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Vulcan Rise is a haven for hard-pressed rural 30-somethings

17th July 2013 Print
Vulcan Rise

For many 30-somethings rural properties are out of their price range, according to recently published research by the National Housing Federation (NHF). Hard-pressed younger buyers will welcome Storey Homes’ collection of two, three and four bedroom houses at Vulcan Rise, near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. The homes will be an attractive option as they are available with Help to Buy.

The scheme provides a Government loan of up to 20% of the property value, reducing the amount the buyer has to find for a deposit and also the size of the mortgage required to secure a home.

The NHF’s findings show that inflated property prices are forcing 30-somethings out of rural areas. The figures show that the number of homeowners aged between 30 and 44 has dropped by almost nine per cent in the countryside over the past ten years, compared with rising numbers in urban areas. A major cause is the near-doubling over the past decade of average rural property values, which have increased from £126,016 to £228,742 — a rise of 82 per cent.

Yet the houses at Vulcan Rise are available from just £204,950 (£171,960 through Help to Buy) for a three bedroom, terraced house. Even a luxury four-bedroom detached house costs only £259,950, or £207,950 with Help to Buy, substantially below average rural prices.

Matthew Storey, Director at Storey Homes comments: “At Vulcan Rise we want to create a viable community that will thrive for years to come. That means attracting a wide range of buyers, which is why we are pleased to offer help to hard-pressed younger buyers. Rural areas need young families and professionals if they are to avoid becoming enclaves for retirees and second home-owners. Our vision for Vulcan Rise is of a dynamic and varied community in which the fantastic benefits of a beautiful rural location can be enjoyed by everyone. We are delighted that the development is doing its bit to buck the trend noted by the NFH’s research.”

The 14 two, three and four bedroom houses suited in a private development have views over the surrounding open countryside and boast bright, spacious and well-planned interiors. And the savings that start with the purchase continue with the properties’ low running costs. Each home is built with energy saving in mind, with effective insulation and double glazed windows, and is heated via an air source heat pump, which can save up to £1300 a year in energy costs. Air source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air to heat radiators. Not only are they highly energy efficient, resulting in lower fuel bills, but they also have impressive green credentials as they can reduce carbon emissions by up to 70%.

The homes are also fitted with specialist designer kitchens featuring A+ rated appliances, meaning they have lower running costs; other cost-saving features include low energy extractor fans in the bathroom, utility room and cloakroom, and low-energy light fittings in the living room, kitchen, hall and landing.

Valiant Square and Vulcan Rise occupy the site of RAF Upwood, which originally opened in 1917, closed in 1995 and played a major role in the character and recent history of nearby Bury. Storey Homes’ redevelopment of the site has involved the careful restoration of the high-quality houses that formerly provided accommodation for married officers, beautifully situated in a landscaped setting dotted with trees and surrounded by open countryside. Vulcan Rise comprises newly built houses in a sleek contemporary style.

Huntingdon, the birth place of Oliver Cromwell, is a market town founded by the Anglo-Saxons and Danes. The town is situated on the north bank of the River Great Ouse opposite Godmanchester with the village Brampton to the west. Between these lie England’s largest Meadow, Portholme Meadow, of around 257 acres in size. Huntingdon also offers a local Horseracing Course, Huntingdon Racecourse, which is an attraction available to all. Families are also well accommodated for with a variety of primary and secondary schools, along with local colleges and sixth forms. Huntingdon Station is connected to both London Kings Cross Station (50 minutes) and Peterborough Station (20 minutes) through frequent services, and being situated near the A1 and A14, Huntingdon has easy access to the surrounding towns and villages.

The houses currently available at Vulcan Rise start at £204,950 for a three bedroom home, or £163,960 with Help to Buy, which is designed to combat the need for large deposits. Purchasers require a minimum 5% deposit and need to arrange a loan of up to 75% of the purchase price. The remaining 20% of the price is provided via a Government equity loan repayable at any time or on the sale of the property.

For more information and to book an appointment to view, visit storey-homes.co.uk.

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Vulcan Rise