DISPENSING property in Britain these days have an added feature: security. Ever since the July 2005 London bombings, both domestic and foreign potential property buyers are particularly concerned of security in their own homes. Thus, real estate agents have included security as a feature in their portfolio when advertising properties for sale. This is however not cheap since there are lots of aspects to consider when you talk of installing a security system in your own home – the monthly billing to the alarm company, the sophisticated and expensive alarm system itself, the insurance, etc. But if you feel that this feature is too vain for you or you’re confident in entrusting your security directly to the heavens, then there’s still that good old-fashioned way in buying property.
The most prominent British real property buyer who’s very concerned of security in his own estate is none other than the outgoing British prime minister himself, Tony Blair. Blair will be moving somewhere in Connaught Square and his residence will be one of the most secure edifices in all of Britain. That is not surprising though considering that he’s one of the most outspoken people in going after terrorists all over the world. His new home will be considered the sweetest target as far as terrorism is concerned. Blair’s home is really expensive. He bought it three years ago to the tune of 3.65 million pounds. He will definitely be staying here in retirement unless he’ll accept George W. Bush’s offer to be the United States peace envoy in the Middle East. Of course, I’m pretty sure Mr. Blair is not just concerned about his security. The Connaught Square property is also home to Blair’s loving family. It is linked to another 800,000 pound property where the contents of the extremely complicated security system is not revealed.
All over Britain, this practice is replicated for the rich and famous. A 1.85 million pound two-bedroom flat is now pegged at 2.35 million pounds after a two-inch-thick bulletproof glass is installed. Another thing which is also in demand in Britain these days is access control card entry systems for every home. The so-called numberplate recognition is also popular among the affluent here. For a more expensive but more secure home, you can also dictate the security firm to customize your own manor with panic rooms and biometric entry systems. Elsewhere in some condominiums, renters or owners of a room are provided their own code if they enter the elevator towards the level where they live.
Speaking of panic rooms, I’ll tell you what it is made of because it’s quite interesting. Panic rooms are heavily fortified and this is its main feature. If you are really rich, you can have your panic room constructed with reinforcements made of steel, Kevlar or bullet-resistant fiberglass. The hinges of the doors themselves are shut tight with long screws. You’ll have a separate phone line and exhaust vent in your panic room. Panic rooms are equipped with the most basic of all necessities like packed food, water, first-aid kit, flashlight, toilet and gas mask.