Outstanding value for first time buyers in Basingstoke

For first time buyer Stephen Merchant, affordability and value for money were of prime importance. Initially he looked at shared ownership schemes and housing association properties but then he discovered that with Barratt's he could afford to buy a property at their Highfields development in Old Kempshott Lane, Basingstoke. He's glad he did, because he reckons it was a great opportunity.

Stephen, an IT manager who works in Farnham, has bought a two-bedroom house with a large living area, a big master bedroom, convenient parking and external access to his garden, which is important for him as he owns a motor bike. It is in an idyllic location, overlooking open countryside, yet only two miles from the centre of town. He viewed the development when construction was underway and made a reservation there and then. He moved in just before Christmas and remains delighted with his purchase.

He says: "The whole development has been very well thought out, the houses exude great quality and are well spaced out with a park in the middle. Yet there are three supermarkets and a petrol station close by." He has nothing but praise for the Barratt team; he used the company's solicitor and completed his purchase within 12 days of making the reservation. His parents were so impressed by his purchase that, looking to downsize, they have now decided to buy a similar property at Highfields.

Basingstoke is developing a reputation for as an ideal location for first time buyers. Some types of property are up to 15% cheaper than Reading and other comparable towns in the region. On top of this, the town is a hub for both business and leisure. It has one of the highest economic activity rates in the UK with many large companies having their headquarters or regional office there. It also has one of the lowest unemployment records of just one per cent.

The Festival Place Shopping Centre has played a major role in putting Basingstoke on the map. It is home to no less than 165 stores ranging from Debenhams, Gap, M&S, Zara, French Connection, TK Maxx and LK Bennett, so there should be something to suit everyone's taste. What's more they are open every weekday evening until 8pm. At night, the Centre becomes a hive of activity with 30 restaurants, bars and cafés to sample, a 10-screen cinema and premium night club, as well as state-of-the-art sports centre and library.

The mainline station provides a fast train service to London Waterloo in approximately 44 minutes. Reading and Southampton are also easily accessible by rail, while the M3, leading to London and the major south coast ports of Southampton and Portsmouth, is at the southern edge of the town. To the west, the A34 provides good access to the North.

Highfields comprises 300 traditionally built two, three and four-bedroom homes on a 30 acre site and offers a mix of both private and affordable housing. For further details on the range of new homes available at Highfields, where prices begin at £227,495, visit the website at barratthomes.co.uk.