Couple buy into success story at Highfields

Prices at Highfields by Barratt Southern Counties have held at the same values since December 2008, in sharp contrast with many of the new developments in the Basingstoke area which are seeing price drops.

Sales at the development have been so strong in recent months that there are only off-plan properties currently available since demand of the new homes is exceeding supply.

One couple who have bought into the success story at Highfields is Matt Aslett, 26, and Kerry Diggins, 25, who moved into a three-bedroom townhouse on the development at the end of last year. Matt and Kerry recognised that the homes represented fantastic value for money and were keen to be part of such a popular and thriving community.

They had been living nearby in St Thomas, Basingstoke when they decided to take advantage of the current market downturn and upsize to the larger property they wanted in order to start a family.

Matt explains why now is such a great time to buy: “We paid £236,000 for our new home, just £71,000 more than the £165,000 we paid for our previous two-bedroom terraced home three and a half years ago. The current economic climate means that you can now make a large step up on the property ladder for far less money than you would have needed two or three years ago.”

By purchasing their property before it was completed, Matt and Kerry were able to negotiate a great price and were also able to make selections to their flooring and tiling ahead of moving in – so their home was exactly how they had always wanted.

Kerry, who works in customer services for a bank, comments: “We are so excited to be in a three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse – we never dreamed we would be able to afford something so spacious. We even have a large family room which Matt has set up as a home office for his work as a sign writer.”

Matt and Kerry wanted to stay in the Basingstoke area to be near their family and friends. They enjoy going out locally and use the Festival Place shopping centre with its cinema and restaurants a lot. They looked around quite a few of the local new developments before deciding on a Barratt home at Highfields.

“Highfields stood out as the best quality development in the area, the homes feature excellent attention to detail and have stunning views out over green open land” said Matt.

“The open-plan kitchen and dining area with its high, semi-glazed roof was a massive selling point as it makes the downstairs of our home really light and airy. The customer service from Barratt Southern Counties has also made buying a new home a real pleasure” adds Kerry.

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.

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 are also 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.

Barratt has a variety of ways to help you make Highfields your new home. If you have an existing home to sell, Barratt can help though its popular part exchange service, by buying your existing property and handling everything from then on. This takes away the worry of being in a chain and you can even stay in your old home until the new one is ready. With no estate agent fees to pay, or HIP pack to prepare, you save money too.

Alternatively, it is possible to buy a brand new home at the development through a new shared equity scheme called HomeBuy Direct. Homebuyers taking advantage of it will receive a 30 per cent equity loan funded jointly by Barratt Southern Counties and the Government. The buyer finances the remaining 70 per cent of the purchase price either through a mortgage, a deposit or a combination of the two.

The 30 per cent equity Barratt/Government loan means that in many cases there is no need for a deposit. The scheme is open to First Time Buyers, Key Workers and others who are currently renting. People who have previously owned properties but are now unable to do so – perhaps because they have been in relationships which came to an end – can also apply.

Prices at Highfields start from £199,995 for a two-bedroom home. For further information, visit Barrattathighfields.co.uk.