High and mighty in Wiltshire

With three-storey living on the rise, one major new homes developer decided to investigate the reasons for its popularity – with uplifting results. National house builder Redrow – with developments in Swindon, Chippenham, Trowbridge and Westbury - commissioned a survey of 1,000 customers living in both two and three-storey homes, and the results show some compelling reasons for choosing height over width when moving house.

According to the study almost two thirds of three-storey converts would rather keep their extra floor than move into a two-storey home.

Although most of the three-storey buyers didn’t specifically look for a home with three floors, the choice clearly paid off – as over two thirds of people questioned have found the extra floor useful, with most buyers using it for extra bedrooms.

It’s also likely that those enjoying elevated living have had the odd envious look from their neighbours, as nearly 75% of people living in a traditional two-storey home said they were attracted to the idea of adding an extra floor to their living space.

Three-storey homes have become increasingly common throughout the UK as government planning guidelines promote the need for developers to be economic with their land – which means utilising upward, instead of outward space. Modern life has also had an impact on the type of housing we need. Families are now less conventional, with a rise in step-families and more unusual living arrangements. Friends also frequently buy together in order to get on the property ladder. These changes mean the demand for a flexible type of living space is higher than ever.

Simon Bennett, group marketing director for Redrow, explains the appeal: “We’ve always known the advantages that three-storey homes can offer, but hearing the reasons directly from our own customers – those who are actually experiencing it for themselves - confirms this for us.

“Whilst three-storey living was popular back in Victorian times, living spread over three floors today is a contemporary solution to modern day life, and we’ve found that buyers at all stages of the property buying ladder appreciate its appeal – from young families right through to ‘empty nesters’.”

Buyers also highlighted many reasons why three-storey property is now coveted, including an increased level of privacy offered by first floor living areas as well as the fact that it gives home owners the option to be creative and flexible with their internal layout. The extra stairs in this type of property also have an added bonus – with several owners saying it helped keep them fit!

Those who have bought a three-storey home from Redrow have used their extra floor space in various ways. Many have used the opportunity to give teenagers and older children their own space and independence, which can be difficult to do in the traditional two-storey home. And people who work from home have also benefited, as a home office can be tucked away on the top floor, separating ‘home’ and ‘work’ lives.

One thing that both two and three-storey owners agreed on was the value for money this property design offers, with the majority of each group believing that three-storey buyers get more for their money.

Redrow currently has a choice of properties available at its Abbey Manor development in Swindon, at Fenway Park in Chippenham, Lakelands Edge in Westbury and Rushmead Park in Trowbridge, all with spacious accommodation arranged over three floors.

Abbey Manor, in Priory Vale, Swindon, currently has a selection of spacious four-bedroom three-storey townhouses, priced from £235,000. Homebuyers purchasing selected ‘Teign’ style homes can also benefit from a fantastic Redrow offer to pay the stamp duty and to include fitted carpets throughout the home and landscaped gardens. Alternatively it may be possible for would-be purchasers to part exchange their existing home.

Fenway Park, within half-a-mile of Chippenham town centre, boasts a selection of three and four-bedroom three-storey townhouses. The ‘Malham’ and ‘Teign’ styles are available from £220,000 and £255,000 respectively, and selected plots can currently be purchased with part-exchange or with a £5,000 discount, fully carpeted home and landscaped garden.

Lakelands Edge, in Westbury, currently has a choice of spacious three-bedroom ‘Malham 2’ style homes with integral garage and a first floor living room for extra privacy. They’re priced from £219,000 and, at present, Redrow is offering a £5,000 discount on selected homes, as well as including fitted carpets and landscaped gardens. A new Malham show home has just opened.

At Rushmead Park, on the outskirts of Trowbridge, the choice includes luxurious four-bedroom townhouses such as the ‘Neale’ and ‘Walkham’, priced from £199,000 and £260,000 respectively. Selected plots can currently be purchased with part-exchange or with a £5,000 discount, fully carpeted home and landscaped garden.

For details of any of these developments and the three-storey homes available – as well as more traditional two-storey designs and apartments at some locations - visit Redrow.co.uk.