Friends club together to make first home a reality

Those who are determined to buy a new home in areas where there are good opportunities available are not being discouraged by tightened lending criteria in the mortgage markets. Instead of waiting for the market to stabilise, they are determined to find a way - by clubbing together.

Two friends, Phil Sargent, 23 and Matt Toovey, 24 were so impressed by the regeneration of Camberley and the effect it is having on transforming the town, that it led them to purchase a new home together at Crest Nicholson’s regeneration scheme, The Atrium. With the help of the EasyBuy and Move-In-For-Free schemes offered by Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd they bought a two bedroom apartment at The Atrium.

Phil said: “Having grown up in the area we were both ready to move away from home as we wanted a greater degree of independence and space.

“By pooling our resources together and arranging a joint mortgage, we are now living at the heart of a diverse town, with shopping, entertainment and exercise facilities within easy reach. The face and look of the town has been transformed, and we wanted to be a part of it.”

Matt said: “With everything that Camberley has to offer I don’t think there is a better place for two friends to live in this area, which are still within financial reach. I particularly like the lifestyle opportunities available at The Atrium, which are ideal for young professionals like us and the gym is an added bonus, so I’m very pleased Gold’s Gym will be opening at the development. When we originally looked at the new build properties in the area The Atrium stood out in terms of build quality, optimised layouts and great specifications.”

The Atrium also suits both Phil and Matt for their weekend hobbies. Phil is a keen surfer, and is able to drive from Camberley to Devon and Cornwall with ease to pursue his passion.

Phil said: “I travel to the coast most weekends, and Camberley provides easy access to motorways such as the M3. Living here means we can enjoy the best of both worlds - the leafy suburban lifestyle, knowing a change of scenery is easily accessible.”

Helen Boniface, Sales and Marketing Manager, Crest Nicholson Regeneration Ltd, comments: “For two friends like Phil and Matt, The Atrium provides an opportunity that many people in the area have been waiting for. Not only have they been able to get on the ladder by securing a joint mortgage through our EasyBuy scheme, they will benefit from the transformation and investment in the town.”

The Atrium which is set to open towards the end of November, will bring shopping, eating and entertainment to the heart of Camberley where prospective purchasers will be able to enjoy a nine-screen Vue Cinema, 22-lane Bowlplex as well as an exciting range of cafes and restaurants. In addition four retailers Next, Zavvi, Sportsdirect.com and Laura Ashley are already trading on the newly pedestrianised Park Street.

Ideally located for commuters, The Atrium is less than half a mile from Camberley train station, which offers services to London Waterloo in just over an hour. Train journeys to central London from nearby Farnborough station take as little as 35 minutes. Residents at The Atrium also benefit from lifts and each apartment has its own designated car parking space.

Prices at The Atrium currently start from £177,500 for a one bedroom apartment and £225,000 for a two bedroom apartment. For further enquiries log on to crestnicholson.com/TheAtrium.