting a new lifestyle but also to free up some capital so that we can take the opportunity to travel. Also, the large terrace at our new apartment means that I am not totally giving up gardening, but I can have the best of both worlds with a few plant pots and none of the hassle. Eastcote is a lovely place to live with all the local amenities we need including a doctors surgery, pub and restaurants. We are also close to Northwood Hills and Harrow. We do spend quite a bit of time in central London, so the underground lines from Eastcote will definitely come in handy.”

Rod, 47, who works for Hillingdon Council, is also interested in the strong eco-credentials of the scheme, he says:

“As a former surveyor the build quality and strong green ethic of the development really drew me to buy at London Square Eastcote. We are looking forward to living somewhere, which will require little maintenance.”

Set beyond private gates just off Eastcote High Street, London Square Eastcote is a stylish collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments. The development is also perfectly positioned just 300 metres from Eastcote underground station, served by both the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines, offering convenient transport links into central London in just half an hour. 70% of the apartments at London Square Eastcote have already sold off-plan in less than five months – with a mixture of downsizers, first-time buyers and investors looking for a smart hassle-free property in this popular corner of north-west London. The development at London Square Eastcote is just a stone’s throw from the shops and restaurants of Eastcote’s buzzing high street, which retains a unique village charm, with a wealth of independent restaurants, pubs and cafés. Interiors to the apartments will be light and bright, featuring the latest trends in contemporary London living – such as open plan living areas, underfloor heating, bespoke kitchens and bathrooms, and all the latest technology including Sky+. All of the apartments will have access to a communal garden, whilst some have their own outside space or balconies. Each comes and its own underground parking space. Rebecca Littler, Sales and Marketing Director of London Square said:

“Building stylish homes in convenient and sought-after locations, is what London Square is all about. The location and design of London Square Eastcote is perfect for downsizers because of the easy access to the high street and transport links. As Mr and Mrs Smith have found, a property such as those at Eastcote can provide the perfect balance of hassle-free living whilst still having your own piece of outside space.”

*Rightmove research