Off-plan buyers return to Kent

Off-plan buying is back in vogue in Kent as housing stock levels hit their lowest level for years, according to leading homebuilder Ward Homes.

The re-emergence of off-plan purchasers – who decide to buy a home before construction has started – provides further evidence that the Kent housing market has stabilised after the downturn in 2007 and 2008.

It has been usual practice for developers to sell the first homes on any development off-plan at the lowest prices to encourage sales and get an early return on investment. Then, as the development takes shape, prices are increased.

“Off-plan buyers have always been able to secure extremely competitive deals because all housebuilders like to make some sales before construction begins,” said Nick Fenton, Managing Director at Ward Homes.

“It has a number of advantages for buyers who can secure the home they want on the plot of their choice. Buying off-plan with a major developer such as Ward Homes means you can rest assured that everything is in place to ensure that your property will be completed to a high standard.”

Off-plan purchasers have the advantage of being able to personalise their new home from the outset by determining the colour schemes of kitchens, bathrooms and tiles. They also enjoy all the benefits traditionally associated with new homes – minimal maintenance, fresh décor, good insulation, the latest double glazing and energy efficient central heating.

“Ward Homes produces detailed site plans to help select your plot from the development layout,” added Nick Fenton. “Advances in technical drawings, computer generated images and even virtual tours make visualising your home easier than ever before.’’

Off-plan homes currently available from Ward Homes include Eden Village in Sittingbourne, Priory Meadows on the Isle of Sheppey, The Woodlands in Boughton Monchelsea, White Sand in Camber and Pavilion Place in Snodland.

Homes currently available at Eden Village include two, three and four-bedroom houses, priced from £147,950. For more information, contact the Sales Centre at Eden Village, Bluebell Drive, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4EL, open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Two, three and four-bedroom homes are currently available for sale at Priory Meadows, priced from £139,950. For more information, contact the Sales Centre at Priory Meadows, Lilac Road, Minster On Sea, Sheerness ME12 3GA, open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Three-bedroom houses are currently available at The Woodlands, priced from £224,950. For more information, visit the Sales Centre at The Woodlands, off Brishing Lane, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4SG, open from 10am to 6pm.

Two-bedroom cottages are currently available at White Sand, priced from £195,000. For more information, contact the Sales Centre at White Sand, Whitesand Drive, Camber, East Sussex, TN31 7UP, open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Two, three and four-bedroom houses are available at Pavilion Place, priced from £199,950. For more information, visit the Sales Centre at Pavilion Place, off Mill Street, Snodland, Kent ME6 5AN, open daily from 10am to 6pm.

Further details are also available online at wardhomes.co.uk.