Engineer buys big to fund future retirement plans

Gareth Pugh’s choice of brand new house is more than just a home. The 27-year-old engineer has invested in a four-bedroom ‘Longworth’ at George Wimpey’s Castleford development in Market Drayton to help fund his future retirement.

“I wanted to buy the biggest house I could afford, because although the market is not so good at the moment, house prices do go up over time. They may go down briefly, but they always come back up again.

“Over the next 40 years or so, while I am working, the equity will build up and then I will be able to downsize and help fund my retirement,” explains Gareth. “So I’ll keep buying the biggest house I can afford.”

Gareth has already saved himself thousands of pounds on his new home by taking advantage of George Wimpey’s offer to foot the stamp duty bill.

“You can look at 50 houses and they never feel quite right, but looking out onto open fields, this house felt like home,” adds Gareth, who selected his home after visiting the Castleford development with his brother, who has also decided to move there.

“I managed to sell my house in two days, so I have moved in first, but he is looking to buy the house next door.

“Nothing is too much trouble for the George Wimpey staff here, and the Site Manager, Leighton Clare has been fantastic to deal with.”

Buyers should move quickly to avoid being disappointed – The ‘Longworth’ which Gareth bought is already sold out. Four-bedroom homes at the development start at £229,995, three-bedroom styles start at £154,995 and two-bedroom apartments from £142,500.

The four-bedroom ‘Fairfield’ townhouse priced from £259,995 is ideal for those who choose to work from home, growing families – and younger buyers investing for the future.

Featuring a spacious kitchen/breakfast room with French doors to the rear garden, a utility room, a dining/family room and a large lounge which also has doors to the garden, the ground floor is completed by a cloakroom off the entrance hallway.

Upstairs, the landing leads to a master bedroom with built-in wardrobes and en-suite bathroom, a second double bedroom with en-suite, and a study. Two further bedrooms and a family bathroom can be found on the top floor.

Like all homes at the development, the ‘Fairfield’ enjoys a high standard specification, including gas central heating, double glazing and a kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.

Castleford is less than a mile from Market Drayton town centre, home to a selection of shopping and entertainment facilities.

Commuters will appreciate that the A53 is a few minutes’ drive from the development and junction 15 of the M6 is 20 minutes away by car. The nearest train station is Prees which links to Birmingham via Shrewsbury.

George Wimpey provides a range of deals tailor-made for all types of buyers, and for those with a property to sell, the leading housebuilder’s ‘easymover’ programme offers a range of attractive incentives on selected properties.

To find out more, visit the Sales Centre, located off Chancel Drive, Market Drayton and open Thursday to Monday, 9.30am and 5.00pm.

Information on George Wimpey developments across the region is available online at Georgewimpey.co.uk.