Out with the old, in with the new in Stone
With all the harsh weather bestowed upon us recently, most of us are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Spring – a season renowned for new beginnings and changes. Discerning househunters looking to start the new season afresh in a brand new home need not look any further than Miller Homes’ perfectly located development, The Willows, in Stone. And with the benefits of brand new properties far outweighing older properties, it’s no wonder purchasers in Staffordshire are flocking to this popular development.
Buying a new home fitted with that luxury kitchen and en suite bathroom you've always wanted, can prove irresistible. In addition, new homes are built to high standards and are generally cheaper to run than older properties. Experts also estimate that by buying a new home you can save more than £20,000 - the amount you may have to spend to update a second hand home. This takes into account items like new heating systems, rewiring, windows, redecorating rooms and improving insulation.
Regional sales director Linda Androlia explains the benefits of buying new: “New build houses present a blank canvas, providing purchasers with the opportunity to decorate their home in whatever style they like by selecting from a range of house types as well as personalising fixtures and fittings. It may seem like a drastic option in order to avoid DIY, but buying new could actually turn out to be a cheaper option in the long run than redecorating a home in need of sprucing up.
“Proven to generate over 60 percent less CO2 emissions than older properties, new homes also represent better value for money, providing significant savings on annual energy bills.”
Properties at The Willows have also become even more affordable, with the launch of 15 homes as part of the Government’s Homebuy Direct scheme.
The scheme, which Miller Homes announced it would be taking part in last month, makes this selection of three bedroom homes affordable to first time buyers, key workers and current households earning less than £60,000 who cannot afford to buy a property on the open market.
Essentially, buyers will have the opportunity to purchase 100 percent of their home by paying 70 percent of the value, with both Miller Homes and the Government equally funding the remaining 30 percent. The 30 percent equity loan will only become repayable after 25 years or when the customer sells their home, whichever comes first.
One of the big bonuses of the scheme is that the equity loan is only repayable after 25 years, and there is no interest payable for the first five years.
Homebuy Direct is a much-welcomed initiative according to regional sales director Linda Androlia: “The release of these homes is a great shot in the arm for prospective homebuyers in Staffordshire. It will enable more people who have found it almost impossible to get a foot on or climb the property ladder, either due to the tightening of mortgage lending or because they have struggled to raise the deposits they need to secure a brand new home. Not only does the scheme provide a further boost to the housing market but it also bolsters confidence amongst buyers – something that we have already witnessed in our sales rates.”
“With the immense affordability of these properties, we’re sure they’ll be snapped up, so we urge househunters to act quickly.”
The Willows features a range of three, four and five bedroom homes perfect for families. Set in the beautiful market town of Stone and with excellent local amenities, the development brings a prestigious new neighbourhood benefitting from a rural setting whilst being just 15 minutes drive from Stafford and Stoke on Trent.
Properties at The Willows start from £184,950 but with Homebuy Direct, you only pay 70 percent up front. For more information on the homes available and to find out if you qualify for a Homebuy Direct property at the development, contact the sales office at Fillybrooks, Stone, ST15 0PT - open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 5pm. Further details are also available online at Millerhomes.co.uk.
