NEW HOMEOWNERS MAKE THE MOST OF BUYING OFF-PLAN AT LOCKING PARKLANDS

Housebuilder St. Modwen Homes has reported that demand remains strong for new build properties at its Locking Parklands development, near Weston-super-Mare, where smart buyers are taking advantage of the benefits of buying from plan.

Popular with house hunters in the UK for many reasons, purchasing off plan gives people a chance to secure the most desirable properties on a development, which are often released at earlier stages due to the higher demand expected. Buying a home prior to it being built can also make a sound investment, with profits experienced of between 10 and 20 per cent when the homeowner decides to sell the property.

One househunter who has taken advantage of buying off-plan is Amanda Kavanagh who has bought a five bedroom luxury home in The Woodlands, the latest phase of Locking Parklands to be launched to the public.

Amanda purchased The Birch detached house with her husband Kevin and their three children, and is now taking advantage of the range of fixtures and fittings available to choose from – including kitchen, flooring and bathroom tiles – one of the many advantages of purchasing off-plan.

Amanda said: “We had been looking around at various properties in Locking and the surrounding area for a while but when we saw the unique designs on offer at Locking Parklands, we knew that these new homes would suit us perfectly. Having looked through the architect’s designs we settled on The Birch property which really stood out as something different that would suit all of the family. The full-height feature window running down the front of the house is just fantastic and something which you don’t usually see in new build houses.

“It was quite a bold move for us, reserving a property having only seen the architect’s plans but the sales team at Locking Parklands has been fantastic, even taking us down to the building site to show us the foundations of our new home. Knowing that we can tailor the house to suit our needs is a real benefit and I’ve already been looking at the kitchens we can choose from. We’ve also already decided to go for a mixture of wooden and carpeted flooring throughout the property. This is a really exciting time for all the family and I can’t wait to see the finished product!”

Those purchasing off-plan at The Woodlands can choose from a range of designer Alno kitchens, renowned for their contemporary and high quality appearance. Additionally, flooring, light fittings and paint colours can all be tailored to the needs of the new homeowners.

Amanda continues: “There are so many trees and open parkland surrounding our new house at The Woodlands which helps to make all the homes feel really secluded, giving everyone their own space. Also, the fact that our new property is so environmentally friendly is a real positive for our family.”

All the homes in The Woodlands are being built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, meaning they are 25 per cent more energy efficient than current building regulations require. When complete The Woodlands will consist of 37 luxury homes and boast seven new designs, ranging from three bedroom to five bedroom houses.

Jackie Ireland, sales manager at Locking Parklands said: “Purchasing off-plan is sometimes overlooked by people buying a new house but it can often bring huge benefits to those deciding where to live. Everyone has their own tastes and there is no better way to ensure a property ticks all the right boxes than being involved during the design and build stages. Plus, you can pop down to the development from time to time and watch your new house grow – an exciting moment for any family!”

The new homes at The Woodlands start in price from £219,500 for a semi-detached three bedroom Maple house to £350,000 for a Birch five bedroom detached property, of which just one remains for sale.

To find out more about purchasing off-plan at Locking Parklands visit the marketing suite, located off Farnborough Road, which is open for visitors seven days a week between 10am and 6pm. Alternatively call the St. Modwen Homes sales team on 0844 243 4848 or visit www.lockingparklands.co.uk.