Recent statistics are showing that buying is cheaper than renting in most of the UK’s towns and cities* however with money still tight for many people, buying a second hand home could cost more than purchasers had bargained for due to hidden expenses in getting their home up to scratch. For one couple in Chelmsford the benefits to buying a new build property were hard to ignore and, when looking to move out of rental accommodation and buy together, they found that the properties at Crest Nicholson’s Clarion Gate development outshone other houses in the area with their bedroom size and downstairs layout.
Cheryl Parnham (32) and Jonathon Drabble (37) were previously renting a two bedroom flat in the Great Baddow area, close to the Clarion Gate development, but decided to buy a new home that they could grow in together as an investment for their future. When they came across the development in the local papers they decided to take a look at the homes available and were impressed by the three storey, four bedroom townhouses on offer.
Cheryl said; “We were looking to upsize from our rental property and get onto the property ladder and thanks to some inheritance money we had a sizeable deposit to play with. We wanted to stay in the Great Baddow area as it feels like its own small town yet is within easy reach of Chelmsford town centre, so we looked at a real mix of old and new properties in the local area. In the end we couldn’t ignore the fact that buying a new build home would mean we could move straight in without having to do lots of restoration work or extensive decorating.
“When we looked at the Gosfield at Clarion Gate we were so impressed by the size of the bedrooms, having mistakenly thought that room sizes in new build properties would be small in comparison to older properties. We also really liked the layout of the house, especially how the three floors give us so much space to grow into. The downstairs layout really suits our lifestyle as it offers a great setting to entertain in. We definitely see ourselves staying here for the foreseeable future.”
The Avenues is the current phase at Clarion Gate which features contemporary style three and four bedroom townhouses, two bedroom coach houses and apartment buildings in a series of formal symmetrical street scenes. The striking exteriors will feature smart rendered and boarding finishes with large feature windows and steel ballastrading to balconies.
Annette Cole, Sales and Marketing Director at Crest Nicholson Eastern commented; “Many people have a pre-conceived idea of new build houses as small, box-like properties lacking any character, but at Clarion Gate the homes are spacious and airy and the development is set out with a village-like feel to create a sense of community for the residents. It’s an ideal setting for young professionals, like Cheryl and Jonathon, who are starting a life together as its close enough to Chelmsford for its shopping and nightlife as well as offering fast links to London. For those looking to start a family, the local schools are some of the top performing in the area in terms of exam results.”
In total, Clarion Gate comprises an elegant collection of 153 traditional and contemporary styled apartments and houses. All homes come with at least one parking space and, inside, fully-fitted kitchens feature a comprehensive range of integrated Bosch appliances including an integrated fridge/freezer and stainless steel oven, hob and extractor hood, easing the burden of starting from scratch.
Nearby Chelmsford Station provides fast and efficient services to London Liverpool Street taking approximately 35 minutes. Alternatively, the A12 is just a short drive from the scheme and provides direct routes south to the Capital and Colchester to the north.
For further information about buying a home at Clarion Gate please contact 0870 757 8184. Alternatively, visit the Crest Nicholson website at: www.crestnicholson.com