Three storey living comes out top in Colchester

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 in Colchester, commissioned a survey of 1000 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 currently has two popular styles of three-storey home at The Myle in Colchester – the Thurn and the Neale.

While some home buyers will pay thousands for a loft conversion, buyers of the Neale or Thurn homes at The Myle will have the third storey already built and ready to move into.

The Thurn uses this space for three bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room, and the family bathroom, while the Neale also uses the third storey space for three bedrooms, one with walk-in wardrobes, and a family bathroom.

Prices for a Thurn home start at £275,995 and Neale homes begin at £245,995.

Colchester lays claim to being the country’s oldest recorded town and its quaint, old fashioned architecture reflects this. The town boasts museums, a zoo, cinema, theatre, art galleries and many shops.

The Myle is located on Mill Road and in a prime location for commuters, with its easy access to the A12, which leads directly to the capital by car in around 90 minutes; while rail links from nearby Colchester North Station provide access to Ipswich in less than 20 minutes and to London Liverpool Street in about an hour. The development is also situated on a main bus route.

For further information, visit redrow.co.uk.