Kent buyer shrugs off market concerns to buy dream home

People are still getting mortgages and buying houses, despite media reports of challenging times for the property industry. Adam Stratford, 28, was not deterred by concerns about the housing market and recently bought his second property, a two bedroom house at Countryside Maritime's development, Ventura Riverside at St. Mary's Island, Chatham, Kent.

Adam, a Navigator in the Merchant Navy, comments: "I decided that I would get myself in a position so that I could move quickly if I did find something suitable, so I decided to sell my flat and move in with my parents while I looked for a new home."

"At St. Mary's Island I was amazed at how much more I could get for my money on the Island than in Bromley, where I had been looking. I put down a deposit on a two bedroom house the day I visited and moved in less than one month later. The whole process was really easy from start to finish. I didn't know anyone living here when I moved but it has proved to be a really friendly place to live and there's a great community feel here.

"My new house at Ventura Riverside was really good value for money - I have got lots more space and my house is in a much better location than anything I saw elsewhere. I get the best of both worlds, living in tranquil surroundings but close to the town centre I'm less than an hour from London and I have an easy commute to work in Dover. I am confident that, with the ongoing regeneration in the area and the quality of the property I have bought, this represents a sound investment. I'm really glad that I didn't let media reports on the housing market put me off, as I would have missed out on buying a home that I love."

St. Mary's Island is a joint venture between Countryside Properties and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). The Island has been transformed from a derelict former Naval base into a thriving, sustainable community with some of the most eco-friendly homes in the country. The two current phases of development on St. Mary's Island are Ventura Riverside and The Fishing Village.

Ventura Riverside comprises a range of two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom houses, many of which overlook the river. These homes are being built to achieve the highest EcoHomes rating of Excellent. Externally, the visually attractive properties are a marriage of classic and contemporary architectural features and showcase red brickwork, coloured rendering and timber cladding.

The Fishing Village comprises one and two bedroom apartments overlooking the River Medway. The strikingly designed properties feature coloured weatherboarding, inspired by colours found in the surrounding natural environment, with unusual roof elevations influenced by traditional Kentish fishermen's lofts.

St Mary's Island is located off the A289 and is approximately one mile north of Chatham town centre. The M25 and A2 are also easily accessible. There are frequent train services to London Victoria from Chatham, with a journey time of approximately 44** minutes.

Prices for current availability at Ventura Riverside are from £195,000. For further information visit Venturariverside.net.

Prices for current availability at The Fishing Village are from £172,000. For further information visit Thefishingvillage.net.

*Subject to terms and conditions
** National Rail