Buyers still want to walk-through

They say the proof of the pudding is in the eating and in developer speak, the key to sales success remains try before you buy.

In an age of technological wizardry where computer generated images and DVD fly-throughs provide buyers with animated anticipation of what’s to come, traditional marketing methods are still the most effective when it comes to pulling in the punters.

According to Rowland, show homes are as important as ever in the decision making process for many buyers - and their proof comes in the form of nine quick sales following the launch of two show homes at Richmond Park in Monton.

“Technology is a wonderful bonus in illustrating new products to buyers before the first bricks have even been lain and has no doubt fuelled the off-plan culture that has rocketed in recent years. However, there are still a large proportion of more cautious buyers who will never be totally convinced by clever use of computer graphics,” explained Andy Finch, sales and marketing director for Rowland.

“Show homes may be one of the oldest sales tools in the book but they’re still as vital as ever, providing buyers with an enjoyable ‘real life’ experience in addition to the amazing visual representations that can now be produced. People still enjoy the ‘through the keyhole’ factor. After all, you can’t feel the texture of a suede sofa or deep pile carpet through a screen,” he added.

Now in its final phase, Richmond Park, on Monton Road, Manchester, offers a collection of 80 two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom mews and three and four-bedroom townhouses.

Prospective purchasers flooded through the doors of the four-bedroom Toulouse and the three-bedroom Toulon show homes to experience their first taste of Rowland’s take on three-storey living. And the reality of the spacious properties was enough to turn a possible move into a definite one for several early visitors, who bought a mix of townhouses, semi-detached and apartments.

The popular development is now approaching fifty per cent sold.

Priced from £274,500, the four-bedroom Toulouse is the largest design available. Space to work, rest and play is offered on the ground floor with a combined kitchen and dining area, utility room, study and downstairs cloakroom. With a spacious lounge and a bedroom with en-suite, the second floor could provide parents with their own level of personal space, allowing children and guests the entire third storey.

In the three-bedroom Toulon, the ground floor comprises integral garage, utility room and study – offering self-contained space for those who work from home. Moving up, a combined kitchen and dining area, plus a spacious lounge set the scene for comfortable family leisure time. Sleeping arrangements are made simple by accommodating all three bedrooms on the second floor. Current prices start from £256,950.

A selection of apartments are also available, priced from £144,950. For further information, visit rowland.co.uk.