New apartments with a homely feel
In this day and age there is a preoccupation to build futuristic apartments of glass and metal; iconic structures to herald the 21st century but do they feel like home? Once the shock of buying something very contemporary has worn off – what are you left with? Sometimes it is a rather impersonal “box” surrounded by other equally impersonal homes, which is why Hillreed Homes still build properties that are welcoming. The company cares about the popularity of their properties and the owners’ contentment once they have bought. After all, the company’s two founding directors are still working on a day to day basis creating homes that people want to live in, over 30 years after the company was first founded.
A prime example of such a build is a development called Orchard House on the outer edge of Maidstone town centre.
These are traditionally built apartments with attractive tile hanging, part Tudor style beam work and wrought iron Juliet style balconies. Externally they present a soft, warm appeal. Location too is excellent. The apartments are adjacent to some equally stylish brand new homes of a similar external facade, all of which are now sold.
The enclave is quiet with parking for all. The approach is via an established, tree lined, residential area. The development is small and as a consequence there is no social housing. The homes are secure, there is a lift to all floors and with good insulation from a modern build heating bills are greatly reduced.
On the main London Road, there are bus stops giving a frequent service into Maidstone town centre where there is a wide range of facilities including two extensive indoor shopping centres, plus the original high street, restaurants, bars, multiplex cinemas, David Lloyd sports centre together with pleasant walkways along the river which wends its way through the centre.
Nearby there are the delights of Leeds Caste, Mote Park with its 450 acres of stunning parkland and of course Maidstone is close to the Channel Tunnel affording easy reach to the Continent. The M20/M25 opens up the whole of this part of Kent to the rest of the South East and trains from the town run superb commuter services to central London.
All the apartments at Orchard House offer two bedrooms and allotted parking. Prices start from just £179,950. There is a show house at £204,950 with delayed completion and this comes with carpets, curtains, alarm and light fittings.
There are a number of incentives available at this development to help people purchase. Hillreed Homes is aware of the current restraints in making a move but realise that many people want to make a purchase and get themselves a brand new home at a realistic price.
One incentive is the Helping Hand Scheme under which the current marketing price is reduced initially by 15%. Therefore the property at £179,950 can actually be purchased for £152,958. The buyer has 100% ownership from the day of purchase and up to 10 years to pay the 15% difference. What is also important to note is that under this particular scheme the owner does not pay rent on the 15% ; they are 100% owners.
“Prices are currently very low so offer extremely good value for money”, says Jo Richards, Marketing and Corporate Manager for Hillreed Homes. “The minute the building societies start lending again there will be a rush of buyers which will inevitably result in prices rising to meet demand. Those able to purchase now will, long term, make a very good investment”
Certainly Hillreed Homes do everything possible to assist buyers including helping those who already have a home, to sell, via a number of cost free ideas and help including use of Hillreed Homes’ own web site to market their current property. In addition there are a number of other incentives available.
For more information, log on to Hillreed.co.uk.
