First time buyers hooked on apartment living

Current conditions in the housing market and greater restrictions on mortgages are making more and more first time buyers turn to apartment living as a more affordable and stylish way to make that all important move onto the property ladder.

One such first time buyer, Ben Evans, has done exactly that at Crest Nicholson’s eco-development, ICON, in Street, with surprising results.

IT engineer Ben (28) has lived in Street and the surrounding area for seven years. Ben said: “I really like Somerset and Street because, aside from being where all my friends and family live, it gives you the opportunity to live and enjoy the countryside but has all the amenities you need such as shops and restaurants.”

Ben moved into his two bedroom, Crest Nicholson Deco apartment in February this year. He continued: “I thought it might be a good time to buy as houses seemed to be more affordable due to the market and I had already saved a decent deposit. My Dad, Tim Evans of 360tor.com, who produces panoramic property tours for companies, had just completed one of the ICON development and he encouraged me to go and have a look.

“I was a bit apprehensive about looking at the apartments as in my experience they’ve usually been dark and small but I was pleasantly surprised to find that the apartments at ICON were totally different. They have full length windows, which let in lots of light, and the rooms are laid out in a way that makes each room seem really spacious. I also get the benefit of having a balcony which is south facing and great on a nice summer day.”

The properties at ICON incorporate a range of energy efficient measures including solar water heating and low energy lighting. The homes are also highly insulated and feature central ventilation systems which keep energy consumption extremely low – saving money on heating bills as well as helping the planet, a factor which played on Ben’s mind when buying his property.

“The fact that the apartments are environmentally friendly is a big plus point for me. Initially I was worried about not being able to afford the bills, especially as gas and electricity have gone up in price, but I’ve had a few bills now and they have been fairly low and certainly less than my friends are paying in their more traditional homes.

“I’ve met a few of the neighbours now and there is starting to be a real community feel which is great and the sales staff on site have also been really helpful” he said.

The ICON development consists of 138 one and two bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom homes, with prices now starting from £105,950 for a one bedroom apartment to £244,950 for a four bedroom, three storey home.

The apartments include one and two bedroom properties which provide modern living accommodation with environmentally friendly features. There is a great selection of properties available, with many apartments boasting a separate dressing area attached to the master bedroom – a feature not often available in apartment living.

ICON is situated within easy reach of Street town centre but also close to open areas both within the development – Lime Tree Close and the wildlife garden, as well as the beautiful surrounding Somerset countryside.

For further information, log on to liveicon.com.