At the time when Barratts started on this project, there wasn't very much here. However, given the strong transport links, we thought it was a good entry point into UK property, especially London property.
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| Montreal House, Canada Water |
Barratt Homes are a very reputable national builder which we think very well of. Not just their built quality, but also their focus on customer service, including looking after our interests even after the sales had been completed. Barratt stepped in to resolve an issue that a group of purchasers had with with their affiliated Lettings Agent for this Montreal House project. . We would not hesitate to recommend Barratt Homes as a builder to all parties.
Colliers
We also have high regard for Colliers. About a year ago, we approached senior people in Colliers because we faced an issue with a Lettings Agent that Colliers was closely associated with. Again, this issue was quickly resolved to our satisfaction. We highly recommend Colliers, especially for their after-sales service.
Tenant Profile at Montreal House
The development is just opposite Canada Water Tube station (Zone 2). We have had three different tenants so far. Tenant profile has been very good. In the UK, you should do proper tenant referencing before letting your unit out. Our latest tenant is a high income professional who had moved out of more expensive Central London to a less expensive location.
Our flat is currently managed by MyLondonHome, an award-winning lettings agent who has provided us with good service till date.
Rental Acheived & Capital Appreciation
Currently, we are getting more than 300pw for our 1 bedroom apartment. Foxton's tells us that the flat can fetch at least £400,000. Our purchase price was under £250,000. Sales agents continue to ask us to sell our property and the thought of selling is tempting. However, we plan to hold on because the area is still maturing, with continued regeneration. King's College is also expanding and KCL has chosen Southwark to build new facilities. The rental income stream and tenant profile is excellent.
Let's see some pictures of the flat and surroundings. The development is located just opposite the Canada Water Tube Station (Zone 2).
That odd shaped building you see in the background is the newly built Canada Water library.
Yes, this is Montreal House, Maple Quays.
At the bottom, you see the entrance to Montreal House. The building is definitely not tall, by Singapore standards! Only 6 storeys plus a common roof terrace for all residents. Where do you get 6 storey blocks in Singapore?
A view down the road.
That is the Canada Water Tube station.
Entrance to Montreal House
The purple lighting in the lift was rather unique, at least to me!
Let's take a look inside our one-bedroom flat. Take note that our unit was about 520 sq feet.
This is the kitchen area.
Our tenant created a study area in the living room for his use. We didn't provide that chair.
That is the exit to the balcony.
Dirty dishes!!
The fridge, rather empty I must say. I understand that my tenant travelled quite a bit, to the rest of Europe for business. This is again a reflection of London as a global city and regional hub.
The frozen section of the fridge. More stuff, I see.
A view of the living room from the kitchen.
The living room. Looks very lived in by now.
Look what I found on the bookshelf!
The bathroom.
The bedroom. It is of a good size.
The tenant got himself a TV set.
Happy that the tenant looks to be very comfortable.
He hanged his towels here, in the area just after you enter the flat.
This chap certainly reads a lot. Looks like a smart guy.
Views from our balcony. See what I mean when I said that this place was a stone's throw away from Canada Water?
More views from the balcony.
There are flats across the road too.
The view from the balcony, looking left as I face out.
Watching the world go by from the balcony was a very interesting experience.
Outside the Building
These are views from the other side of the building. Our unit faces the road.
The balconies. You need to be level 4 and up to be able to get water views.
Another phase of the development next to Montreal House. Slightly different design.
A playground.
The tall building behind is Ontario Point.
Ontario point reaches up to about 25 storeys. Tall buildings are still fairly uncommon in many places in London, Canary Wharf notwithstanding. Compared to the high-rise and the very high-rise flats in Singapore, you definitely do not get the claustrophobic feel here.
These buildings you see are very new and we expect them to be around for many years to come. It is highly unlikely that planning permission will be allowed for very high-rise flats, so you will NOT be seeing many tall towers. Londoners hate those tall towers, I was told.
Compared to the high-rise HDB flats we have in Singapore, this place is far less claustrophobic.
Thanks for viewing!
Go on to part 2 to look at the gym and surroundings of Montreal House
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