new homes virtual tours uk

New virtual showhome tours

Experience the magic of our showhomes from the comfort of your own home. 

With our brand new 360° virtual tours, you can walk through and explore six of our luxury showhomes - to help you find the perfect new home for you and your loved ones. 

Start your virtual showhome experience...

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Take a Virtual Tour Explore our show homes like never before

Take a stroll around our newest developments and an immersive walk through our homes, all from the comfort of your sofa.

You can even customise bathroom tiles and choose your favourite colourways in the kitchen. Scroll down to see the developments and house types you can start exploring.

Buttercup Fields

Discover Buttercup Fields, offering 2, 3, 4-bedroom beautiful homes situated in the historic market town of Shepshed, just on the outskirts of Leicestershire.

Hastings Green

Discover our new development of 2, 3, 4-bedroom homes that's in the perfect spot to enjoy everything Kirby Muxloe has to offer.

Honeysuckle Rise

Located in a beautiful village in Burton on the Wolds, with the hustle and bustle of vibrant cities not too far away, Honeysuckle Rise offers stunning 2-5 bedroom homes.

Discover Houlton, our beautiful new development of 2, 3, 4 & 5-bedroom homes in Rugby.

Lace Fields

Nestled in the thriving village of Ruddington, Lace Fields offers an excellent choice of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes, all beautifully designed inside and out.

Lime Gardens

Discover our exclusive eco-friendly development located on the edge of Sutton Bonington. With 3-5 bedroom homes available, Lime Gardens will be one of our most eco-friendly developments yet.

Prince's Place

Explore the excellent choice of 2, 3, 4 & 5-bedroom homes in Radcliffe On Trent, a charming village just outside Nottingham.

Regency Park

Step into Regency Park, tucked away on the edge of Castle Donington with 2,3 & 4-bedroom homes available.

Explore our 2, 3, 4 & 5-bedroom homes nestled in the beautiful county of Derbyshire, just on the edge of the Peak District.

Thorpebury in the Limes

Set in the new community of Thorpebury near Barkby Thorpe is excellent choice of 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom homes, all beautifully designed inside and out.

Wellington Place

Discover the beautiful development of 2, 3, 4 & 5-bedroom homes that's in the perfect spot to enjoy everything Market Harborough has to offer.

These are visual representations of our house types, there may be variations to each development or plot. Please ask our sales consultants for the house specification for the home you are interested in.

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Take a virtual tour around some of the UK's latest new homes

Blog article, contacts & related articles.

Nothing beats viewing a property in person,  but even where this is now allowed again we are still encouraging the use of virtual viewings. Virtual viewings have been popular for quite some time but there is no question that we have seen an increase in demand since the outbreak of Covid-19. Video tours bring many benefits and allow potential new home buyers to view a selection of schemes across the country in one go. This brings with it the added convenience of being able to obtain all the information they need to make an informed decision from the comfort – and security – of their own home.  Recent years have seen an increase in the quality of video footage and the technology available to us to provide the best experience for prospective buyers. In many cases, we now have the opportunity to offer virtual guided tours with an agent, bringing this viewing platform as close as possible to the ‘real deal’. With improved technology, tour types include:

• Video tours:  Video is used to guide the viewing through selected areas of a new development, apartment or show house. The tours are accessible through the online listing and while the user can stop and start the video, they cannot choose where they go. 
• Virtual video tour:  These tours provide a more interactive experience using a specially designed camera system which allows prospective buyers to navigate the property themselves using hotspots on the video.

There is no question that the rise in popularity of these tours will change the way we do business long after the pandemic has ended. Wherever you are in the world, take a tour of some of the schemes across the UK. 

Ryedale House, 58-60 Piccadilly, York – Asking price £265,000-£1,250,000 View property listing

The Penthouse at St Paul's Chambers, Caroline Street, Birmingham – Price on application View property listing

Stone Cross Mansion, Daltongate, Ulverston, Cumbria – Guide price £250,000-£600,000 View property listing

The Links, Rest Bay, Porthcawl, Glamorgan – Asking price £250,000-​£545,000 View property listing

Parklands Manor, Besselsleigh, Oxfordshire - Guide price £305,000-£1,050,000 View property listing

The Walled Garden, Sudbourne Park, Orford, Suffolk – Guide price £719,995-£750,000 View property listing

Further information

Contact Savills New Homes

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Real Estate Virtual Tours

Elevate Your Real Estate Experience with Matterport Virtual Tours!

Discover a new dimension in real estate presentation with our Matterport Virtual Tours! Immerse potential buyers in captivating, lifelike tours that bring properties to life. From stunning interiors to panoramic views, our high-definition Matterport tours offer an immersive walkthrough of homes, ensuring potential buyers experience every detail from the comfort of their screens.

Experience the future of real estate showcasing! Transform property viewings, enhance buyer engagement, and showcase listings like never before with our Matterport Virtual Tours.  360° Virtual Tours for Real Estate & Residential - Matterport creates a realistic digital twin for all types of real estate enabling clients to explore and evaluate properties with ease.

We work with property owners, developers & agents across the UK providing Virtual Tours for properties of all sizes including luxury homes 360 virtual tours. Sell properties faster with Real Estate 360 tours, avoid timewasters and unnecessary showrounds!  Contact us today to revolutionize your real estate marketing strategy!

• Get qualified viewings, clients are already sold before their first physical viewing
• Reduce showrounds & stop timewasters
• Reduce footfall of physical viewings & having to make appointments with owners
• Embed your 360 degree house tour 3D space on your website
• Includes High Definition Photos
• Add your virtual tour to portals such as Rightmove
• Use a QR Code outside of the property for passers by to scan & view the property
• Use Mattertags to highlight key areas within the tour 
• Include map & links to local services / restaurants / bars / attractions
• VR headset compatible for a fully immersive & interactive tour 

Make the best listing presentations

With a 3D virtual tour, prospective leads can do their own walkthrough of your properties from anywhere, anytime, generating higher engagement and interest.

• Sell at a 4-9% higher sales price.
• Decrease time on market by up to 31%.
• 90% of buys would be more compelled by a listing with a 3D tour.

Attract more qualified prospects by giving viewers the most complete representation of your property, filtering out those the property may not be right for while also attracting leads that are genuinely interested in your property. See how Redfin used Matterport to increase virtual walkthroughs by 600% since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

Multimedia MatterTags

Add Mattertags to your tour containing multimedia including text, images, links & video

Use   Mattertag   Posts   to   highlight   key   features   within   your   property   including   text,   images,   links   &   video. 

Using Mattertags you can link through to a brochure / menu with additional information, selection of photos, video or just text to highlight a specific service or facility within your property. Mattertags can be especially useful for ecommerce to show products within your store with a link to purchase the item online. You can also include links to your website and social media.      

Virtual Staging for residential & commercial properties

2d & 3d floor plans to showcase your property.

Tour Analytics to monitor visitors

Create and send custom analytics reports for Virtual Tours, Single Property Websites & Overall reports within your account.

Our analytics reports include:

• Total number of views
• Number of unique viewers
• Average time spent viewing the Virtual Tour
• Top referrer links
• High Definition Photos

High definition print quality 2D photos automatically generated from each scan point in the tour

When a property is scanned, the Camera is placed every 5ft to 7ft and spins 360° capturing everything within the space. With each scan we are able to generate high definition 2D photos of any area from within the tour, should you require a photo from a section of the tour then this can be created at the time the tour is created or at a later date if required.

3D interactive doll house view & top down floor plan view

Proprietary Dollhouse View shows your property in 3D how the entire property fits together. The Matterport Dolls House View sets a Matterport 3d Virtual Tour from any other product on the market. Viewers can rotate the model at any angle to fully appreciate the layout and how the property fits together.

Select between floors and glance with top-down Floorplan View of your property.

Single Property Website

Single property websites with modules that include:

• 3D Virtual Tour
• 2D Floor Plans
• Property information
• Image & video carousels
• Document uploads
• Contact details

Branded Virtual Tour Overlay

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Our energy-efficient, brand-new homes could save you up to £2,200 per year on your energy bills^, visit here  to find out more.

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Take a virtual tour of our homes

As an award-winning homebuilder, we're proud to create homes that are built to last and encourage modern family life. These are some virtual tours of our favourite homes, to see what's available near you, search for developments in your local area below.

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We design our homes with flexible living in mind, they are light, open - plan and really adaptable - every room can suite a variety of lifestyles. Which ever home you choose, you can make it your own.

Whether you are looking for your first home, or wanting to move up the property ladder, we have a range of homes to suit your needs.

Browse our 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms homes below.

2 & 3 bedroom homes

4 bedroom homes

Please note that all images are for illustrative purposes only. Final elevations of the property purchased may differ from those shown. Images include optional upgrades at additional cost. Please see our Image Disclaimer for further details.

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Our energy-efficient, brand-new homes could save you up to £2,200 per year on your energy bills^, visit here  to discover more.

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• 4 bedrooms homes

Four bedroom homes virtual tours

A selection of impressive four bedroom homes with space for the whole family to relax.

Showing developments closest to {{ query.term }}

The avondale - an elegant detached family home, with plenty of flexible living space.

The Holden - Modern family living design and charming traditional look is sure to meet all your style needs

The Hollinwood - Sash style windows give this home a delightful traditional look, and inside it is designed for busy family life

The Kirkdale - A beautiful family home, designed for modern living

The Millford - Enjoy family meals in the spacious dining kitchen that's filled with natural light

The Winstone - Magnificent detached house packed with wonderful features including a stylish open-plan kitchen

Please note that all images are for illustrative purposes only. Final elevations of the property purchased may differ from those shown. Images include optional upgrades at additional cost. Please see our Image Disclaimer for further details.

Oak Grove, Dunton, Biggleswade - Launching 2024

An exclusive new development of 37 two, three, four and five bedroom homes launching 2024. First release of Custom Build homes now available. Contact us to register your interest.

Bury Spinney, Houghton Regis - Coming 2025

An exciting scheme of 54 two, three, four and five bedroom homes launching 2025. Contact us to register your interest for the exclusive development.

Steeples Green, Eastern Green, Coventry

An exciting scheme of three, four and five bedroom homes. Contact us to register your interest for this exclusive development.

Martinshaw Meadow, Ratby, Leicestershire

An exciting scheme consisting of three, four and five bedroom homes now available. Contact us to register your interest and find out more information on this exclusive development.

Cotton Meadows, Wilstead, Bedfordshire

An exciting new development of three, four and five bedroom homes now available to reserve off plan. Contact us to book a viewing of our stunning show home or ask about our custom build homes for this exclusive new development.

Anchor Wharf, Polesworth, Warwickshire

An exclusive development of 40 two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. Contact us now to to book a viewing of our stunning show home.

Western Gate, Swindon, Wiltshire

A selection of two, three and four bedroom homes now available. Contact us today to book your viewing.

Niort Grove, Glenvale Park, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

A selection of 36 number 1, 2, 3 & 4 bedroom homes. Over 90% sold. Last few homes remaining. Book now, so you don't miss out!

St James View, Brackley, Northamptonshire

Phase 1 now sold, phase 2 coming soon.

Kingstone Grange, Kingstone, Herefordshire

Final few 4-bedroom homes remaining in the peaceful village of Kingstone, located in the upper Wye Valley.

Find Your New Home

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Virtual tours.

Would you like to have a look around our new homes from the comfort of your own sofa? Our virtual tours allow you to do just that.

Using our virtual tours, you can explore our homes as if you are there in person. Our tours allow you to see the rooms from all angles, view 3D floorplans and measure the space so you can start planning where to put your furniture!

Once you’ve taken a virtual tour, why not book a private viewing to come and visit our show homes?

All our contact details for each development can be found here .

House Type Walkthroughs

The portadown, the enfield, the kinnegad b, the katesbridge, the kellswater, the portrush, the greencastle, the kildare, the dewberry.

Some house types may vary from the one shown in our 360 tours

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These are the 10 most virtually toured homes during lockdown

Including a converted water tower in West Sussex and a London townhouse...

Virtual house viewings has increased as house-hunters continue their property search during the ongoing pandemic, and OnTheMarket has looked at the 3D tours that have been the most popular since lockdown was implemented.

Vikki Bennett, spokesperson for OnTheMarket , said: 'It's interesting, although unsurprising, that consumer engagement with virtual tours has risen considerably since the beginning of lockdown. OnTheMarket is still receiving millions of visits each week and we believe millions of people are still seriously searching for their next home.

'While many people will fancy a glimpse through the keyhole at a luxury townhouse, virtual tours have become invaluable to serious buyers.'

Take a look at the most popular homes below...

Six-bedroom townhouse, Belgravia, £28 million

Chapel Street, in the heart of London's most affluent area, has six large bedrooms, a gym, swimming pool, home cinema, a lift to every level and beautiful gardens , too. It might be one of the most spectacular homes around, but it will set you back a staggering £28 million.

This property is for sale for £28m via Rokstone at Onthemarket.com .

12-bedroom detached house, Buckinghamshire, £8.2 million

Situated in the heart of Buckinghamshire, this remarkable Tudor-style mansion manor house has 12 bedrooms, exquisite landscaped gardens, beautiful countryside views and two additional apartments on the estate. We're not surprised it made the top 10...

This property is for sale for £8.2m via Sotheby's at Onthemarket.com .

Three-bedroom end of terrace house, Gillingham, £285,000

It's not always sprawling mansions and castles that make the top 10. This new-build property, situated in Gillingham, is the cheapest home for sale on the list. It has a modern kitchen/diner, a stylish bathroom, well-manicured gardens and spacious bedrooms.

This property is on the market for £285,000 via Wards at Onthemarket.com .

Four-bedroom detached house with land, Cheshire, £995,000

This detached farmhouse is also a popular property, thanks to its sprawling land, characterful features and self-contained holiday cottage. It is countryside living at its finest.

This property is on the market for £995,000 via James Du Pavey Estate Agents at Onthemarket.com .

Four-bedroom converted water tower, West Sussex, £850,000

Over in West Sussex, this unique four-bedroom home was once a water tower. As well as being situated in an incredibly rural area, it has 1.5 acres of land, a stunning roof terrace with panoramic views, four large bedrooms and heaps of character. Tempted? You'll need £850,000 to make this home your own.

This property is on the market for £850,000 via Move Revolution at Onthemarket.com .

Three-bedroom detached cottage, Mid Devon, £550,000

How pretty is this charming Grade II listed cottage in Devon? With a traditional thatched roof, stunning wraparound countryside views and additional outbuildings, it really is a dream. Take a peek inside...

This property is on the market for £550,000 via Helmores at Onthemarket.com .

Five-bedroom converted mill, Oswestry, £500,000

On the hunt for a unique home? This five-bedroom property was once a former mill that has been updated in recent years. With five bedrooms, sprawling land and one acre gardens, it's a wonderful place for a family to move in right away. Tempted? It's still for sale...

This property is currently on the market for £500,000 via Town & Country at Onthemarket.com .

Four-bedroom penthouse, Charing Cross, £16.2 million

Over in Charing Cross, this remarkable penthouse is a Grade II listed landmark building with heaps of charm. The interior design has been created by Morpheus London, so it is incredibly stunning both inside and out. Just moments from Charing Cross station, it's the perfect city-dweller's pad.

This property is currently on the market for £16.2 million via Strutt & Parker at Onthemarket.com .

Four-bedroom detached house, North Uist, £325,000

This delightful home — which looks like a property from Grand Designs — has four large bedrooms, beautiful sea views, stables, outbuildings and Scandi-style interiors. Best of all, it's just moments from the glistening ocean.

This property is currently on the market via Galbraith at Onthemarket.com .

13-bedroom country house, Oban, £975,000

This impressive castle-like house also makes the top 10. Glencruitten House is a historically-rich baronial property, sitting on a 17-acre estate. Inside, you'll find 11 bedrooms , five bathrooms, three kitchens and a spectacular library, too. There's also a superb seating area in the grounds with far-reaching views to the Isle of Mull.

This property is on the market for £975,000 via Galbraith at Onthemarket.com .

Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.

 Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK , where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening , dog breeds , pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller , House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.  

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Available Virtual Tours - For Sale

When you’re on the hunt for a new, spectacular London home, it can be a struggle to find realistic angles and high-quality imagery which offer a true sense of space. At CBRE Residential, we provide state-of-the-art, innovative viewing technology in the form of 3D, virtual house tours, allowing you to be immersed in a walk-through experience like no other – and all without having to physically visit a residence in person. Browse all of our available properties in London with Virtual Tours below.

• Number of Bedrooms

57 Properties for sale in or near London

Wiverton Tower, Aldgate Place, London, E1

Canary Wharf Sales

• One bedroom …
• 20th Floor apartment …
• EWS1 = A1 Rating …
• Residents' gym and concierge …

Gooch House, 2 Telcon Way, London, SE10

• Two bedroom apartment …
• Two Bathrooms …

Haughmond, Woodside Grange Road, London, N12

• Purpose built block …
• 2 bedrooms …
• Great location …
• Spacious Reception room …

Pan Peninsula Square, South Quay, London, E14

• 18th Floor …
• 2 Bedroom apartment …
• 24hr concierge, gym, pool, cinema and business… …

One Crown Place, London, EC2A

Henrietta House Sales

• 941sqft 17th floor apartment …
• Private members clubhouse …
• Boutique hotel …
• 140,000 sq ft of premium office space …

10 Park Drive, Canary Wharf, London, E14

• 656 sq ft 32nd floor apartment …
• 1 bedroom …
• Open plan living area …
• Private balcony …

Higgs Yard, Loughborough Junction, SE24

• 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom brand new apartment w… …
• 818 Sq. Ft / 76 sqm …
• Pet Friendly! …
• A stones throw away from Loughborough Junct… …

*7 Davies House, Brigade Court, Southwark, SE1

• Grade II listed landmark building. …
• Comfort cooling and underfloor heating. …
• 24-hour concierge and security. …
• Gated community. …

Lafone Street, Shad Thames, London, SE1

• Refurbished throughout …
• 1 reception room …
• 2 bathrooms Lift …
• Spacious two bedroom apartment …
• Ready to move into …
• Private balcony and juliette balcony …
• Great amenity offering …

One Park Drive, Canary Wharf, London, E14

• 2 bedroom duplex penthouse …
• 3 bathrooms …
• Internal private garden …
• Residents' swimming pool …

Sun Street, City Of London, London, EC2A

• One of the largest one bedroom apartments with… …
• Residents gym …
• Residents’ 7th floor terrace …
• Comfort cooling …
• 1 Bedroom new apartment with a private balcony. …
• 551 Sq. Ft / 51 sqm …
• 806 Sq. Ft / 75 sqm …

Trafalgar Court, Wapping Wall, London, E1W

• River Views …
• South-West Facing …
• Share of Freehold …
• No ground rent …

Aldgate Place, 4 New Drum Street, Aldgate, E1

• 3 double bedroom apartment …
• 4th Floor apartment …
• Winter Garden/study …

Arniston Way, Blackwall Reach, E14

• 2 Double bedrooms …
• Open plan kitchen …
• City views …

Swift Court, Southmere, Thamesmead, London, SE2

• 3 bedroom apartment …
• Residents Parking with electrical charger (only 4… …
• Chic ensuite shower room and a bathroom …
• Open-plan kitchen …

Seacon Wharf, 4 Hutchings Street, London, E14

• Situated in a popular riverside development …
• Side river views …
• Open-plan living …
• Private south-facing balcony …
• 22nd Floor apartment …

Park Drive, Canary Wharf, London, E14

• Two balconies …
• Secure Underground Parking space …
• Thames and Greenwich views …
• Floor-to-ceiling windows and city views …

Parliament View Apartments, 1 Albert Embankment, London, SE1

Nine Elms Sales

• 2 double bedrooms …
• Built-in wardrobes …
• Main ensuite bathroom …
• Additional bathroom …

*26 Davies House, Brigade Court, Southwark, SE1

The lighterman building, 1 pilot walk, london, se10.

• 4th Floor …
• 1 Bathroom …
• Private internal garden …
• Underground parking …

One Crown Place, London*, EC2A

• 618sqft 21st floor apartment …

One Crown Place, Hackney, London*, EC2A

• 21st floor one bed apartment …
• 24 hour concierge …
• Residents’ 7th floor terrace and amenities …
• 2,990sq ft 27th floor duplex penthouse apartment …
• 1 bedroom brand new apartment with a private b… …

Swift Court, Tavy Bridge, Thamesmead, SE2

• South-facing 1 bedroom apartment …
• Top floor …
• Sunlit reception …

S1906 One Crown Place, 19 Sun Street, London, EC2A

• 628 sq.ft (58.33sq.m) …
• 19th floor apartment …
• 656 sq ft 36th floor apartment …
• Ready to move in …

Bull Inn Court, Covent Garden, WC2R

West End Sales

• Central Covent Garden location …
• 5th floor …
• 1010 sqft …
• 2nd floor …

Moor Lane, London, EC2Y

• 16th Floor …
• Residents Lounge …
• Residents Bar …
• Club Reception …

The Waterman, 5 Tidemill Sq, London, SE10

• EWS1 Certified …
• Air Conditioning …
• Close to Central Park …
• 24 Hour Concierge …

Wayfare House, North, 9 Escapade Place, E14

• Brand new apartment …
• 2 bathrooms …
• 1 Reception Room …

Parkside West, Blackwall Reach, London, E14

Arena tower, 25 crossharbour plaza, greater london, e14.

• EWS1 Cladding Certificate Pass - B1 rating …
• Iconic development …
• Incredible Views of Canary Wharf, River and O2 …
• Full Width Balcony …

West India Quay, Canary Wharf, London, E14

• Prime dockside setting …
• 17th Floor …
• 2 Modern and sunlit double bedrooms …
• 139.44 sq. m (1500.92 sq. ft.). …

Royal Captain Court, Blackwall, London, E14

• Upgraded Penthouse …
• 1,300 sq ft …
• 23rd floor penthouse …
• 3 bedrooms …

Starling Court, Southmere, 1 Nest Way, London, SE2

• 1 bedroom apartment …

Kingsway, Covent Garden, London, WC2B

• Bespoke kitchen and Miele appliances …
• Luxurious marble bathroom …
• 2 Fantastic and generous receptions …
• Contemporary and open-plan kitchen with dining… …

Millennium Drive, London, E14

• Ensuite bathroom …
• Juliette balconies …

Soho, London, W1D

• Double bedroom …
• Reception …

One Park Drive, London, E14

• Spectacular Dock and Canary Wharf Views …
• 53rd floor …
• Large Balcony offering panoramic views of Lond… …
• 1017 sq.ft Living Space …
• Set within the Canary Wharf estate …
• Custom designed open plan living area …
• 10th Floor apartment set along South Dock …
• Chic shower room boasting lovely neutral hues …

Vaughan Way, London Dock, Wapping, E1W

• Sunlit double bedroom …
• Chic bathroom …

Merino Wharf, London Dock, Wapping, Greater London, E1W

• 10th floor …
• 2 Sunlit double bedrooms …
• Chic ensuite bathroom and a shower room …
• Stunning reception with a fireplace …

Westferry Road, London, E14

• One bedroom apartment …
• 623 sq.ft / 58.71 sqm …

Pearson Square, London, W1T

• Double bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows …
• Built-in cupboards available …
• Luxe full-suite bathroom …
• Sunlit reception with room for dining …

Tudor House, One Tower Bridge, London, SE1

• 2 Modern double bedrooms …
• Fitted wardrobes available …
• Luxe ensuite shower room …
• Attractive bathroom …

Crane Court, Southmere, Thamesmead, London, SE2

• Built Complete, Available to View …
• Last few remaining 1 & 2 bedroom apartments …
• Walking distance to Crossrail Station, Abbey Wo… …
• Concierge, Resident's Lounge & Co-working space …

Capstan Square, London, Greater London, E14

• Freehold Townhouse with direct river views …
• Generously sized town house …
• En-suite to master bedroom …

Find your new home...

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Welcome to Cala’s virtual guided tours

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Think you have found your dream home, but would like to take a look around at the time to suit you, all from the comfort of your sofa? Just ask Cala.

“The Virtual Tours were excellent! It was literally the next best thing to visiting a showhome.” A recent Cala purchaser. You can explore the layout of our homes in every detail; from room sizes to our high specification, fixtures and finishes. Our sales team will be available throughout to answer all your questions, before leaving you alone to look around solo, or with a friend. Shot in high definition, the experience will make you feel just like you have already moved in.

Available at developments across the   East ,   West  and   North  of Scotland, contact your preferred development and arrange your Virtual Guided Tour today, and picture how life could be.   Exploring your next dream home is possible… Just ask Cala.

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Property Virtual Tours /

Immersive Property Marketing

The hardest part of marketing properties can be giving potential homebuyers an accurate insight of the property itself. Too often photographic work presents an unrealistic image of a room and the property’s layout.

Our 360 interactive tours or ‘walkthroughs’ allow viewers to explore each property at their own leisure, from the comfort of their own home anytime, anywhere.

With our new breed of fully Immersive 3D / 360 virtual tours, we are aiming to change the way that people view the property and the real estate industry. Our Matterport scanning technology creates a photo-realistic immersive experience, allowing prospective guests and customers to visit and explore attractions online as if they had physically stepped foot inside the venue itself.

Why use Matterport?

Panoramas, static virtual tours, photography & videos have been around for years, however we can now create fully immersive 360 property virtual tours in high resolution HDR, with clear perspective and definition that allows your customers to get a feel for your location. We have the ability to link back to estate agents webpages, viewing & booking forms and property descriptions including video and PDF’s.

Elevate your marketing with our forward thinking virtual walkthroughs.

Contact us about our property virtual viewings!

Google-ready tours

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High res photography

Online engagement /, cutting-edge tech /, 3d models /, customised branding /.

Fancy a virtual tour of your own space?

Showcase your space to potential customers without them having to step foot out the house.

Virtual tours are proven to increase engagement with your website, boosting sales and brand awareness.

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Take a 360 Virtual Tour of the latest park home models

A virtual tour is a great way to look around the stunning fully-furnished luxury park homes, in the safety of your own home.

Below is a selection currently available from our recommended manufacturers – simply choose your favourites and let Quickmove’s park finding team locate the developments that have them!

Click the model names below to enter the homes and move from room to room at your own pace…

Grand Symphony

Florence House

Bella Vista

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No-obligation advice and private park viewings

Who are we.

Quickmove help people find and buy their new park home with speed, convenience and certainty. We specialise in assisting people to buy on park home residential parks and to sell their existing properties using part exchange, avoiding all the uncertainty and up-front costs of the open market and a Quick Move!

Our services are delivered by a dedicated team of in-house property specialists, with significant experience in dealing with park operators, manufacturers, estate agents and solicitors, making the process smooth and hassle-free for everyone – most of all our customers.

Benefits of Property Part Exchange

Our customers benefit from speed, convenience and certainty. Secure your dream home without worrying about estate agents, viewings, negotiations or the risk of a sale falling through.

• Speed : Funds are transferred to suit your deadlines, whether completing immediately or waiting until your new home is ready.
• Certainty : Enjoy 100% price certainty for both your new home and the sale of your existing property.
• Security : Once a formal offer is accepted, the sale is secured (subject to survey). Our cash funds are instantly available.
• Convenience : Avoids the worry and uncertainty of selling on the open market.
• Support : A dedicated part exchange consultant supports you through the process below.

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McCartneys 3D Virtual Tours

Ever feel that one photo doesn't show everything or maybe you can't decide which angle best portrays your property?

You need not worry as McCartneys are proud to exclusively introduce virtual 3D walkthrough tours for your property to their arsenal of marketing tools. Utilising the latest 3D camera technology on the market enables McCartneys to completely map your entire home and stitch it into one seamless walkthrough tour plus the ability to produce a comprehensive floor plan at the same time. Throughout the tour you can emphasise your home's key characteristics by adding points of interest, highlighting features of the room such as "Underfloor heating".

A unique feature of the 3D tour that sets itself apart from your basic 360 degree viewing is the ability to zoom out to a 'Dolls House' view. From here the viewer is in full control, spinning the property around on its axis as though they are walking around the outside of the house or zooming in to a particular room to get a good feel for the size of it.

The virtual tours we have filmed so far have proved a real success and we know that the way people wish to view houses is changing. Videos and films are the most viewed content now on all websites, the days of a few photos and a write up are no longer enough for the consumer, and in our opinion not enough for our vendors. We want to showcase.

Key Benefits of a 3D Tour:

• Complete exposure of your whole home
• Freedom to "walk through and around the rooms"
• Unique dolls house view
• Ability to highlight important features
• Increases the quality of viewings for your property
• Saves prospective buyers time and showcases your home to its very best

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With all this virtual chat, it would be remiss of us not to mention the fact that we are now conducting both virtual valuations and viewings. To find out more about these services, please click here .

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Claire Richards to tour UK in new show ‘Everybody Dance’

Steps icon Claire Richards will tour the UK this autumn as part of new show ‘Everybody Dance’.

The ultimate dance floor party will invite audiences to a show filled with dancers and vocalists for a night of disco perfection. The intoxicating combination of Claire’s powerhouse vocals and a dynamic cocktail of dance styles including salsa, mambo, jazz, hip hop and even rollerskating. The show features hits spanning 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond, from Donna Summer to Dua Lipa, Beyonce, Chic, Chaka Kahn, The Weekend, Whitney, Cher, ABBA, Daft Punk and many more. 

Claire said “I’m excited to perform across the UK this Autumn in a brand-new show featuring everyone’s favourite dance and disco classics and modern hits. These iconic songs span the decades, from the 70s until today. I can’t wait to see you all glammed up ready for the ultimate night out later this year!”

Creative Director Stuart Glover said “This show celebrates the evolution of dance and disco music with something for all generations to enjoy. We have a multitalented cast lined up and some surprises in store. Claire is a real national treasure and her sensational voice brings this iconic music to life in a new way”

Claire Richards is best-known as one-fifth of Steps, the UK’s most successful mixed sex pop group of all time. With  Steps, Claire scored 14 top five singles, 4 number one albums, 21 million record sales, 500 million streams & embarked on 11 sold-out national arena tours.  

Outside of Steps, Claire released her first ever solo album ‘ My Wildest Dreams ’ on Sony UK in 2019 which reached #1 on iTunes and #9 on the official UK chart it also featured three Radio 2 playlisted singles including the hit On My Own.  Claire embarked on a sold-out UK tour in support of the album and was the special guest for Celine Dion’s performance at British Summertime, playing to 65,000 people in London’s Hyde Park.

More recently, Claire’s 2023 hit album ‘ Euphoria ‘ hit #2 on the official UK album chart while hitting #1 on the download, vinyl and independent album chart. Claire performed in Liverpool as the closing act at the Eurovision village on the night of the final and she continues to headline festivals in support of the album, including Mighty Hoopla and Manchester Pride in 2024.

The list of dates is:

Mon 14 Oct 2024                                               Northampton: Derngate

Tue 15 Oct 2024                                                  Cardiff: Wales Millenium Centre

Wed 16 Oct 2024                                                 Portsmouth: Kings Theatre

Sun 20 Oct 2024                                                  Halifax: Victoria Theatre

Fri 25 Oct 2024                                                    Hull: City Hall

Sun 27 Oct 2024                                                  London: Palladium

Mon 28 Oct 2024                                                  Bournemouth: Pavilion

Tue 29 Oct 2024                                                   Brighton: Centre

Wed 30 Oct 2024                                                 Southend: Cliffs Pavilion

Sat 2 Nov 2024                                                    Nottingham: Royal Concert Hall

Sun 3 Nov 2024                                                   Birmingham: Town Hall    

Wed 6 Nov 2024                                                   Salford: The Lowry

Thu 7 Nov 2024                                                    Bath: Forum

Fri 8 Nov 2024                                                      Norwich: Theatre Royal

Mon 11 Nov 2024                                                 Leeds: Grand

Tickets are on sale from 3rd May 2024 from  everybodydancelive.co.uk .

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Real Estate

The rise of virtual home tours.

Adapting to changing consumer preferences in spring real estate

In today’s dynamic real estate market, the spring season brings not only blooming flowers but also a surge of activity as buyers and sellers alike prepare to make their moves. However, in recent years, there’s been a notable shift in how consumers prefer to explore potential homes: the rise of virtual tours. 

For the LGBTQ community, these virtual experiences offer more than just convenience; they provide accessibility, safety, and inclusivity in the home buying process. 

Gone are the days of spending weekends driving from one open house to another – unless that’s your thing of course, only to find that the property doesn’t quite match expectations. With virtual tours, you can explore every corner of a home from the comfort of your own space – find something interesting? Schedule a showing with any LGBTQ Realtor at GayRealEstate.com.

This is particularly significant for LGBTQ individuals, who may face unique challenges or concerns when attending in-person showings. Whether it’s the ability to discreetly view properties without fear of discrimination or the convenience of touring homes located in LGBTQ-friendly neighborhoods across the country, virtual tours offer a sense of empowerment and control in the home buying process.

Moreover, virtual tours cater to the diverse needs of the LGBTQ community. For couples or families with busy schedules or those living in different cities or states, these digital walkthroughs provide a convenient way to view properties together without the need for extensive travel. Additionally, for individuals who may be exploring their gender identity or transitioning, virtual tours offer a low-pressure environment to explore potential living spaces without the added stress of in-person interactions.

At GayRealEstate.com , we understand the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences and leveraging technology to better serve our community. That’s why our agents offer an extensive selection of virtual tours for LGBTQ individuals and allies alike – visit our website, choose an agent and within minutes you’ll have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) via their website.

From cozy condominiums in bustling urban centers to sprawling estates in picturesque suburbs, virtual tours showcase a wide range of properties tailored to diverse tastes and lifestyles.

In addition to virtual tours, GayRealEstate.com provides comprehensive resources and support to guide LGBTQ buyers and sellers through every step of the real estate journey. Our network of LGBTQ-friendly agents is committed to providing personalized service, advocacy, and representation to ensure that all individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered throughout the process. Plus, we are happy to provide a free relocation kit to any city in the USA or Canada if you are a home buyer.

As we embrace the spring season and all the opportunities it brings in the real estate market, let’s also celebrate the power of virtual tours to revolutionize the way we find and experience our future homes. Whether you’re searching for your first apartment, forever home, or investment property, GayRealEstate.com is here to help you navigate the exciting world of real estate with confidence, pride, and inclusivity.

Jeff Hammerberg is founding CEO of Hammerberg & Associates, Inc. Reach him at [email protected] .

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Row homes, English basements and more options abound

Great question! If you are looking at real estate as an investment – two great property types to look at would be a smaller row home and also a row home that has an English basement. Some property types that you might want to stay away from would be a condo or a co-op unit. Let’s take a look at why these properties would be good and bad:

Smaller Row Home

Row homes are a great investment for many reasons. You can often find smaller two-bedroom row homes in the same price point as those of a two-bedroom condo, which might be seen as a “condo alternative” and afford you much more freedom. There are no condo associations or home owner associations that you must belong to so this keeps your monthly carrying costs on the lower end and you are allowed to make more independent decisions. For example, if you wanted to paint the house purple – in most cases you would be allowed to. If you wanted to change the color of the front door or put shutters on the windows – you would be allowed to. This is usually not the case with condo or co-ops. 

When it comes to the rental market – similarly renters like the independence of privacy in a home and not being among many other people. The luxury of perhaps direct off-street parking, outdoor space or even just more space at the same rental amount that a two bedroom condo rent would be – this is more appealing for a renter and would likely rent faster than that of a condo or co-op. For this model – you would obviously need to move out before you could take advantage of the investment of this type of real estate.

A row home with an English basement 

With this type of real estate you can immediately begin receiving income after your purchase. You can occupy the upstairs of the row home, which is usually the larger portion of the home, or you could even occupy the basement, which is usually the 1-2 bedroom smaller portion of the home and receive rental income for the other half of the home. This can be in the way of a yearly traditional tenant or in the manner of short-term rentals (check with the most recent STR policies within the District). With this model, you stand to make even more of a return on your investment upon your move out of the home as you can rent the entire home or you can rent the top unit and basement unit independently to gross a larger amount of income. It is important to note that it is never advised to purchase a row home unless you can fully afford it WITHOUT the idea of accepting additional rental income to offset the mortgage cost.

These two options listed above are the most typical found within the District because they are fee simple, standalone pieces of real estate and are not within a condo association, HOA, or a co-op with governing documents that tell you what you can and cannot do which makes row homes an attractive type of real estate for a long-term hold.

When looking at types of properties that you might want to stay away from – condos and co-ops come to mind and I say this with a caveat. You can surely purchase these types of real estate but must first understand the in’s and out’s of their governing documents. Condos are bound by the governing condominium documents which will tell you for how long your lease must be, a minimum of lease days, you can only rent after you have lived in the residence for a number of years, likely will stipulate no transient housing – which means no short term rentals. It could also quite possibly say that you can only rent for a specific amount of time and lastly it will also stipulate that only a specific amount of people can rent at one time in order to stay below the regulated lending requirements set forth by Fannie and Freddie Mac. Similarly, Co-ops are even more strict – they can tell you that you are just not able to rent at all or if you can you can only do so for a specific number of years and then you are required to sell or return back to the unit as your primary residence. 

As you can see, when it comes to condos and co-ops there are more specific and stringent bylaws that owners must agree to and follow that limit or even outlaw your ability to rent your piece of real estate. When you purchase a row home – there are no regulations on what you can and cannot do regarding rentals (outside of the short-term regulations within the District).

When looking for a piece of real estate in the District it is important to think through how long you could possibly wish to hold onto this property and what the future holds. If you think this is a long-term hold then you might consider a row home option – again, you can find a smaller two-bedroom row home that amounts to that price similar to a two-bedroom condo and would afford you a more flexible lifestyle. It’s important to work with a real estate agent to ensure that they guide you in this process and help answer any questions you might have. It’s also always advised to speak directly to a short-term rental specialist should you wish to go down that route as they will truly understand the in’s and out’s of that marketplace.

All in all, there are specific property types that work for everyone and within the District we have a plethora of options for everyone.

Justin Noble is a Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware for your DMV and Delaware beach needs. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, development and new construction as well as estate sales, Justin provides white glove service at every price point. Reach him at 202-503-4243,  [email protected] or BurnsandNoble.com.

Affordable upgrades to attract and keep tenants happy

In the District of Columbia, the rental market tends to open up significantly during the springtime for several reasons. First, spring brings about a sense of renewal and change, prompting many individuals and families to seek new living arrangements or embark on relocations. Additionally, the warmer weather and longer daylight hours make it more conducive for people to explore housing options, attend viewings, and make decisions about moving. Furthermore, spring often coincides with the end of academic terms, leading to an influx of students and young professionals entering the rental market. 

Landlords and property managers also tend to schedule lease renewals or list new vacancies during this time, capitalizing on the increased demand and ensuring a steady turnover of tenants. In the competitive world of rental properties, attracting and retaining quality tenants can be challenging. However, with some strategic upgrades, property owners can significantly enhance their units’ appeal without breaking the bank. From enhancing curb appeal to interior upgrades, here are some practical and cost-effective ideas to make your rental property stand out in the market.

Curb appeal

First impressions matter, and curb appeal plays a crucial role in attracting potential tenants. Simple enhancements like freshening up the exterior paint, adding potted plants or flowers, and ensuring a well-maintained lawn can instantly elevate the property’s appearance. Installing outdoor lighting not only adds charm but also enhances safety and security.

Interior upgrades

Upgrade the kitchen and bathroom fixtures to modern, energy-efficient options. Consider replacing outdated appliances with newer models, which not only appeal to tenants but also contribute to energy savings. Fresh paint and updated flooring can transform the look of a space without a hefty investment. Additionally, replacing worn-out carpets with hardwood or laminate flooring can make the unit more attractive and easier to maintain.

Enhance storage

Maximize storage options by installing built-in shelves, cabinets, or closet organizers. Tenants appreciate ample storage space to keep their belongings organized, contributing to a clutter-free living environment.

Improve lighting

Brighten up the interiors by adding more lighting fixtures or replacing old bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. Well-lit spaces appear more inviting and spacious, enhancing the overall ambiance of the rental unit.

Upgrade window treatments

Replace outdated curtains or blinds with modern window treatments that allow natural light to filter in while offering privacy. Opt for neutral colors and versatile styles that appeal to a wide range of tastes.

Focus on security

Invest in security features such as deadbolts, window locks, and a reliable alarm system to ensure the safety of your tenants. Feeling secure in their home is a top priority for renters, and these upgrades can provide meaningful, genuine peace of mind.

Enhance outdoor spaces

If your rental property includes outdoor areas like a patio or balcony, consider sprucing them up with comfortable seating, outdoor rugs, and potted plants. Creating inviting outdoor spaces expands the living area and adds value to the rental property.

As landlords, investing in the enhancement of your rental properties is not merely about improving aesthetics; it’s about investing in the satisfaction and well-being of your tenants, and ultimately, in the success of your investment. By implementing these practical and affordable upgrades, you’re not only increasing the desirability of your units but also demonstrating your commitment to providing a high-quality living experience. 

These efforts translate into higher tenant retention rates, reduced vacancy periods, and ultimately, a healthier bottom line. Moreover, by prioritizing the comfort, safety, and happiness of your tenants, you’re fostering a sense of community and trust that can lead to long-term relationships and positive referrals. So, let’s embark on this journey of transformation together, turning rental properties into cherished homes and landlords into valued partners in creating exceptional living spaces.

Scott Bloom is owner and Senior Property Manager of Columbia Property Management. For more information and resources, visit ColumbiaPM.com .

Real estate agents work hard for that commission

Despite recent headlines, buyers and sellers benefit from our expertise

With there being a lot of noise in the media lately as I am sure you have read and heard headlines like “Gone are the days of the 6% commission” and “End of the good days of Realtors,” etc., I wanted to re-run a very short article of the long laundry list of things that well versed real estate agents bring to the table to earn that seldom 6% commission. It’s typically split in half and it has always been negotiable).

As a real estate professional you will go on listing appointments and buyer meetings to not only attempt to gain business but in doing so you also educate the general public on what it is that we as real estate professionals do. I know what you’re thinking – and if you’ve seen my photo before you wouldn’t be wrong to assume that I am cast in “Selling DC” as the lead villain. I am just waiting for that phone call! But in all seriousness, when I sit down to come up with a list of things to prove to prospective clients the value in working with me as their real estate professional, I am pretty blown away at the items and qualities that a trusted professional representing you in a real estate transaction is responsible for managing a myriad of tasks, including but not limiting to the following:

• Have a pulse on the marketplace to truly understand exactly what is happening from a buying and selling standpoint while also understanding the economic side of things – not just looking at interest rates. Why are rates where they are? What employers are laying off and could cause an influx of inventory? What are the trends for individuals moving IN or OUT of an area looking like? Forecasting the marketplace of all things that truly affect real estate is vital.

• Soft Skills – these are the skills often considered as customer service skills. The ability to be approachable by all types of people and ensure that you are open to receive information. Also – when telling you bad news – it’s important to ensure that it is done in a manner in which you, the receiver, will be pleasantly receptive.

• Pre-market vendors – not only are real estate professionals expected to market your home for sale or locate a home for you to purchase, we are also expected to have a list of pre-market vendors to which you can use for your lending needs, home inspection, title work, any fluffing and buffing needed pre market for the sale of your home such as a contractor, painter, landscaper etc. We have a book of extremely well vetted vendors that either I personally have used or past clients have used that can assist with your needs. This beats Googling for hours and accidentally choosing the wrong contractor. Section A of the pre-market vendor list includes those in which we real estate professionals use for marketing materials for your property – we will use the best photographers, have floor plans drawn for your property, video, staging, catering for brokers opens and the list goes on. Again – this is a well vetted list that we have worked on for years and done all of the heavy lifting and had those uncomfortable conversations when things are not properly executed – so you don’t have to.

• On Market Tasks – these are the tasks that most clients are unaware that we do. Oftentimes when a listing is on market – folks think that I am just cruising around in my convertible buying nice things. However I am in fact going around checking each listing on market to ensure that they are clean, the booties are replaced, marketing materials are stocked, light bulbs are all working, staging looks crisp and the list truly goes on. That of course, doesn’t include the tasks we do to properly market the property such as weekly email blasts, reaching out several times to follow up with showing agents to get their feedback, check the market to see what our competition looks like, what’s under contract and why, and again…..I could go on. Needless to say the most important and time consuming tasks are those that are done when the property is on market.

• “Contract to close” management – the term contract to close is pretty much what it sounds like – it’s what happens from the time we go under contract until we reach the closing finish line and you have those keys. Once a trusted real estate professional has fiercely negotiated on your behalf as a buyer, the fun starts. Again pops up this vendor list – helping guide you though selection of a home inspector, termite inspector, etc. for the inspections. A title attorney is needed (depending on your jurisdiction) and any other vendors for quotes like renovations, etc., that you might want done to the property. Once the inspection is completed and we go through possible re-negotiations then we must ensure that the lender has the documents needed from you completed in order to have the appraisal done to prove the value of the home you are under contract for. Now we are getting into the weeds – but once we are on the other side of things and the appraisal comes back at value and the loan is clear to close then we are at the finish line to your new home.

A similar story can be told if you are selling your home. The appraisal is a very important part of the checklist as that is the value in which your home is worth. The appraiser is a third party that neither the buyer, seller, lender or myself have any allegiance to. I do, however, have the duty to educate said appraiser on why I chose the listing price and how I came up with that value. 

• Post-market vendors. As mentioned before, a real estate professional should have a book of well vetted vendors from which to choose. Looking at the list of vendors now that we are on the other side of the table – I can provide a cleaning person, HVAC contractor, someone to repair the sprinkler system, a dog walker, the best caterers and bakery in town. Further down the road I am able to provide a wonderful wealth manager who can tell you what to do with that piece of real estate you purchased some time ago and we could go on for days.

While you are fully entitled to not use a real estate agent during your real estate transaction, I do believe that it is well within the realm of possibilities to say that without one there would be loose ends not completely tied up, things mismanaged and possible delays that could cost real cash. All of that aside, it is also such a truly wonderful experience to work alongside a trusted professional that at the end of the transaction becomes a new friend and family member. Real estate professionals love what they do, they love real estate and people and sheepherding you through the home buying or selling process is what it’s all about to us.

Justin Noble is a Realtor with Sotheby’s international Realty licensed in D.C., Maryland, and Delaware for your DMV and Delaware Beach needs. Specializing in first-time homebuyers, development and new construction as well as estate sales, Justin is a well-versed agent, highly regarded, and provides white glove service at every price point. Reach him at 202-503-4243,  [email protected] or BurnsandNoble.com .

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• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

How virtual work is accelerating innovation

Despite the upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—and partly because of it—innovation and digitization have been happening at a record-breaking pace. A McKinsey survey of top executives around the world found that companies accelerated their digitization  of customer, supply chain, and internal operations by an average of three years.

Indeed, over the past two years, countries around the world have set records for new business formation, new patents issued, venture capital invested, and more. The US Census Bureau’s seasonally adjusted business formation statistics data show that through 2021, a record 5.38 million applications had been filed to form new businesses—an increase of more than 50 percent over prepandemic 2019. 1 “Business Formation Statistics, April 2022,” US Census Bureau, May 11, 2022. The brisk pace meant there were roughly 409,000 more US filings in 2021 than at the same point in prepandemic 2019. The World Intellectual Property Indicators also showed that aggregate global filing activity across 150 authorities grew in 2020, even amid the global health crisis. 2 World Intellectual Property Indicators 2021 , WIPO, 2021. Venture capital flows have also boomed: in 2021, global venture capital more than doubled from 2020, rising 111 percent. 3 Jordan Major, “Global VC funding hit a record $621 billion in 2021, a 111% increase YoY,” Finbold.com (Finance in Bold), January 13, 2022.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Federico Berruti , Gisele Ho, Phil Kirschner , Alex Morris, Sophie Norman, and Erik Roth , representing views from McKinsey’s Operations, Digital, Growth & Innovation, and Real Estate practices.

What’s striking about these dramatic advances is that they largely entailed people collaborating remotely, leveraging technology in different ways, and being bolder with innovation, automation, and digitization than ever before. For decades, physical proximity has been considered essential to successful innovation. In an influential 1977 book, management professor Thomas Allen described a strong negative correlation between physical distance and frequency of communication, finding that people are four times as likely to regularly talk with someone six feet away from them as with someone 60 feet away, and people almost never communicate with colleagues on separate floors or in separate buildings. 4 Thomas J. Allen, Managing the Flow of Technology , Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1977.

This proximity mantra guided everything from office layouts to urban planning. Cities such as Boston (with many counterparts around the world) have tried to fuel innovation by establishing districts where academia, research organizations, start-ups, and investors work side by side in purpose-designed “innovation ecosystems.” 5 Carmelina Bevilacqua et al., Place-based innovation ecosystems: Boston-Cambridge innovation districts (USA) , Joint Research Centre, 2019. Locating problem solvers together to encourage creative collisions of ideas, experimentation, and informal collaboration is also core to one of McKinsey’s original eight essentials of innovation .

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While the pandemic-related measures have thwarted the engineered serendipity designed into physical work spaces, making watercooler conversations and impromptu problem-solving interactions difficult to replicate virtually, it has led to a broad embrace of videoconferencing and virtual collaboration tools. Organizational network and collaboration analytics have also enabled innovative companies to help employees build and sustain the ties necessary to generate new ideas. As a result, organizations have, in the words of author Steven Johnson, “widened the pool of minds that could come up with and share good ideas” 6 Steven Johnson, Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation , New York, NY: Riverhead Books, 2010. —a vital ingredient for innovation. By connecting people into broader virtual networks, the pandemic has increased the collective speed and creativity of innovation efforts.

It’s likely that flexible work and workplaces are here to stay, especially for organizations seeking to maintain or accelerate this elevated pace of innovation. More than half of corporate and government employees say they would like to work from home  at least three days per week, and the number is even higher for innovation talent, such as programmers. 7 “For programmers, remote working is becoming the norm,” Economist , August 11, 2021. Location flexibility has become a de facto expectation for the latter group. Rather than seeing this as an obstacle, organizations seeking to innovate are doubling down on the benefits that new approaches to innovation present.

Diversity and inclusion

Innovators recognize that increased diversity and greater inclusion, both within teams and at the leadership level, produce more and better innovation results. A recent McKinsey study  found that more ethnically and racially diverse companies outperform their less-diverse peers by 36 percent when it comes to financial targets. As a result, innovators  are tapping virtual work to attract more specialized and diverse talent and are building more inclusive workforces. One recently launched start-up that rapidly achieved unicorn status shifted to a virtual-first model, recognizing that the specific innovation talent its business required wasn’t available in any single major city.

Productivity

Innovators have also recognized that virtual teams, especially when managed effectively, can avoid unnecessary distractions, experience more effective and uninterrupted workflow, and achieve productivity gains. In a 2021 study, 83 percent of employees working remotely agreed that their homes enabled them to work productively—a higher proportion than the average office (64 percent) and even outstanding workplaces (78 percent). 8 “Workplace 2021: Appraising future-readiness,” Leesman, 2021. One innovative technology company recently started “time zone stacking,” the practice of strategically structuring virtual teams to positively leverage time differences and further accelerate innovation efforts.

How CEOs can win the new service game

Customer-centricity.

Perhaps paradoxically, an adjustment made because of the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled many organizations to get physically closer to their customers, as hiring is no longer tethered to geographic location. One global payment platform, for example, launched a remote engineering hub during the pandemic, hiring engineers from a range of locations and cultures. One year into the initiative, the company reports feeling “closer to customers—because we literally are.” Similarly, a government agency now describes being more citizen-centric thanks to hiring employees who live and work across the country, not just in the capital city.

Proximity to the customer, instead of to a physical office, can help organizations’ innovation talent avoid the corporate echo chamber and identify and test new ideas faster. Getting closer to target communities is also easier than ever thanks to the proliferation of coworking sites and other “third places” to work and connect.

Proximity to the customer, instead of to a physical office, can help organizations’ innovation talent avoid the corporate echo chamber and identify and test new ideas faster.

The pandemic has made clear that lack of physical proximity need not hold back innovation—in fact, it can fuel it—but this is not a new phenomenon. Although it may come as a surprise to some, boldly innovating through remote collaboration has been a fixture in the scientific community for decades. In the 1980s, researchers adopted a way of working called the “collaboratory,” a virtual space where scientists interact with colleagues, share data and instruments, and collaborate without regard to physical location. Breakthroughs achieved through virtual collaboration include the Human Genome Project and the ATLAS project at CERN, which involved 1,800 particle physicists across 34 countries.

More recently, innovators outside the science sphere have embraced the approach. Cryptocurrencies and metaverse platforms were largely developed through decentralized collaboration involving people around the globe. Pandemic-related changes simply expanded on the model rapidly, notably in the record-breaking development of the COVID-19 vaccines and a slew of new company and product launches over the past 24 months.

If the age of assuming that innovation requires physical proximity is behind us, with innovative companies’ full embrace of virtual teams and the role of technology, what comes next? One executive who leads a 50-person innovation group as part of a 15,000-employee organization said, “The pandemic made us realize that we never needed a swanky and costly innovation studio to do our work. What we want is community.” His plans are to make virtual work permanent, with monthly or quarterly in-person gatherings to strengthen trust, friendship, and connection.

How many more innovators will adopt this approach? Will bringing together the best of remote practices and the best of in-person experiences accelerate innovation even further? Let’s start experimenting to find out.

Federico Berruti and Alex Morris are both partners in McKinsey’s Toronto office, where Gisele Ho is a senior manager; Phil Kirschner is a senior expert in the New York office, where Sophie Norman is a senior manager; and Erik Roth is a senior partner in the Stamford, Connecticut, office.

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Moscow Sky Lights Up With Strange Glow After Explosion at Electrical Substation: Reports

N ew footage has emerged showing bright flashes lighting up the night sky in southern Moscow during the early morning hours of November 22.

Knewz.com has learned that there was an explosion at an electrical substation on the outskirts of Russia's capital city followed by an alleged power outage in "several" homes.

Video snippets, shared on Russian news channels like ASTRA , captured a series of flashes that caused the sky to change color. Smoke could also be seen rising from a building.

Corroborating the video, several Russian Telegram accounts reported an explosion near the south of Moscow and a subsequent fire at the Lyublino electrical substation, southeast of central Moscow, per Newsweek .

The local authorities from the area have since confirmed that an explosion occurred in the village of Molokovo, but they reassured the public that all vital facilities were operating as normal.

Russian outlet MSK1.ru reported the blaze at the substation and noted “several” power outages.

The town of Lytkarino, located to the southeast of Moscow, was one of the affected areas, as reported by the independent outlet, Meduza .

Additional power failures were reported in the southern Domodedovo section of the city. However, electricity was later restored to these areas.

One local resident speculated that a drone may have been responsible for the explosion, but additional sources are yet to support this theory.

Newsweek reported that messages on the ASTRA Telegram account run by independent Russian journalists showed residents near the substation panicking. One concerned Russian called it a "nightmare."

The incident follows an attack by Russia on a power station in southwestern Ukraine that left 2,000 people without electricity .

Knewz.com reported previously:

“ Russian forces launched a total of 38 Iranian-made Shahed-136/131 drones during the later hours of November 17 and 18.

The Ukrainian Air Force Command reported that 29 of these drones were shot down [...].

One civilian was injured as a result of the attack that targeted energy infrastructure in the southwestern Odesa Oblast.”

The assault came after repeated warnings by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky that Russia would try to cripple its power grid as winter approaches.

Ukraine's leader warned that if Russia resorted to attacking its power utilities, it would respond in kind.

Ukraine has conducted numerous long-range aerial drone strikes on Moscow since May 2023.

Most recently on November 20, it was reported that one such incursion was intercepted close to the city, per Kyiv Post .

Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin confirmed this and elaborated that the region's air defense systems intercepted the unmanned craft over the city of Elektrostal to the east of Moscow, as well as another over the Bogorodsky district, northeast of central Moscow.

The details of the recently surfaced video footage have yet to be independently verified.