Three-storey owners are living the high life

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, who is currently building in Corby and Desborough, 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 number of three-storey properties at Oakley Vale near Corby and The Grange in Desborough, where the normally redundant roof space has been cleverly converted to create a whole extra floor of living accommodation.

The Lambourne at Oakley Vale, with prices starting at £169,995, uses its pinnacle to house a luxurious master bedroom complete with en-suite.

Buyers keen to take advantage of three storey living in Corby need to take note though – the Lambourne is the only three storey house still available in the current release of homes at Oakley Vale. Future phases though should include new varieties of three storey homes..

Meanwhile at The Grange in Desborough, Redrow has a selection of three storey properties. Currently on release are the three-bedroom Lambourne, four-bedroom Walkham and Ribble and the five-bedroom Wharfe.

The Lambourne and Ribble homes make use of their extra storey with lavish master bedrooms, complete with en-suite bathrooms. The Wharfe and Walkham cleverly use the extra space for two bedrooms and storage cupboards, whilst the Wharfe also has a shower room.

Redrow at Oakley Vale is a 141-home venture featuring a collection of one, two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. The development is perfect for the commuter, with the M1 and M6 within easy reach, London is around one hour and 35 minutes away by train.

Redrow at The Grange features a range of one, three, four and five-bedroom homes.

Commuters will benefit from easy access to the motorway network and major A-roads, providing links to the cities of Leicester, Peterborough and Northampton and beyond, while train links from nearby Kettering station provide journey times to London St Pancras of just over an hour.

To join the lucky buyers already enjoying three-storey living at Redrow at Oakley Vale, visit the development, off Butland Road, to view the fabulous show homes.

To find out more about life at Redrow at The Grange visit the development off Harborough Road in Desborough.

Alternatively, go online at Redrow.co.uk.