57 minute read
We are Laurus Homes
Earlsbrook
We do things differently. We create neighbourhoods and communities. We
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build homes, not houses. We believe in creating property properly, and we have buying options that will enable first time buyers to get on the property ladder. We are Laurus Homes, where your dreams can grow.
CREATING COMMUNITIES
Our profit-for-purpose communityfocused approach to every project means we make positive differences in people’s lives and act as a catalyst for regeneration. We use our resources to lend a helping hand through affordable housing and community projects.
Our NW Foundation team helps identify and build relationships in the communities around our developments. This year, we’ve donated laptops to the local school near Vision, our development in Skelmersdale, and helped create a sensory garden at our local community centre near D’Urton Grange, our coming-soon development in Preston. By building homes that all kinds of people love to live in, we can help create and change communities for the better.
DEVELOPING THE FUTURE NORTH WEST
Our journey began in Trafford, but our ambition is to further expand across the North West.
Our commitment to first time buyers
We’re the ones who will make your first time homeowning dreams become a reality
is to build new, high-quality homes and communities across the North West, giving you the choice of a quality home in the area that you desire.
SHARING THE FUTURE
Property prices in the North West have grown more than 15%, faster than anywhere else in the country, and property expert Savills forecasts the region will continue to see the country’s fastest price growth at 29% over the next five years.
Now is the time to start your future with Laurus Homes.
We make it easier than most to buy your first home, offering a range of buying options, including a traditional outright sale, where you put down a deposit and pay the mortgage to your lender.
We know saving for that first deposit is hard, and the challenges we’ve all been through over the past year has made it even harder, so we offer another option where you could lower the deposit on your dream home.
Shared ownership is a Governmentbacked homeownership mortgage scheme available to first time buyers.
Shared ownership allows you to buy between 25% and 75% of your home, meaning your deposit, usually between 5% and 10%, could be lower. You then secure and pay for the mortgage on your share of the home and pay a subsidised monthly rent on the remaining share to Laurus.
You have the option to increase your share amount at any time during the life of the loan, known as staircasing. You can eventually buy the remaining share of the property up to the point of 100% ownership through this process, as and when you can afford to do so. At this point, your mortgage repayments will cover the complete value of the property, and you’ll no longer have to pay rent.
Not everyone will qualify for the shared ownership scheme, and there are eligibility criteria that you must meet, such as your household income not exceeding £80,000 per annum. You must have at least a 5% deposit of the share value of the home. Remember, this will be lower than an outright home purchase as you’re buying a share of the property.
As with all financial investments of this size and scale, you must pass a financial assessment, proving financial capability to buy the minimum share value and your monthly payments on your new home.
Now that you have all the essential financial information, you can turn your thoughts to what your dream first time home should look like.
There are several advantages of buying a new build home that an older property simply doesn’t offer. Not only can new build homes offer a variety of ways to buy, but they are also designed to suit modernday lifestyles.
THE LAURUS DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Building homes is much more than just bricks and mortar.
The design of our homes encapsulates a sense of freedom and space. Modern lifestyles are more sophisticated, and first time buyers are looking for more than just a beautiful looking home.
Traditional houses were built around the need to simply provide accommodation. We work with leading architects and builders to design our homes around you.
From cooking in the kitchen, relaxing in the tub after a long day’s work or watching TV on a comfy sofa during the weekend, all items in a Laurus home are specifically chosen to suit the modern way of living.
And whether you prefer light and airy or moody and cosy, the Laurus design principles are applied across all our homes. These principles are our commitment to building homes that meet all your needs.
MORE SPACE
Our homes are designed around the Government’s NDSS – Nationally Described Space Standards. This means that our homes generally have more floor space. You can see this in our show homes, where we don’t scale down furniture to make the room feel bigger. You can then get more of a sense of how your furniture will fit in.
More floor space will also mean more storage space. Today’s modern living means that even first time buyers will have more stuff to store. Across the Laurus range of developments there is storage to meet first time buyers’ needs, resulting in more flexible living arrangements.
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MORE NATURAL LIGHT
Not only does more natural light give you a boost of vitamin D, but it also helps the environment. Our homes are designed to maximise the light in each property. Features such as some oversized windows, French and bi-fold doors allow more light into your new home and break down the barrier between your home and nature, with most kitchen and dining rooms leading on to the garden. More natural light also means less time for indoor lighting, saving you money and a little bit of the environment.
TRADITIONAL MATERIALS, CONTEMPORARY FORM
We always focus on what materials we use at all our developments. We consider the latest technology and designs to give the customer a quality and technology advanced home. One of these advancements has been brick detailing. This has become a big trend over recent years. Projecting bricks help create unique building facades, which feed directly into Laurus’ ethos of designing bespoke homes without the repetition often created by volume housebuilders.
MODERN LIFESTYLES
We have a greater understanding of modern lifestyles and how our customers use their homes. The homes we design respond to this by creating open-plan living, with kitchen, dining and family rooms, where practical, to act as the hub of the home. We have started to incorporate a master suite consisting of a master bedroom, space for walk-in wardrobes and en suite.
BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED KITCHENS
We care about the homes we design. This is why our homes have the right kitchen specification and layout with integrated appliances from the day you move in. We futureproof our kitchens by designing them so they can grow with your family, and integrated appliances such as your fridge and freezer are positioned with this in mind. All our homes include the signature specification as standard, which has a carefully selected range of stylish Symphony kitchens.
BRINGING A LAURUS HOME TO LIFE
At Laurus, we bring traditional materials together with contemporary design.
While we recognise it’s important to understand trends and what they tell us about how an architectural space should be used to make it aesthetic, functional, and suitable for everyday life, we don’t rely on them when creating our homes.
This is because trends are fleeting. We
want our homes to stand the test of time and grow with you.
We continually work to understand how people and families use their homes and what a Laurus home can provide to help make life a little easier, whether this is more storage, a home office or bringing the outdoors in.
When finding inspiration for our home interiors, we’re often influenced by many aspects of life, from the natural world to social media. We allow the feel of an inspiration to dictate the interiors we create. If a beautiful, calming lake has inspired our interior designers, we create something calm and placid, choosing colours that replicate that and adding natural materials to tie the room together.
Our homes often tell us a lot about what the design should be. If the home is open plan, we create a light and airy interior, combining lots of natural colours and textures. If the home is naturally dark, we’ll use this as its strongest asset and choose dark, cosy colours to create a moody and comforting home.
No matter what our inspiration is, all our homes are places of experience. By creating homes with you in mind, every space allows for playfulness, fun and for families to come together and enjoy each other’s company.
AFFORDABLE DESIGN IN THE NORTH WEST
Many of the specifications you see in a Laurus home are optional extras with other housebuilders.
With a Laurus home, not only do you get a contemporary, high-quality home, but you gain a space to grow your family, ambitions, and dreams. A space that is close enough for the commute but far enough to escape back to the ones you love. A space to live your best new life, in your new home, that finally has your personality, surrounded by a community that will become friends. A space to live, work and finally be you.
Our design principles are not the only aspect of the work that creates the perfect environment for the first time buyer. A trend that can’t be left in the 1990s and 2000s is the simple three words: location, location, and location.
LAURUS AND THE NORTH WEST
Having the second most affordable housing market coupled with employees being the second highest earners of any region outside of Southern England, means the North West is an attractive and affordable place to live.
And with property experts predicting the region will continue to see the
Giantswood Grove
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country’s fastest price growth over the next five years, now is one of the best times to move.
At Laurus Homes, we’re due to launch three exciting new developments in the North West in 2021 and 2022.
Whalley Manor is our latest development. Set to welcome its first homeowners in spring next year, we’re building 188 detached and semi-detached two, three, four and five bedroom homes and bungalows. These stunning new homes are set in a prime location at the foot of the Pendle Hill in the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, an area well known for its outstanding natural beauty and scenic walks.
Orchard Green is our new development in the highly desirable village of Helsby, close to the traditional English market town of Frodsham. With stunning countryside views, a great sense of community and homemade craft beer, it’s the perfect blend of rural and urban lifestyle. The new development will create 118 detached and semidetached two, three and four bedroom homes, with show homes opening early next year and the first homeowners moving in later that summer.
D’Urton Grange is located on the fringes of Preston in the sought-after suburb of Fulwood. With a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes, each house has been thoughtfully designed, with spacious openplan living areas, modern built-in kitchens, off-street parking and plenty of outside space. This affluent, leafy part of Fulwood enjoys the best of both worlds, situated in a vibrant and growing rural area that’s just a stone’s throw from the city of Preston.
CONNECTING YOU TO THE NORTH WEST AND BEYOND
All three sites offer fantastic connectivity, with the West Coast Main Line railway meaning a visit to the capital is only two to three hours away. The M62 and Trans-Pennine Express rail services connect Liverpool and Manchester with Yorkshire and the North East.
Manchester airport – a short journey from all three developments – is the UK’s third-largest airport and the biggest outside of the South East, with more than 70 airlines offering direct flights to over 210 destinations worldwide.
Zac Worthington, Head of Sales, says, “We’re extremely proud to be adding to our ambitious growth across the North West with our three upcoming developments, and to be helping to shape the delivery of quality homes in the region. At Laurus, our ethos is a home for everyone, and these new developments are helping us provide more housing options for first time buyers who originally may have been priced out of the area.”
At Laurus Homes, we have taken care of all your needs as a first time buyer. A company that cares and creates communities around the North West. Buying options to meet most budgets. Design principles that add value and complement modern, sophisticated lifestyles. And locations that are close to everything and in the most vibrant housing market outside of Southern England.
laurushomes.co.uk
D’Urton Grange
Orchard Green
Whalley Manor
CITY VS COUNTRY
Post-pandemic life has changed the way we want to live and where we want to live it, with some seeking space and fresh air, and others wanting to be closer than ever to city life. We look at Guinness Homes’ new developments offering a choice of ideal rural and urban lifestyles
COUNTRY: AUGUST FIELDS
There’s no doubt that things have
changed in the past 20 months, among them our preferences for where we live and work, and who we want close by. Online searches for countryside properties increased hugely in the months from March 2020, while inner-city agents have seen an uptick in buyers wanting central London homes over those in the outer boroughs.
Guinness Homes has created two new developments that are perfect for buyers seeking either lifestyle, from the coastal beauty of East Sussex, to bright and bodacious east London. So whether you’re craving a quieter lifestyle filled with country pursuits and peaceful surrounds, or prefer the bright lights, cultural wonders and entertainment of the city, these homes will fit the bill. Dreams of a more laid-back life in the countryside can be a reality at August Fields in Newhaven, East Sussex. Nestled between the beautiful South Downs and the sea, and only 10 miles from Brighton, Newhaven offers a great mix of country and coast, with city life close by. There is a range of two, three and four bedroom homes available at August Fields, all with private gardens and parking. The attractive properties range in style from terraced to detached houses. The three bedroom semi-detached homes are arranged over three floors, with an open-plan living area downstairs with doors opening to the rear garden. Two bedrooms and a family bathroom sit on the first floor, with a third bedroom with an en suite on the top floor.
The semi-rural location of the development, which backs on to open countryside, is the perfect antithesis to fast-paced city life. Working from home? Take a beautiful stroll at lunch, or head to the beach after work to blow away the cobwebs. For everyday shopping and outings, Newhaven is just a three-minute drive or 20-minute walk away.
Homes at August Fields start from £118,000 for a 40% share of the full market value of £295,000. Help to Buy and open market sale are also available.
0344 748 0052 guinnesshomes.co.uk/newhaven
CITY: LEASIDE LOCK, EAST LONDON
The allure of the big city is still as strong as ever for many homebuyers, and London’s E3 is ideally placed to enjoy the very best of the capital. Just east of the City, it has fantastic links into central London and is surrounded by some of London’s trendiest locales.
Leaside Lock, in Bromley-by-Bow, sits on the banks of the River Lea, with a range of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments available, enjoying communal courtyard gardens, coworking spaces, on-site shops and leisure facilities for residents.
The apartments have been designed with modern living in mind; well-sized living spaces open to private outdoor space, while inside there are separate utility rooms, along with plenty of storage space. In the larger homes there’s an en suite from the master bedroom, and a number of the apartments benefit from views of the London landscape, including Canary Wharf and across to the City and beyond.
Great places to meet up, including restaurants, coffee shops, bars, breweries, galleries, venues and shops, are on your doorstep. Bow, Mile End, Shoreditch, Stratford and Hackney are all hugely popular with young Londoners and are easily reached on foot, by bike, bus or Tube. Nearby Hammersmith & City and District Line services run to central London and beyond, while frequent bus services and routes are excellent and (usually) very speedy.
Leaside Lock forms part of a wider, hotly anticipated, revival of the area. The regeneration will see brand new green open spaces, river walkways and cycle and pedestrian bridges created.
Homes at Leaside Lock start from £90,000 for a 25% share of the full market value of £360,000. Help to Buy and open market sale are also available.
020 3288 1907 leasidelock.com
With many home hunters looking to buy a new build home, energy efficiency and the appeal of having no expensive renovations or DIY to worry about are among the benefits sparking joy with modern homebuyers. First time buyers searching for a new build home should look to awardwinning housebuilder Inland Homes, which offers a range of stylish one, two and three bedroom apartments designed with today’s modern lifestyle in mind, including energyefficient features which come as standard
ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES WITH LOW RUNNING COSTS
From build to fit-out, Inland Homes is focused on maximising energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint across all of its developments. Ideal for those looking to purchase their first home, all properties come equipped with energyefficient building methods including heat recovery systems, cost-effective boilers, double glazed windows, underfloor heating and low-energy lighting. All properties also come with a 10-year new home warranty. With the added benefit of being able to personalise the internal specification*, buyers can also put their own personal touch on their home before they even move in.
MERIDIAN WATERSIDE, SOUTHAMPTON
An award-winning waterfront development by Inland Homes, Meridian Waterside in Southampton is a perfect example of homes ideal for first time buyers. Offering a high-quality specification with open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas, private terraces and balconies, en suite bathrooms to the main bedrooms and spectacular views of the River Itchen, homes are all available with Help to Buy: Equity Loan**. Each home also includes allocated parking, with electric car charging facilities available for residents. This waterside development features a remarkable collection of one and two bedroom apartments, and with Southampton city centre nearby, residents can truly experience the best in waterside and city living in an energy-efficient home with low running costs. Prices at Meridian Waterside start from £180,000.
THE WESSEX, BOURNEMOUTH
The Wessex is perfectly placed in the heart of Bournemouth, with everything you could ever need on your doorstep. This modern development offers unique and eco-friendly one and two bedroom apartments with low running costs, ideal for those who desire style while not compromising on price or location. Situated just a short walk away is the famous Blue Flag beach of
Meridian Waterside
Bournemouth, meaning first time buyers can truly experience the best in seafront and town centre living. These desirable new homes offer a high-specification finish, with designer interiors, access to secure underground parking facilities, cycle storage and designated post rooms. Prices at The Wessex start from £225,000 with Help to Buy available on many homes**.
SPEAK WITH A MEMBER OF THE TEAM TODAY
With a selection of homes ready to move into, now is the time to book an appointment and speak with a member of Inland Homes’ friendly sales team by emailing sales@inlandhomes.co.uk or calling 01494 546 772. You can also follow Inland Homes’ social media channels on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news and offers.
*Personalisation subject to build stage. **Help to Buy: Equity Loan is available for first time buyers only and is subject to eligibility, terms and conditions. Regional price caps apply. Available on selected plots only. Speak to a Sales Adviser for further details.
The Wessex
HOT PROPERTY
New research from Experian shows that around two-thirds of people in their 20s and 30s hope to buy a new home in the next five years¹. Despite this, many young people still feel that homeownership is out of reach due to a combination of factors including continually rising house prices, an increasingly competitive property market and the winding down of schemes such as Help to Buy
This is where shared ownership comes
into its own. The scheme presents a real opportunity for aspirational first time buyers to get on to the property ladder at an achievable cost, often with a deposit as low as 5%.
Shared ownership offers a lifeline to the first time buyer market, with buyers traditionally able to purchase a minimum 25% share, with the option to increase their shares in the future as and when finances allow. As of this year, new shared ownership developments will offer minimum shares from 10%, which will further widen the doors to homeownership and allow a larger volume of young people to access the security that comes with owning your home.
At SO Resi, we are passionate about educating first time buyers on shared ownership and the opportunities it offers, in turn arming them with the knowledge they need to get on to the property ladder at a lower cost.
Throughout this year, we have seen increasing numbers of first time buyers opting to get on to the property ladder using the shared ownership scheme, with buyers drawn to developments that accommodate flexible living and remain connected for work and play.
In London, boroughs such as Ealing are proving particularly popular thanks to the area’s access to green space and excellent connections into the capital. At our SO Resi Ealing scheme in West Ealing, buyers have a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments, and can purchase a minimum 25% share in a one bedroom apartment from £105,000 (full market value: £420,000). The development boasts a spacious roof terrace with panoramic views across London, and is a short walk from Ealing Broadway, with links into the city centre via the Central Line.
Similarly, at our newly launched SO Resi Greenford development in Ealing, buyers have a choice of one, two and three bedroom apartments, and can purchase a minimum 30% share in a one bedroom property from £99,000 (full market value: £330,000). The development is an urban oasis, set against a backdrop of the Grand
SO Resi Ealing
Union Canal and surrounded by leafy green spaces. Greenford underground station is a short walk from the development and is also on the Central Line.
And shared ownership isn’t only for Londoners. Across the South East, we have a number of new developments available, including our SO Resi Camberley scheme in Surrey, which launched only a few weeks ago. Here, buyers have a choice of one and two bedroom apartments alongside two and three bedroom houses, meaning young professionals and families alike have room to grow.
Shared ownership remains a popular option for first time buyers, presenting an achievable route to homeownership and ensuring a wider demographic has access to owning their own home. The scheme continues to support those who need it most, and we anticipate shared ownership will continue to support first time buyers long after temporary schemes are phased out.
SO Resi Greenford
SO Resi Greenford
SO Resi Camberley
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NEW HOMES IN WATFORD OFFER BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
For those looking to step on to the property ladder in a well-connected location near London, St William’s high quality new homes at The Arches, in the popular town of Watford, are the perfect choice – comprising a collection of 92 suites, one and two bedroom apartments, which are ready to move into now
A HIGHLY SOUGHT-AFTER LOCATION
Having recently been crowned one of the top 10 coolest places to live in the whole of the UK¹, based on factors including independent coffee shops, farmers’ markets, breweries, and yoga studios, it’s no wonder that Watford is continuing to appear as a top choice for first time buyers looking to settle down.
The Arches is perfectly positioned to enjoy all that the town has to offer; ideally located an eight-minute walk from Bushey railway station – providing direct trains into London Euston in 19 minutes – yet just a short walk from Watford’s growing social scene, varied retail offering and green open space. Residents at The Arches enjoy an unrivalled lifestyle on their doorstep.
CONTEMPORARY NEW HOMES
Set within a gated development and attractive landscaped grounds, the highquality, contemporary new homes provide an ideal place to settle down. The properties have proved popular with first time buyers and young professionals looking for a home with a simple commute into central London, while wanting to benefit from the luxury, convenience, and ease of a newly built St William property.
The striking architecture of the building combines seamlessly with the modern specifications found within each home. Providing residents with a high standard of modern living, features include stone worktops, integrated Bosch appliances, USB sockets, fibre optic broadband, Sky-Q compatibility and CCTV building entry.
Alongside a private balcony or terrace to every property, residents also enjoy exclusive access to two landscaped podium gardens and benefit from the area’s extensive green spaces.
PERFECT FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS
Adding to the appeal for first time buyers, Help to Buy is also available; meaning house hunters can secure a new home with just a 5% deposit and a Government equity loan of up to 20%.
Having rented in Wembley Park for two years, first time buyers Sukhgeet and Devyani Singh were on the hunt for a home that provided good connections to London. After a year of searching, they came across The Arches and ended up securing their dream first home together here.
Sukhgeet explains, “When we first visited The Arches, we were instantly impressed. Each and every detail had been carefully considered and, as first time buyers, the Help to Buy scheme meant we only had to put down a 5% deposit, making it a much more affordable option.
“The idea that everything, from the flooring to the white goods, was included within the cost, was also really appealing.”
This summer, St William has unveiled a two bedroom show apartment furnished by Dapa Interiors to showcase the life on offer at The Arches, which is open daily between 10am and 5pm. Thanks to a partnership with interior designer Katie Seidler, founder of Hello Haus, buyers can easily envisage working from home, as she created a stylish yet affordable home office within the space.
Prices at The Arches start from £321,000, with Help to Buy available. For further information, please visit thearcheswatford.co.uk or call 020 3930 1475
1Ocean Finance: refinery29.com/en-gb/coolest-placesto-live
FIRST TIME BUYERS HIT THE JACKPOT AT ARDEN PARKSIDE
For first time buyers seeking a home from which they can take advantage of fantastic transport links, a thriving hub of local amenities and award-winning parks and green spaces, Peabody’s development, Arden at Parkside, is a must-see! Located in south east London, the collection of homes comprises a superb selection of apartments and duplexes and is soon to be available with London Help to Buy
Arden occupies an attractive and tranquil setting within the leafy and wellestablished development
of Parkside, SE10 – perfectly positioned to take advantage of four popular London districts, with Lewisham, Greenwich, Deptford and Blackheath all within easy reach. Homebuyers who choose to make this corner of the capital their home will enjoy a burgeoning new neighbourhood, where the coexistence of green space and wellbeing is perfectly composed for modern city lifestyles. The wider programme of regeneration at Parkside already provides residents with access to a thriving new destination in the capital, bringing over 780 new homes, a modern community hub and cafe, a nursery and significant new public green space.
Arden will offer a stylish selection of studio, one and two bedroom apartments and two bedroom duplexes within five new buildings, spanning two new phases. Each has been thoughtfully crafted to seamlessly unify the existing surroundings and provide a collection of high-quality homes for a range of buyers.
Each home features an impeccable bespoke interior specification combined with modern and contemporary detailing. The open-plan layouts have been well planned to provide spacious and convenient areas for today’s lifestyle, be it working from home, keeping up with fitness goals, entertaining or simply relaxing. Every property features private outdoor space in the form of a balcony or terrace, with some enjoying outstanding cityscape views across the much-loved capital. Selected homes also have access to car parking spaces.
The local area offers a desirable lifestyle, with a wide choice of venues to visit. Lewisham, Deptford and Greenwich effortlessly marry together historical charm with energetic local influences.
The world-famous live music venue The O2 is just 26 minutes away via the DLR. In Greenwich, The Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, National Maritime Museum or Greenwich Market are great for a cultural day out.
Meanwhile, nearby Deptford High Street is host to plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, a cinema and a regular street market. There are plenty of parks close by that are ideal for enjoying the warmer summer months with friends for a picnic or a family walk. The award-winning Greenwich Park and Blackheath Park are both within walking distance of Arden.
Bordering Travel Zones 2 and 3, getting around the city from Arden couldn’t be any easier. Just an eight-minute walk from the development is Elverson Road DLR station, which provides swift links to Canary Wharf via Greenwich in 17 minutes. Other nearby stations that are within easy walking distance are Deptford, New Cross and Lewisham, which all offer hassle-free travel into and across London.
Prices for one of the stunning homes at Arden at Parkside start from £380,000. Help to Buy will be available from the end of October.
For information visit arden-parkside.co.uk
HALE WORKS: ELEVATED LIVING
Newlon Living has partnered with Anthology to offer 44 high-specification shared ownership homes in a new 32-storey tower, Hale Works. With a selection of one and two bedroom apartments available, you can now get a foot on to the property ladder in London’s next new property hotspot
Balcony Sky garden
Living kitchen diner
Bathroom Bedroom with en suite
This captivating building offers spectacular panoramic views of London and the surrounding areas from the stunning communal sky garden. One of the highlights is the capital’s most significant urban nature reserve, Walthamstow Wetlands. As a resident of Hale Works, you will also be able to take advantage of a 24-hour concierge – offering around-the-clock services.
These new homes are light, with spacious open-plan living areas. The sleek, handleless kitchens are tailored to the size of each apartment and come with a composite stone worktop and fully equipped with Siemens appliances – integrated oven, fridge-freezer and dishwasher.
Hale Works sits within thriving Hale Village, an architecturally unique community collecting multiple awards, including the Green Flag Award for its dedication to green space. The design is inspired by the world-acclaimed regeneration of Hammarby, a waterside district in Stockholm, Sweden. Within Hale Village, you will find a range of useful facilities, including a Tesco Express, gym, Italian deli and green community space. Plus, you will find cafes, restaurants, a brewery, and a large retail park in the surrounding area, where you can access well-known brands from groceries to fast food, and fashion to household goods.
There are many places to explore, such as the nearby Walthamstow Wetlands, which offers everything from fishing to bird watching, with a well-established cafe in a 19th century listed building – all within easy walking distance.
For the more adventurous, the local climbing centre can offer a unique way to keep fit, or pick up the River Lee towpath and look out for kingfishers on the eightmile walk or cycle to the 1,000-acre River Lee Country Park. Why not stop at the Ferry Boat Inn for drinks on the way home?
Tottenham Hale is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in recent times – soon to be home to over a thousand new homes, dozens of commercial units and modern public spaces. Excellent transport links are another key selling point for Hale Works. It’s just a two-minute walk to Tottenham Hale station, which will undergo a transport revolution with millions of pounds invested in a new tube, rail and bus station all right on your doorstep. From there you can get a train into Liverpool Street in just 15 minutes, or connect with the express train to Stansted Airport.
Alternatively, you can board the Victoria Line tube, which will get you to King’s Cross in 10 minutes or Oxford Street in 15 minutes, and forms part of the night tube network. There is also a central bus station just moments away, with a variety of routes to surrounding areas and beyond.
For more information about Hale Works, to register your interest and to find out about the other new shared ownership properties Newlon has available, then visit the website hale.works
SET UP HOME IN EAST LONDON WITH A DEPOSIT FROM JUST £4,500
With deposits required from
just £4,500 however, Gateway Housing’s contemporary shared ownership apartments are affordably priced for buyers stepping on to the ladder. What’s more, they are situated in some of east London’s most vibrant and diverse locations.
Through shared ownership you buy a share of a home, typically between 25% and 75%, depending on what you can afford based on your household income – anyone with a household income of less than £90,000 in London can apply.
The deposit is for the share you buy, usually 5%, which is much lower than paying a deposit on the full price. You then take out a mortgage to cover the rest of your share and pay a monthly rent on the share you do not own.
THE FORUM, BOW
The Forum, located in trendy and characterful Bow, comprises one and two bedroom shared ownership apartments. With deposits required from as little as just £4,625, for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment priced at £92,500, these homes are ideal for first time buyers seeking an affordable and achievable way on to the London property ladder.
NO 212 HACKNEY ROAD, HACKNEY
The contemporary No 212 Hackney Road is located in the heart of Hackney, with a selection of one and two bedroom apartments available. Prices start from £135,000 for a 25% share of a one bedroom apartment, with a 5% deposit of £6,750 required. There is no compromise on luxury; residents will benefit from With its thriving cultural scene, impressive array of international food and drink spots and arguably London’s best nightlife – not to mention quick and easy connections into the centre of the city – you’d be forgiven for thinking that homeownership in east London, the capital’s coolest corner, is out of reach for most first time buyers
Earlham Square
The Forum
incredible on-site facilities including a gym, screening room and scenic terrace area.
EARLHAM SQUARE, FOREST GATE
Earlham Square, located in Forest Gate, is a stylish development comprising one, two and three bedroom apartments – prices start Each home benefits from open-plan living spaces, sleek design and a contemporary specification including fully integrated Zanussi appliances.
Outdoor space, especially in the city, has become incredibly important to buyers over the past year; each of Gateway’s developments features residents’ landscaped gardens, and many apartments benefit from their own private terraces.
In addition, there is a range of public parks, gardens and sports fields in close proximity to all three developments, so whether it’s a stroll in the sun, a picnic in the park or a game of tennis, residents can enjoy the many great green spaces on their doorstep.
Fashionable east London has an incredible range of cafes and restaurants offering an impressive selection of cuisines and delicacies, reflecting the area’s diverse culture. As well as an excellent entertainment and arts scene, east London has a thriving nightlife, whether you are looking for music, drinks and a lively atmosphere, traditional London pubs or sophisticated bars.
Bow and Hackney in Zone 2, as well as Forest Gate in Zone 3, are all an easy stroll from underground, DLR and bus services, providing fast and frequent transport links into central London.
No 212 Hackney Road
from £90,000 for a one bedroom apartment, with a 5% deposit needed of £4,500. The combination of stunning interiors and access to nearby outdoor space creates ideal homes for first time buyers in London seeking a balanced approach to city life.
All of the apartments are designed for modern city living. For more information or to book a private appointment, visit newhomes.gatewayhousing.org.uk or call 020 8709 4317
FIRST TIME BUYER HOMES NOW AVAILABLE AT KIDBROOKE SQUARE
The first homes at Notting Hill Genesis’ highly anticipated Kidbrooke Square development in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, part of a joint venture with Transport for London, are now available. The range of stunning 28 studio apartments, priced from £305,550, are an exciting opportunity for first time buyers to live close to nature, while also enjoying short commutes to central London and Canary Wharf
The development has been designed with the environment and residents’
wellbeing in mind. Adjacent to Kidbrooke Village, one of London’s most exciting and well-renowned regeneration projects, Kidbrooke Square has an abundance of green space on its doorstep. This includes Cator Park – recently awarded the David Attenborough Award for enhancing biodiversity – with its children’s playground, and Sutcliffe Park, with grassland, meadow, and wetland rich with a variety of plants and wildlife.
As well as local biodiversity and communal green spaces, the development includes sustainable design features like green rooftops, tree protection and planting and landscaping. Kidbrooke Square is built to a carbon reduction target of 39.6% and energy efficiency is maximised through design – including renewable energy supplies and energy-efficient appliances provided inside the homes. Notting Hill Genesis has put walking and cycling at the heart of its plans, with on-site bike storage available, while for those who still need a car, there is a resident-only car club scheme and car-sharing initiative on site.
The studio apartments are thoughtfully laid out, incorporating the latest interior design features. The living areas are open plan, offering plenty of room to entertain both indoors and on the generous balcony outside. The kitchens are decorated in neutral tones with a range of high-quality A+ rated built-in appliances that are included in the sale price.
Other fantastic features of the apartments include wood-effect flooring running through all the living areas, and integrated wardrobes in the bedroom.
Kidbrooke Square is an ideal choice for young professionals and supports flexible working with space to work from home both inside the apartments and around the development. Residents have direct access to the new Kidbrooke railway station with trains to London Bridge in 16 minutes or Waterloo East in 19 minutes, while the DLR is also two stops away in Lewisham, linking to Charing Cross, Cannon Street and Canary Wharf and its surrounds. In addition, there are regular bus services, and pedestrian and cycle routes to connect residents with the rest of south east London.
On the weekends, residents are well positioned to explore the Kent countryside or Greenwich Park and Blackheath closer to home. The recent transformation of the area means there is a strong local community and there are opportunities to socialise at the farmers’ market, playground and in local pubs and cafes.
Jim Munson, Head of Marketing at Notting Hill Genesis, comments, “This is a really exciting milestone at Kidbrooke Square and we’re expecting plenty of interest in these first available studios. Greenwich has so much to offer in terms of lifestyle, with its green surroundings, historic town centre, independent businesses and thriving communities within easy reach of the financial districts and central London.
“A large proportion of people worked from home in Greenwich even before the pandemic and the area has been designed and developed with that in mind, including significant investment in broadband and moving local services online. As a result, Kidbrooke is well equipped for supporting the flexible working patterns of the future. The opportunity to enjoy that shouldn’t be limited to those earning the most in the capital and Kidbrooke Square is a brilliant choice for London first time buyers looking for the best of both worlds.”
Visit nhgsales.com/kidbrookesquare for further information or speak to the sales team on 020 3733 1609
HOME X MARKS THE SPOT FOR FTBS IN BRIGHTON’S NEWEST NEIGHBOURHOOD
Optivo unveils its flagship development, Home X, creating a new neighbourhood in Lewes Road, Brighton. The 369 homes will create a new community in the seaside city as part of the wider £150m regeneration masterplan at the former Preston Barracks site. First time buyers looking for a new home by the coast should look to Home X for quality apartment living and a great community of like-minded individuals
The selection of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, available with Help to Buy or shared ownership,
are nestled between the South Downs and the sea.
The new community taking shape will revel in Home X’s high-quality residential spaces, each with cutting-edge technology, landscaped outdoor spaces and inspiring flexible workspaces, perfect for those who want to divide their home and work environments but without the long commute. Residents making Home X their preferred living choice will also benefit from a concierge service in the ultra-cool communal space, a wellness area for time out, bike and car club membership and landscaped outdoor spaces.
Rich Login, Director of Sales and Marketing at Optivo, comments, “At Home X we are really looking towards creating a new neighbourhood for the city and offering homes with future flexible living space, ideally for people who want to collaborate with a like-minded, thriving community. We are excited to be a part of one of Brighton’s largest regeneration schemes, alongside U+I, Brighton & Hove City Council and the University of Brighton.
“Home X and the wider regeneration of retail, workspace and landscaping will help put this part of Lewes Road on the map again, and make it a new destination for the city and its residents.
“Interested buyers who want to see the space for themselves should make an appointment to view our selection of show apartments now.”
INTERIORS THAT ROCK
Home X apartments are bright and spacious, with high-quality, open-plan living spaces, wide hallways and plenty of storage space. The homes are flooded with natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchens are fitted with smart and energy-efficient Siemens integrated appliances, including a washing machine and dishwasher, while bathrooms rock modern matt black fixtures and fittings. Larger apartments include en suites to master bedrooms that each have fitted wardrobe space. Selected apartments come with either their own balcony or terrace for much-needed outdoor space.
HOME BUYING MADE EASIER
There are plenty of options to own an apartment at Home X, including open market sale. Help to Buy is available – the Government-backed equity loan, which buyers can use towards a deposit to secure a mortgage. Buyers can purchase a property with a 5% deposit and borrow a further 20% through the equity loan, using a mortgage for the remaining 75% value. Stepping on to the property ladder could be made easier with a shared ownership apartment, another Government initiative available at Home X, where Brighton residents can purchase between 25% and 75% of the home with a subsidised rental fee on the remaining part.
A BUSTLING COMMUNITY
There is much to do in the bustling coastal city, from shopping in The Lanes or the Brighton Open Market, sampling food from a wide variety of eateries, to a sunset stroll on the beach or soaking up the electric nightlife where live music, dance moves or theatrical shows are obligatory.
Home X is on the market through Savills, with prices starting from £231,000 for a studio apartment, £285,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £381,000 for a two bedroom apartment, all available with Help to Buy. A one bedroom apartment under shared ownership starts from £98,875 for a 35% share (full market value: £282,500).
To find out more, please visit home-x.co.uk or call 01273 068 032
PROPERTY HEATS UP AS SUMMER COOLS
The temperature might be dropping as we approach early autumn, but in the property world, things are only getting hotter. September and October are some of the busiest months for first time buyers, as events like the London Home Show bring hundreds of hopeful homebuyers under one roof, and housing associations and developers launch a range of new and exciting developments
This autumn, Catalyst is helping hopeful first time buyers take their initial steps towards homeownership
with a range of new shared ownership homes in London and the South East.
Offering lower deposits than traditionally found on the open market, shared ownership is the part-buy, part-rent scheme that enables eligible buyers to purchase a percentage share of the property, and pay rent on the remaining portion.
Shared ownership deposits are usually from 5% of the purchase price, rather than a percentage of the full market value, making for a far more attainable savings goal than buying on the open market.
Catalyst has a range of shared ownership homes to suit all kinds of buyers, whether they dream of a sleek modern apartment in the capital, or a cosy retreat surrounded by greenery. Exciting launches this autumn include new show homes at The Folium and The Switch, and a new phase of homes launching at Newman Place in Littlemore, Oxford.
Markus Kendall-Young, Director of Sales and Marketing at Catalyst (London), comments, “Autumn is a great time to buy a property – with many buyers seeking a fresh start after their summer breaks. Typically, lots of new homes come on to the market at this time of year, so there is plenty of choice for buyers. Shared ownership can be a great solution for those looking to take their first step on to the ladder, providing a staggered route on to the property market without the
The Switch
The Folium
large deposit and mortgage needed to buy outright.”
Located equidistant between trendy Earlsfield and Wimbledon, The Switch by Catalyst comprises 181 one to three bedroom shared ownership apartments. Part of a landmark joint venture with Galliard Homes, these new homes will become part of a thriving new community complete with retail options and leisure space set around a new 9,000-seater stadium for AFC Wimbledon.
Eager buyers will be able to learn more about the development while visiting the new marketing suite and two new show apartments launching this autumn. Finished to a high specification, The Switch is the perfect home for young professionals looking for their own piece of this new and exciting district in south west London. Contemporary open floor plans maximise space, there are grey designer units and integrated appliances to the kitchens, and nearly every home comes with a private outdoor space. Selected two and three bedroom apartments are set across two floors, providing the space needed for modern living. Prices start from £97,500 for a 25% share.
North of the River Thames in family hotspot Muswell Hill, The Folium is a collection of one to three bedroom apartments available through shared ownership. Located in the lush greenery of Coppetts Wood, The Folium is a rare opportunity to step on to the property ladder in this urban village community. With a new show home recently
Newman Place launched, buyers can explore the high-quality homes in person and see the premium fixtures and finishes in situ.
Perfect for those looking for a close-knit village community without sacrificing big city amenities, Muswell Hill is home to a thriving high street full of independent cafes and boutiques, while commuters have access to a wealth of bus routes into Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace for rail and underground links into central London. Prices start from £167,000 for a 40% share.
Beyond the capital in desirable and affluent Oxford, Newman Place is a collection of one, two, three and four bedroom homes in Littlemore. The latest phase of 17 homes is set to launch this September, offering an affordable route on to the property ladder just outside the historic city.
Designed to reflect the surrounding natural landscape, Newman Place features gently curving roads and raised walkways weaving through rich landscaping and newly planted trees. Inside, apartments feature well-designed, open-plan living spaces, private balconies, and high-specification finishes throughout the home.
Residents are well placed to enjoy the pubs and eateries of Littlemore village just a short walk or cycle away, as well as in buzzing and historic Oxford city centre, just over three miles away. Prices start from £68,750 for a 25% share.
To find out more about Catalyst’s latest developments visit: catalyst.homes
THE CHOICE IS YOURS WITH YOUR HOUSING GROUP!
Your Housing Group is committed to providing quality new homes for first time buyers looking to begin their homeownership journey. With multiple developments across the North West, and the opportunity to purchase either a 50% or 75% share of a brand new home through shared ownership, a Your Housing Group property may be the way for you to get your foot on the housing ladder
WATERSIDE POINT, LEIGH
Waterside Point is an exciting new development in the town of Leigh in Greater Manchester, with a desirable location on the banks of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, just outside the town centre and less than a mile from the beautiful Pennington Flash Country Park.
With a selection of 113 two and three bedroom homes available for shared ownership, Waterside Point is ideal for first time buyers and growing families. Several of the houses have the bonus of scenic views over the water.
Benefiting from a direct bus route to the centre of Manchester, a highly rated primary school next to the development and a wide range of shops and restaurants just around the corner, residents at Waterside Point can enjoy canalside living in the heart of a traditional North West town.
WHITEFIELD BROOK, KIRKBY
Artist’s impression –Whitefield Brook
Situated at the gateway to Kirkby, on the outskirts of Liverpool, Whitefield Brook offers a stylish range of 106 bespoke two, three and four bedroom homes available for shared ownership. Set in a beautifully landscaped community setting with fantastic transport links, there are plenty of local amenities nearby including shopping centres and a popular golf course.
For those looking to live closer to the bright lights of the city to take advantage of Liverpool’s vast array of leisure facilities, bars and thriving nightlife, Whitefield Brook may be the perfect place to call home.
Artist’s impression – Waterside Point
MANOR GARDENS, HARTFORD
Artist’s impression – Manor Gardens
Manor Gardens is a stunning new development of 108 new homes, nestled in the charming semi-rural community of Hartford, just outside Northwich.
Manor Gardens features a beautiful collection of contemporary two, three and four bedroom houses and two bedroom bungalows, with properties available to buy through shared ownership and ideal for those looking to step on to the property ladder in the area.
Deep in the heart of Cheshire and in a highly sought-after area in which to live, the village contains several highly rated local schools with plenty of beautiful parks and woodland areas nearby. If you’re looking to find your forever home, look no further than Manor Gardens.
ELDERCOT PARK, BOLTON
Located in the Daubhill suburb of Bolton, Eldercot Park features a wide range of
Artist’s impression – Eldercot Park
attractive two, three and four bedroom houses, with 119 available to buy through shared ownership, perfect for those looking to buy their first home.
With several popular schools nearby, plenty of retail opportunities in Bolton town centre and with local sports clubs and playing fields on your doorstep, plus great rail and motorway links across the North West, Eldercot Park is the ideal fit.
At Your Housing Group, our homes are designed to be modern and contemporary, combining beautiful ergonomically designed details along with flexible sales options to suit your lifestyle. We take pride in shaping every aspect of your home to ensure it meets your needs, which is why your new home will be full of products and finishes of the highest quality, including integrated kitchen appliances and designer bathroom tiling.
For more information on these and other upcoming Your Housing Group developments, visit yourhousinggroup.co.uk or call our friendly Sales Team on 01925 399 650
BEAULIEU – OFFERING FTBS THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
With flexible working an option now for most, buyers are increasingly looking to the commuter belt for their property purchases, with Essex considered a hotspot among first time buyers
With its bustling high street, abundance of attractions, easy connection to the capital and idyllic countryside setting, it’s easy to see why Chelmsford, Essex’s only city, remains one of the most desirable places to live in the commuter belt. Beaulieu, Chelmsford’s vibrant and sought-after new development, presents the perfect opportunity for the next generation of first time buyers to get their foot on the property ladder.
Over the past five years, Beaulieu, which once complete will comprise 3,600 new homes and a plethora of amenities, is now firmly established and a flourishing neighbourhood in its own right. As well as new homes, Beaulieu Square offers residents access to the very best retail, leisure and education facilities, including a Sainsbury’s Local, Costa Coffee, a dental surgery as well as a nursery and education centre. With green space now a must for many buyers, Beaulieu also provides residents with access to natural meadows, formal gardens, allotments and parklands, as well as a wide variety of recreational and sporting facilities.
Sure to grab the attention of prospective buyers is Beaulieu Gate, the latest phase of homes to launch at the development, comprising 116 private homes and 34 affordable properties. This exciting new phase of homes offers a mix of apartments, maisonettes and two, three and four bedroom houses. Buyers can also benefit from Help to Buy on the one bedroom apartments. When complete, homes will boast modern and beautifully designed interiors with spacious living areas. With working from home becoming increasingly popular and the norm for many, homes will
Kirsty Brooker and Leah Grace
feature multi-purpose rooms providing ample space to transform into work areas.
Mirroring the surrounding ancient parkland, Beaulieu Gate seamlessly blends history and nature, with a modern twist. As its name suggests, Beaulieu Gate will act as the new gateway to the wider Beaulieu development, where a crescent of homes will greet you. Each home will showcase its own character and style but will be identifiable by unique design features.
Located in one of Essex’s most soughtafter spots, the development offers the very best of both worlds; surrounded by beautiful countryside and yet only a short 40-minute train journey to London. Commuting into the capital during the week couldn’t be easier, while weekends can be spent enjoying the local countryside or indulging in the buzzing foodie and event scene in Chelmsford.
When speaking with first time buyers Kirsty Booker and Leah Grace, both in their 20s, and recent purchasers at Beaulieu, Kirsty says, “We are so pleased with our new home. It has the best of both worlds, in the sense that you can unwind after a long day at work, surrounded by green open spaces and some lovely properties. However, you still have easy access to Chelmsford by bus or car. I also love the fact that you can walk down to Beaulieu Square and you have a Sainsbury’s and Costa right there. It’s a good way to bump into your neighbours and get to know them.”
With its own unique identity inspired by rich local heritage, Beaulieu offers high-specification homes and exemplary community facilities. Set around the majestic New Hall School, formerly King Henry VIII’s Tudor palace, and its estate parkland, the development is conceived as a series of individually designed neighbourhoods that connect to the wider landscape and countryside.
Prices at Beaulieu Gate start from £261,995 for a one bedroom apartment and £364,995 for a three bedroom maisonette. For information on the latest availability visit beaulieugate.co.uk and to book an appointment call 01245 974 537 or email beaulieugate@cpplc.com
AWARD-WINNING FIRST TIME BUYER HOMES WITHIN YOUR REACH
It’s not easy right now to step on to that first rung of the property ladder – saving the initial deposit for your new home can seem like an impossible dream. Weston Homes, with its award-winning first time buyer apartments, understands how important this milestone is, and offers a number of different schemes that can help first time buyers turn their dream of owning a home into a reality
HELP TO BUY
Much like other residential developers, Weston Homes offers the well-known Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme on a number of its developments, with first time buyers required to find just a 5% deposit and benefiting from a Government loan of up to 20% (or 40% if buying in London). Terms and conditions apply, and further information on the scheme can be found at ownyourhome.gov.uk.
FIRST-TIME SECUREBUY
A scheme that’s exclusive to Weston Homes is its First-time SecureBuy initiative, designed for buying a new build off-plan. If you’re confident you can manage a mortgage, First-time SecureBuy lets you secure the home of your choice, off-plan, at today’s price, for just a £500 reservation fee.
Should the value of the property increase, you will only pay the price quoted on the day you secure your new home. Not only does the scheme offer a secure reservation, it only requires a 5% deposit. Six months before completion, you can apply for a mortgage.
To provide peace of mind to first time buyers who have often saved very hard for a very long time, Weston Homes offers a conditional exchange, with a complete refund option if circumstances change, subject to terms and conditions.
DISCOUNT MARKET SALE
Relatively new to the market is Discount
The Laundry Works, Watford Abbey Quay
Victoria Central
Market Sale, a scheme in operation on a select number of Weston Homes’ developments, run in partnership with the local council of that specific area.
With Discount Market Sale, eligibility terms and conditions can vary from council to council, but generally if you live or work in the local area you could qualify to purchase one of these selected new homes and save 20% (the marketed price reflects the saving).
Not to be confused with shared ownership, with Discount Market Sale you own 100% of your home, but have the ability to purchase a new build property at 80% of its value.
Currently, Weston Homes is delighted to offer Discount Market Sale at 1023 West in Brentwood, Abbey Quay in Barking and The Venue in Hayes.
With the above schemes, as well as usually being able to offer a variety of incentives such as help with moving costs or high-quality starter furniture packs, Weston Homes is confident it is best placed to help first time buyers achieve their dream of homeownership.
First time buyers are recommended to visit Weston Homes’ website, find their ideal development and get in touch with the sales team at that location who will be more than happy to discuss all the available options.
Visit weston-homes.com to start your search!
NEW MEANS NO WORRIES
People move for a whole host of reasons. While it is often to increase the number of bedrooms, sometimes it is because older houses can no longer provide the lifestyle that house hunters are looking for
Peter and Sharon Ward had lived in
older properties all of their lives. With three grown-up children all having left home, their three bedroom semi-detached house was no longer serving their requirements. “We wanted a more modern version of what we had, to better suit our lifestyle,” says Peter. “We also wanted a bigger garden and an en suite bathroom. It’s quite built-up where our old house was, so a quieter and more rural location was definitely more appealing.”
Making the decision to move was a fairly quick one due to a number of different circumstances. Peter’s father sadly passed away in February, and after the last lockdown, his son and girlfriend moved out to buy their first home. “While my dad was alive, we wanted to stay close by, but when he passed, he left us some money and we decided that it was time to move to a more rural setting for a better quality of life. We also wanted to be closer to our daughters and grandchildren. Although we had actually spent a fortune on the old house, it wasn’t what we ultimately wanted in terms of layout or location.”
The couple had never bought a new build property before, but they liked the idea of having nothing to worry about. “We had viewed a few new developments but weren’t really keen on anything until we found Coggeshall West and decided to buy the three bedroom Blackwater house type. We were immediately impressed with the quality, and although it is also a three bedroom house, it offers much larger rooms and a bigger garden than our old home. We also have three bathrooms compared to our one toilet in our old home.”
Coggeshall West is a boutique development of just 29 three, four and five bedroom houses built by multi-award- winning and local housebuilder, Higgins Homes. This semi-rural location with great transport links to London made the couple decide to move now, rather than wait until Peter’s retirement.
“It was always the plan that when I retired we would move further out to northern Essex where our daughters and grandchildren are, but financially it was a good idea to move now so we thought we should go for it. Although I’ve conveniently lived close to work for the last 30 years, this location means that I can still easily commute, so we get the best of both worlds.”
Coggeshall West
Peter is Commercial Director for the Port of Tilbury in Essex and is occasionally required to travel. “The station is just 10 minutes away and I can get into London easily, and when I need to fly to Scotland, Stansted Airport is just 20 minutes’ drive away,” he adds.
This historic village boasts modern transport links, with the journey time from nearby Kelvedon station to Chelmsford just 17 minutes and London only 53 minutes. By road, the A120 offers swift access to Colchester and Braintree, the A12 provides a direct link right to the centre of London and out to the coast of East Anglia. The M11 offers you a quick route to the M25 and the national motorway network.
Coggeshall is one of the oldest towns in Essex, with a distinctly village feel. In keeping with its surroundings, Coggeshall West combines the modern style and smart technology that is typically associated with a Higgins Homes development, with sensitive architecture that is in keeping with its historical surroundings.
“This was our first time buying a new build and we really liked the idea of not having to worry about the property for a long time,” he says.
“We don’t need to do anything to the house or spend any money on it. There’s plenty of space so we can both have our own areas; Sharon is a Reiki therapist and runs an online business selling crystals and I collect Formula One memorabilia. Plus, there is plenty of space for the kids and grandchildren to stay.”
The couple took advantage of Higgins Homes’ part-exchange option and found the whole process was very straightforward. “This took a lot of the stress away from the move. But we found dealing with Higgins Homes really straightforward and have been very impressed.
“Sharon has started a yoga class and is talking to a local shop owner about selling her crystals and I am planning on getting a season ticket for the football club next door. We already feel that we’ve made the right decision and have a good sense that we are going to enjoy living here.”
Prices at Coggeshall West range from £475,000 to £665,000.
Sharon and Peter Ward
For more information call 020 8108 5490, email coggeshallwest@higginshomes.co.uk or visit higginshomes.co.uk/developments/coggeshall-west
