Double celebration for first time buyers

A candlelit meal, romantic trip abroad or a theatre trip are all great ways to celebrate an anniversary – unless you’re Louise Critchley and Keith Wright that is and you move into a brand new home instead.

The lucky couple celebrated their five year anniversary of when they first got together on the same day that they were given the keys to their two-bedroom apartment at popular Redrow Homes development Forum, in Bury St Edmunds.

Louise, a police community support officer, says: “It wasn’t planned at all – it was just a happy coincidence that we moved in on that day. It meant that we didn’t go out and celebrate but we didn’t mind, it was just great to finally own our home. Our first night in the home was a romantic one – we slept on the floor amongst the dust sheets because we hadn’t got a bed – in fact, we still don’t have one!

“I had been living in a flat that I was renting from my mum, but I knew that renting was dead money and I wanted somewhere I could call my own. I’d always preferred apartments to houses, so when I walked past Forum it immediately caught my eye. A new build home is perfect for us at the moment because we just don’t have the time to fix somewhere up. As it’s all ready to live with, it means the free time we do have away from work can be spent socialising and enjoying ourselves. In the future when we have more time on our hands we might think about buying somewhere to do up, but for now this apartment comes exactly as we need it.”

After showing the apartments to boyfriend Keith, a scaffolder, Louise decided to take the plunge and get on the property ladder – with Keith by her side.

She continues: “We knew we were in a long lasting relationship but we’d never really talked about moving in together – but this just seemed to be the perfect opportunity. The apartment is great, it’s close to where we both work and it’s near to some nightlife – which is great for me! We’re also just around the corner from my family - a big plus point for me.”

Keith and Louise are now getting used to life in their own home and have been busy putting their mark on it. Louise adds: “It’s been quite a stress free move – but now we need to get around to doing all the odd jobs we have been putting off. Redrow have been great with us and are always on hand to help. Even the workmen on the site are really friendly.”

Forum’s fantastic location opposite Bury’s railway station means that it has been a popular choice for buyers since its launch last year. Only five two-bedroom homes now remain at the development, like the one owned by Keith and Louise.

The apartment comes with an en-suite to the master bedroom – perfect for a couple or friends sharing to avoid rows over the bathroom, an open plan living and kitchen area and a storage cupboard. All the remaining apartments are priced from £159,500 and come with allocated parking.

Forum is situated just half a mile from Bury town centre, which offers a variety of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as a theatre. Situated opposite the train station, it is the perfect location for commuters to places such as Ipswich, around 30 minutes away, and Cambridge, 45 minutes down the line.

For more information about the final apartments at Forum, log onto Redrow.co.uk.