Couple strike ideal first time buy at South Quarter in Croydon

Angela and her husband Samuel Fashanu, brother of the legendary former Wimbledon and England striker John Fashanu, are amongst the first people to buy a new home at New South Quarter, Barratt's exciting new development in Croydon.

The couple have bought a two-bedroom apartment off plan and although they will not move in until next year, when the first homes are ready, Barratt's ambitious vision for New South Quarter means it will be worth the wait.

New South Quarter will be a modern urban village of around 800 new homes, sited about a mile from Croydon town centre. With striking architecture, imaginative landscaping and facilities including a medical centre, nursery school, café and convenience store, residents can expect a great lifestyle in what is expected to become a landmark development.

Samuel spotted an advertisement for New South Quarter in the local newspaper and they decided to visit the development straightaway. The couple were instantly impressed by the show home but, like many first time buyers, had doubts about whether they could afford a new home. Angela comments, "Luckily the sales team couldn't have been more helpful and flexible. We paid only £230,995 for our apartment after Barratt offered us discounts totalling £5,500. This made such a huge difference and they even offered us a way of paying our deposit over a period of time."

Angela and Samuel currently rent a flat in Tulse Hill and had decided to buy a new home after the birth of their first child earlier this year. Angela works as a finance officer in Southwark and Samuel is starting a full-time MSc forensic course at Kingston University as part of his studies to become a forensic scientist. Croydon's proximity to London and its fantastic transport links were a major factor in the Fashanus' decision to buy.

New South Quarter is located opposite Wandle Park Tramline, which connects directly with Croydon's mainline and tube stations; trains to Victoria and London Bridge can take as little as 13 minutes. "It'll be easy for us to get to work by either train or car, and we plan to use both," comments Samuel.

The impressive regeneration plans for Croydon was another reason that attracted Angela and Samuel. "Croydon is an up and coming area with great facilities," says Angela, adding "and of course the shopping is fantastic!"

Although Croydon is a busy cosmopolitan town, it has plenty of green spaces. Wandle Park, across the road from New South Quarter will provide a peaceful place for the family to enjoy relaxing strolls with their baby.

Samuel and Angela's new second-floor home has a contemporary open-plan layout, which is increasingly popular with home buyers. The large living/dining/kitchen area opens onto a very large terrace to provide welcome outside space. Both bedrooms are generously sized and there are two bathrooms, which make everyday life easier for families.

Prices at New South Quarter start at £194,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and £219,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. Barratt is helping first-time buyers by paying their five per cent deposit or by offering a £400 per month mortgage subsidy for two years. There is a range of other incentives to suit individual needs.

For more information log on to Newsouthquarter.co.uk.