Inspired Homes launches Innova micro-apartment scheme in Croydon

By Bridging Loan Directory 7th November 2017

Inspired Homes has launched a new micro-apartment scheme, Innova, which will be one of the last in the town, following the council’s decision to exempt itself from office-to-residential Permitted Development rights.

Innova will see a former office building converted into new residential accommodation with a brand new contemporary façade. Spread over 16 floors, the development will comprise 197 one and two-bedroom micro-apartments, along with 38 larger one, two and three-bedroom apartments including four duplex penthouses.

Conversions are not required to meet the national space standard that normally applies to new homes, but as of September 2018, developers will be required to go through planning to convert offices into residential, meaning space standards will apply. Inspired’s 30 square metre micro-apartment is around 20 per cent more affordable than an apartment meeting the 50 square metre space standard.

A strong focus on creating outstanding communal facilities is a trademark of Inspired Homes and at Innova, residents will have access to a ninth-floor sky terrace and a Wi-Fi ready club lounge on the ground floor.

The apartments will include engineered hardwood flooring, designer kitchens with stone worktops, German-made Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware and Hansgrohe taps, Nest smart thermostats, and 1GB Hyperoptic broadband. Natural light and the feeling of space is enhanced through generous windows, with every square inch maximised using hallway-free design to deliver homes that are within reach of the average Londoner. A number of homes will be versatile, transforming a one-bedroom apartment into a two-bed using a sliding wall partition and pulldown sofa bed in the living room.

The micro show apartment has been designed by Croydon-based interior stylist and blogger, Sarah Akwisombe, in a vibrant and colourful style, using transforming furniture and a mixture of high street and independent brands, in keeping with Inspired’s #micrologic and typical buyer budgets.

Martin Skinner, pictured, CEO of Inspired Homes, said:

“Unless planning policy changes there will be no new micro-apartment schemes in Croydon, meaning this could be the last chance to buy a high quality home in Croydon at an affordable price. Innova offers the latest technology, a high specification finish and outstanding communal facilities that will make it a new residential landmark.”

Innova is located next to Croydon’s town centre and upcoming civic hub, close to all three train stations which offer services into Clapham Junction in 9 minutes, Victoria in 15 minutes, London Bridge in 17 minutes and Gatwick Airport in just 14 minutes.