Out with the old and in with the new (home)
In the lead up to Christmas, many people’s thoughts often turn to moving home in the new year. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, or a seasoned home mover, the first step towards your dream property is choosing whether to buy old or new.
Andrea Palmer, Head of Regional Sales at L&Q, one of the UK’s leading housing associations and residential developers with the Beauchamp Park development at Gallows Hill in Warwick, makes the case for new build properties.
Here she shares her top five reasons why new builds are a more favourable – and often financially beneficial – proposition compared to properties on the second-hand market.
Cherry pick the best plot
Buying off-plan – before the property is even built – has some great advantages. Not only can buyers cherry pick their ideal plot, but they can also choose the colour and style of standard features such as kitchen units, work surfaces and tiles and sanitaryware in the bathroom.
Some people may feel a little apprehensive about buying a home they can’t yet see however housebuilders, including L&Q, go the extra mile to show prospective buyers exactly what it’ll look like when it’s complete. Purchasers can view plans and artists’ impressions to see the plot and house hunters are able to wander around the show home to get a feel for L&Q’s high-quality finish. Andrea comments: “There are four professionally-designed showhomes at our Beauchamp Park development which perfectly demonstrate the quality of our properties and showcase the many features that come as standard, at no extra cost.”
Go green
Like appliances and cars, properties have evolved from decades of research and development and are now packed with technology. We’ve incorporated a timber frame system at Beauchamp Park which brings benefits such as superior insulation plus as frames are precision-made, corners are square, edges are straight and fitted furniture fits like a glove!
“We’re all increasingly conscious of the need to conserve energy to save money and minimise climate change. Wood is effectively a carbon-neutral material and timber frame has the lowest CO2 cost of any building system. Timber framed homes are engineered to be draught-free and as they’re generously insulated, the energy needed to run the property is drastically reduced,” comments Andrea.
No decorating disasters
The benefit of little maintenance and having no previous decorating faux pas to put right increases the appeal of a brand-new home. All homes at Beauchamp Park have been designed to offer luxurious living in this emerging new community. Andrea continues: “Kitchens are complete with a dishwasher, fridge/freezer, oven, induction hob and washer/dryer as standard, bathrooms are stylishly finished with heated towel rails, contemporary sanitaryware and chrome fixtures and fittings and en-suites feature rainfall showerheads. This fully-inclusive specification is included as standard. We take pride in knowing that we are handing over your home complete with everything you need from the very first day living in it.”
And that’s not all – bedroom one incorporates a built-in wardrobe, flooring is included throughout and gardens come turfed – all at no extra cost. The only decision buyers need to make is which colour palette to choose from: Cool Style, Classic Contemporary or Timeless Warmth!
Sense of community
Beauchamp Park is a 450-home development which forms part of the Warwick Gateway urban extension. Andrea said the team has worked hard to design the development with community in mind: “Beauchamp Park interlinks play areas, cycle paths and walking routes to encourage interaction and provide a meeting point for future residents to build a community with their families. In time, it will also feature a community centre, primary school and country park.”
Financial help
When buying new, you have the assurance that your developer is there every step of the way offering guidance, advice and a host of home moving incentives. Andrea continues: “Shared Ownership, available on two, three and four bedroom homes at Beauchamp Park, enables those on lower incomes and the growing number of people wanting to buy to part-buy and part-rent a property, paying a mortgage on the part they own and with a subsidised rent on the part they don’t. As their income rises, they can increase the share they own until they eventually own 100% and no longer pay any rent to L&Q in a process known as ‘staircasing’.
If you would like more information about Beauchamp Park, or to book an appointment to view our show homes, please contact our sales team on 01926 259381 or email beauchamppark@lqgroup.org.uk
