Three-storey home 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 – currently building at Abbey Fields, in Osgodby, near Selby - 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 builds around 5,000 new homes annually across England, Scotland and Wales. These encompass everything from Redrow’s affordable first time buyer Debut product to contemporary city centre apartments schemes, traditional family housing and refurbishment of Grade II listed buildings to create modern homes with original period features.

Redrow’s Abbey Fields development in Osgodby is into its final phase with only a small selection of homes remaining – among them the four-bedroom Ribble which has its accommodation arranged over three floors.

A detached version of the Ribble is priced from £234,995, including a detached single garage. Its ‘piece de resistance’ is the sumptuous master bedroom with en-suite shower room found in the cleverly converted roof space – offering a peaceful sanctuary away from the rest of the house.

The remaining three bedrooms and family bathroom are on the middle floor, while the ground floor has a traditional layout of lounge, separate dining room and fitted kitchen, as well as a cloakroom/wc.

Selected plots at Abbeyfields are ready to move into almost straight away with carpets, light fittings and turfed gardens included.

The sought-after venture is just a short distance away from Selby town centre with its wealth of high street shops, banks and building societies. There are two major supermarkets within the town centre as well as a railway station with direct routes to Leeds, York and London, making it ideal for commuters.

For further information log onto Redrow.co.uk.