Waterside location could add future value to your home

For many, living by water is not just a happy coincidence but a deliberate lifestyle choice and one that could potentially add thousands of pounds to the value your home.

Research by British Waterways found that for 60% of respondents who lived in five key waterfront developments in the UK said that the waterside location was either ‘very’ or ‘fairly important’ in their decision to live there. An overwhelming 75% felt that it helped them to have a less stressful lifestyle, with 63% saying that they thought it benefited their health and wellbeing.

At Redrow’s The Lakes development in Heybridge, near Maldon, which is bordered by water on three sides, it’s refreshing to find the tranquil location does not come with a premium price attached; but, according to local estate agent Maria Montgomery, could have a very positive impact on house prices further down the line.

Maria, of Fenn Wrights estate agents, said: “An 850 square foot apartment in, say, Colchester would be worth around £150,000, but two waterfront apartments in West Mersea – about 10 miles away – have recently sold for £220,00 and £250,000, so you could say that a water view can be worth as much as £100,000.

“There are many reasons that people like to live overlooking water; the view changes on a daily, sometimes hourly basis, and it has a very calming and tranquil effect.

“Other benefits to owning a family home close to the water are that children love to play and can enjoy the outdoor life with pursuits such as sailing; also if you want to go for a picnic by the waterside, you’re already there and don’t have to spend hours stuck in a traffic jam.”

The Lakes is bordered by Heybridge Lake, the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation canal and the Black Water estuary.

Even more appealing is that buyers will not be paying over the odds for such a desirable property. Currently they can take their pick of a range of beautiful four-bedroom homes starting at just £265,950.

Maria added: “New residents at The Lakes tell me they really have got the best of all worlds here. The development is built around a series of small lakes, making a very attractive setting. It is adjacent to open countryside yet only a few minutes from Maldon.”

In Heybridge itself there is a shopping complex, restaurants, supermarkets, pubs, and other local amenities and nearby Mill Beach is a popular holiday destination.

The Lakes is approximately 30 minutes outside of Chelmsford, while London Liverpool Street can be reached by direct rail link from nearby Chelmsford or Witham stations in around 40 minutes.

For more information head down to the development on Hall Road, or visit: redrow.co.uk/developments/the-lakes