BORIS Johnson has promised to ‘build build build’ more affordable homes, which are bound to be tiny new flats you still can’t afford. Here’s what property developers have in mind.
Incredibly cramped and tiny
People unfairly malign the dimensions of new-build flats. There’s probably enough room to swing a cat in the minuscule living room. But don’t try it unless you hate your cat.
Unbearable marketing blurb
The new-build flat must be in ‘an exclusive, well-situated development of just 22 luxury apartments boasting spacious amenity areas’. Yeah, it’s some flats with a tiny patch of lawn next to a dodgy estate. The duck pond was just artistic licence in the brochure.
Unnerving quantities of similar flats for sale nearby
Nothing says ‘good investment’ like block after block of empty new-build flats in incongruous locations, possibly the result of Malaysian investors being duped into thinking Luton is central London.
Shiny fixtures
Kitchens must be aggressively shiny to reflect light and give the illusion of space. Floors must also be shiny because there’s no way property developers are going to put in priceless luxury items like carpet. Who do you think you are, Elizabeth Taylor?
Startlingly overpriced
Of course it’s reasonable to charge £579,950 for a two-bed flat. Cheap internal fittings don’t come cheap, you know. Hang on, yes they do. But the glossy marketing for this cost a fortune. The brochure is practically a beautiful coffee table book, although not actually true.
Not actually finished yet
Only a real nitpicker would expect the flat to have actually been built yet. That would take away the uncertainty and sense of risk that makes buying a property so exciting and enjoyable.
