One-on-One Interview: Giles Underhill of Vision Homes

Marc Da Silva speaks to Giles Underhill of Vision Homes.

Name and business title: Giles Underhill, Director, Vision Homes.

Where is your firm developing new homes? We mainly build new homes in London. We have a portfolio of developments in SE1, a new mews development in Battersea, and further projects in Sloane Avenue, Brixton and Kensington. Outside of London we are working on plans for an exciting development in Farningham, Kent.

What types of properties are Vision Homes building? We work on a wide range of projects, from listed period conversions to luxury apartment blocks and contemporary modern houses.

How much does a property by Vision Homes cost to buy? Prices range from £250,000 to £10m.

What makes a property by Vision Homes stand out from the crowd? We have a strong focus on high specification, individual design and attention to detail, as well as the provision of cutting-edge technology. We aim to create new homes that work in actuality not just on paper, so we pay equal consideration to the look of a home as to practical solutions for living in it.

Have you noticed any particular buying trends recently? Buyers have become more amenable to striking modern designs rather than pastiche. There has been a huge increase in demand for ‘lock up and leave' second homes, and of course a continuing increase in foreign buyers at different levels across Greater London, from the Russians to the Greeks and French.

Is your company currently offering any incentives or discounts to homebuyers? No.

Which Vision Homes development potentially offers the best property investment prospects? Our houses at Page Mews in Battersea are extremely well located and we think Battersea is set for double digit growth. Our flats at Metropolis at Elephant and Castle are in the biggest re-generation area in London and will rent at 5.5% yield with very strong potential for exceptional capital growth as the five-year regeneration plan is implemented

What is Vision Homes' USP? We focus on small developments that are well designed and always of a specification above the areas' normal standard. We avoid areas with an oversupply of new build homes as a matter of course, to ensure the enduring desirability and value of our products.

Has Vision Homes ever won a What House? Award? No, we haven't yet entered the What House? Awards.