THE BSPC PROPERTY GUIDE / FEATURE PROPERTY
Page 13
In move in condition throughout, this flat in Galashiels is an ideal buy for a first time buyer
Having to fund a substantial deposit in order to secure a mortgage can leave many first time buyers without the additional financial resources to make improvements or decorate a first home. So on that basis, pristine properties that come on the market in what estate agents describe as being ‘in move in condition’, have a definite edge over other similarly priced properties.
The 12ft hall has a split-level staircase and a large low-level window on the half landing which floods the area with natural light.
One home currently for sale that more than fits the bill is Laura Cattanach’s two / three bedroom double upper flat in Hall Street, Galashiels. Not only is it in pristine condition throughout, it also has what many first time properties lack – space. “Compared to other properties I viewed at the time, this one offered much more space, plus I loved the central location,” explains Laura, who bought the flat as a first time buyer seven years ago. Since then she has installed a new bathroom and kitchen, replaced the ceiling in the dining room, re-floored several rooms and decorated throughout.
Situated only a few minutes walk from the town centre, the interior of this home is bright, contemporary, and low maintenance. Decorated in neutral tones, it has woodeffect laminate flooring in the hall and dining room, the kitchen and bathroom floors are tiled, and the living room has a cream carpet.
Laura’s spacious home occupies the upper floor of a stone-built detached building converted 13 years ago to form two separate properties. Accessed from the side of the building, the double upper layout has the space and feel of being in a two-storey house as opposed to a flat.
Off the hall is a spacious living room, 13ft galley-style kitchen, dining room (could also be a third bedroom), and bathroom. Upstairs are two good-sized double bedrooms, both with rear-facing windows and built-in wardrobes.
The living room has one feature wall, which incorporates an attractive fireplace with wood surround and inset Living Flame gas fire. Nearby, the kitchen is fitted with light -coloured maple-look wall and base units and granite-effect worktops that are complemented by similarly dark floor tiles and tiled splashbacks. Appliances include a stainless steel built-in oven, hob and extractor, with space for a washing machine and fridge freezer.
The cream and white bathroom has a modern white suite – bath with overhead shower and glass side screen. There’s also a white-painted wood-panelled ceiling and a rear-facing window with a useful deep display sill, one of the advantages of living in an older property. Upstairs, the main bedroom benefits from having two rear-facing windows (venetian blinds included). Decorated in cream with wood-effect laminate flooring, the room offers abundant storage space with both a built-in wardrobe and large built-in cupboard as well as fitted shelving. The second bedroom also has two rear-facing windows and is similarly decorated in cream and carpeted (also in cream).
5 Hall Street, Galashiels Guide Price £115,000 Details on page 53
The property has a shared rear garden, an attractive setting with a cobbled courtyard-style seating area and rotary drying facility. Parking is available on the road at the front of the house. Gas central heating, double glazing, blinds, kitchen and bathroom fittings, light fittings, freshly decorated. . . this flat ticks all the boxes. All a buyer has to do is position their furniture, hang up their clothes and start living – and for that reason, coupled with the location, this property would also be an ideal buy to let investment.