Champagne launch for showhome at Handley Place, St Albans

Barratt North London will host a weekend of Champagne and Jazz on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July to celebrate the launch of its three-bedroom showhome at Handley Place, a striking collection of 67 new homes in Park Street, St Albans.

The housebuilder is offering some excellent incentives at the scheme, including its ‘Head Start'* deal, which allows first time buyers to move into a brand new apartment or house for only 85 per cent of the purchase price, while still owning a full 100 per cent of the property. There is no deposit to pay; the buyer just pays the legal fees and stamp duty. No interest or rent is payable on the 15 per cent deferred, which is paid back as 15 per cent of the property's open market value at any time up to the resale of the property or within ten years, whichever is sooner.

For buyers trying to sell their current home, help is at hand with Barratt's Part Exchange scheme. Here, the housebuilder will purchase their current home at full market value, so they are free to buy one of its brand new homes. Buyers will be able to move quickly without the hassle of a chain; Barratt will also take care of the Home Information Pack.

Glyn Hopping, managing director of Barratt North London, says: "Handley Place offers great value for money in a much sought-after place to live. The scheme is ideal for young professionals and families in the local area, and those who currently live in London but who'd prefer a more affordable address within easy commuter distance."

The development offers a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom houses, all set in superbly landscaped grounds. The traditionally designed homes have plenty of character, with attractive brickwork, decorative eves and a mixture of square, rectangular and arched windows. The interior specification includes stylish kitchens with a range of integrated appliances, and the majority of master bedrooms have en suite shower rooms. The apartments have an audio entry system and all the homes come with private allocated parking.

St Albans was voted one of the top 20 places to live in the UK in Location Location Location's 2007 national survey. For commuters, St Pancras International is less than an hour away, while Luton airport is just 15 miles by car. The A1M and M1 both provide direct access into London; the M25 is just three miles from Handley Place.

Prices for homes currently released for sale start from £225,000 for two-bedroom apartments, and from £385,000 for three-bedroom houses.

Information on all Barratt developments is available at Barratthomes.co.uk.

* Terms and conditions apply.