Couple sail toward retirement with buy-to-let success

A recent survey shows that 57% of estate agents in the South East are reporting a lack of rental property on the market*. This is good news for buy-to-let investors, such as Reverend and Mrs Houston, who secured a tenant just days after buying their apartment at The Fishing Village, Countryside Maritime’s award-winning development on St. Mary’s Island, Chatham.

Reverend Houston, 55, comments: “In the spring of 2000 I found myself as the vicar of a country parish near Canterbury. In some ways it was an easier move than some because, although I was moving from South Africa, I was required to live in a Rectory, and so hadn’t needed to buy a property in England. As I will need to have my own home when I retire, my wife, Julie, and I decided that it was now time to get a foot on the ladder, and have bought a two bedroom apartment at The Fishing Village.

“It means that we now have the security of owning our own property which we can rent out until I retire and we move in. We were confident that it wouldn’t be too difficult to find a tenant, as St. Mary’s Island is such an unusually desirable place to live, however we were rather surprised when we let the property within just a few days of purchasing it as it hasn’t even been built yet. We are absolutely thrilled as it really reinforces for us our confidence in what a great investment this apartment will be.

“We had looked at a few new developments around Kent, but as soon as we saw St. Mary’s Island we both immediately realised that it was the place for us. Our new apartment will be perfect for our retirement, as it’s very spacious and easy to maintain. I am absolutely passionate about sailing and when we do eventually move here I will be able to fulfil my ambition of owning my own boat and would like to moor it in the Marina right on the doorstep.”

The Fishing Village is the latest development of waterside apartments at St. Mary’s Island. The design of the properties has been inspired by traditional Kentish fishermen’s lofts, with distinctive roof elevations, modern glazing and coloured weatherboarding combining to create a stylish, contemporary development.

Most apartments have a balcony with views over the River Medway. Large windows ensure that every property is filled with light that flows through the open plan living spaces. Every apartment has a fully fitted kitchen, which includes an integrated fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer. Bathrooms include sleek, white sanitaryware with chrome fixtures and fittings.

Developed as a joint partnership between Countryside Properties and SEEDA (the South East England Development Agency), apartments at The Fishing Village are being built to an Eco-Homes rating of ‘Very Good’. The apartments will offer residents the benefits of reduced running costs from greater energy and water efficiency, reduced maintenance and healthy, comfortable and flexible interiors.

For sailing enthusiasts, there is an award-winning marina right on the doorstep of St. Mary’s Island. Chatham town centre, approximately one mile away, has a whole host of boutique and independent shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. The M25 and A2 are easily accessible and there are frequent train services to London Victoria from Chatham with a journey time of approximately 44** minutes.

Prices at The Fishing Village start at £162,000 for a one bedroom apartment. Until 30th April visitors to The Fishing Village can enter a free prize draw for a chance to win Eurostar vouchers to the value of £250.

For further information on The Fishing Village visit Thefishingvillage.net.

* Most recent ARLA Members Survey of the Buy to Let sector
** National Rail