Parents invest in eco-friendly Brighton apartment
A recent report revealed that 80% of first time buyers under the age of 30 are now forced to call on the ‘bank of mum and dad’ or get help from relatives to get a foot on the property ladder*.
Diane and Philip Smith, both 56, decided to help their son John, 27, to buy his first property, and bought a two bedroom apartment at award winning sustainable development, One Brighton as they felt it represented a great investment and, potentially, a home for the whole family.
Diane, a teacher, comments: “It has become so difficult now for young people to get on the property ladder that we were determined to help our son John to buy his first flat. We live in Hereford but we both studied in Sussex, as did our son, so we know Brighton well and felt it was a great place to buy. We were looking at developments in the town when we came across One Brighton. We really liked the location, as it’s so close to the train station and it’s also very quiet compared to many town centre locations.
“The design and specification of the apartments is excellent and the fact that there is a range of eco-features is a huge bonus for us because, as a family, we very much try to live an eco-friendly lifestyle. The triple glazing and A and AA rated appliances provided in the apartment mean that energy bills should also be lower than if we’d bought elsewhere. We very much look upon the apartment as a home for all of us; currently our son John is living in the apartment but our other son may also live there when he returns from teaching overseas and it is highly likely that, when we eventually retire, we will come and live here after our sons have moved out.
Diane continues: “We had to save hard for the deposit to buy the apartment but feel it’s definitely worth it, as we believe One Brighton’s quality and prime location will make the development a great long-term investment.”
Benefiting from striking architecture that draws upon innovative and high quality continental design, the 172 studio, one and two bedroom apartments offer stylish, city centre homes. One Brighton has been designed to follow the ten guiding principle principles of One Planet Living, ensuring that the properties are part of an environmentally advanced development where residents will benefit from happier, healthier lifestyles.
In the home, kitchens are fitted with segregated rubbish bins to help residents divide their waste with ease. Organic waste bins have also been provided and the contents of which are transferred to an on-site composter. Furthermore, all apartments have been fitted with water efficient fittings, taps and appliances. In order to optimise energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the scheme is powered by energy from renewable sources.
Residents at One Brighton are able to make use of several unique features of the development for an enhanced lifestyle; roof top allotments and balcony planters are an integral part of the development where residents are encouraged to grow their own produce. A rain water harvesting system provides ample irrigation. For those who enjoy outside space in which to relax, sky and roof gardens along with Brighton’s newest square provide ideal places to unwind.
Negating the need for a car, One Brighton is linked to local cycle routes leading into the city and also to Brighton train station. For travelling further afield, the on-site Car Club means that residents can hire a car as and when they require.
Prices start from £295,000 for a two bedroom apartment with a sea view. For further information visit: onebrighton.co.uk
* Council of Mortgage Lenders
