Highfields delivers step up for couple in Basingstoke

Visitors to the showhomes at Highfields are bound to be impressed. In fact, it was the showhomes that sealed the deal for Simon Cockram, 27, and his partner, Kirsty Sims, 21 when they first visited the development. The couple, who were living in their own apartment, wanted to move up to a house, preferably a newly-built one; but they also wanted to keep their apartment. The solution was to let the apartment and buy a house.

When Simon and Kirsty first saw the showhome at Highfields they decided there and then to buy a two-bedroom semi-detached house with a garage and garden, off-plan for just £215,000.

Simon, an IT consultant, says: "We got a good deal because we bought off-plan, which also meant we could personalise our home. Barratt included additional features such as wood flooring throughout, kitchen appliances and granite worktops."

The couple have let their existing two-bedroom apartment in Basingstoke where the rental market remains strong. Simon adds: "We paid a reservation fee in February this year to secure the house and then paid the five per cent deposit six weeks before moved in July. The rental income from our apartment and the great price we got on our house from Barratt all adds up to a very good deal. We chose just the right time to up-size and are happy with our new investment."

"We've got lots more space now, which is terrific, and our lifestyle is so much better. We also have lovely neighbours which we have come to call friends."

It took Simon and Kirsty two years to save their deposit and they spent six months researching their move. They wanted to stay in Basingstoke as they enjoy all that it has to offer and have friends locally; they also both work for businesses based there.
Kirsty also works in the IT industry, so she and Simon naturally turned to the internet for new home options. They found the Highfields website and their visit to the showhome more than confirmed their first impressions. They instantly liked the modern feel of the development and its location within Basingstoke.

Kirsty adds: "The guys looking after us at Barratt were very professional and the service was excellent. Our move went smoothly and they even gave us a bottle of champagne to celebrate!"

The let-to-buy opportunity has worked well for the couple, with the move to Highfields as part of their plan to build up a property portfolio.

Highfields offers an attractive collection of 300 two, three and four-bedroom homes located on an elevated rural 30-acre site, with wonderful views. The new homes, both private and affordable, have been created within a beautifully-designed landscape of avenues, squares and streets. An existing football pitch has been upgraded to create a five-acre public park which will provide plenty of space for residents and the local community to enjoy.

A major superstore is less than ten minutes drive away, with a smaller store closer for everyday needs. The centre of Basingstoke itself, just two miles away, offers an extensive range of shopping options plus plenty of bars, restaurants and nightlife choices.

Families will love the impressive leisure facilities at the massive Aquadrome, Basingstoke Leisure Park and at the brand new Active Life centre. For days out, there's plenty of parks and gardens in Basingstoke, as well as the adjacent beautiful North Downs countryside.

Road and rail links are excellent, with regular trains to the coast as well as to London. The M3 is two miles away, giving fast access by car to the south, south west and north, and to the wider motorway network.

Prices at Highfields start from £249,995. For further information log on to Barratthomes.co.uk.