Stevenage is top value commuter location
New homes at Crest Nicholson’s development, Merchant’s Quarter in Stevenage are proving to be excellent value for money, a key consideration for first time buyers in 2011, compared to other commuter hotspots.
Crest Nicholson has looked at the average property price in three other popular commuter areas all within a 30-35 mile radius from Parliament Square in London to see how prices compare.
Guildford in Surrey, a particularly sought after area in the commuter belt, has an average flat price that is 85% higher than the price for a one bedroom apartment in Stevenage built by Crest Nicholson. In nearby High Wycombe, the average price for a flat is 38% higher and in East Grinstead, buyers are looking at paying a 27% premium*.
Guildford, Surrey: £231,585
East Grinstead, West Sussex: £158,321
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire: £172,187
Chris Warner, Sales & Marketing Director of Crest Nicholson South comments: “Our comparison clearly shows that even within a 30 mile radius from the centre of London, prices can vary considerably. Value for money will continue to be of key importance to property purchasers, so it’s definitely worth considering less obvious destinations where you can get more for your money. For first time buyers, this will be crucial to getting on the ladder.”
Merchant’s Quarter in Stevenage will comprise a stylish range of 44 one and two bedroom apartments which are currently being sold off-plan. Situated on the tree lined avenue of Sish Lane, Merchant’s Quarter is within walking distance of Stevenage’s affluent Old Town.
The nearby King George V playing fields are just a stone’s throw away from the development and are perfect for walking, jogging or even just a chance to relax in the sunshine. Also, just a short drive away is the larger Fairlands Valley Park, voted as one of the UK’s top 15 free visitor attractions. Fairlands Valley has many activities on offer including climbing, hiking and a range of water sports for the more adventurous.
Transport links from the site are excellent with junction seven of the A1 (M) within easy reach from Stevenage, whilst the surrounding towns of St Albans, Luton, and Welwyn Garden City are also within close proximity. The mainline station is just over a mile away offering easy routes into London with Kings Cross taking approximately 27 minutes. For international travel, Luton Airport is just eight miles away making business travel and even short European breaks more accessible.
Apartments are currently available to purchase with Crest Nicholson’s EasyBuy scheme starting at £99,960 (full price £124,950) for a one bedroom apartment and £116,760 (full price £145,950) for a two bedroom apartment. For more information, visit the Sales and Marketing suite, which is open five days a week from Thursday to Monday 10am - 5pm. Alternatively e-mail or visit: crestnicholson.com/merchantsquarter
About EasyBuy
A select number of the one and two bedroom properties on site are exclusively available on Crest Nicholson’s EasyBuy initiative, where buyers can own 100% of their home but only pay 80% of the price. With the scheme, purchasers will own 100% of their new property from day one. Unlike other incentives, with EasyBuy there is absolutely no rent to pay or interest accrued on the outstanding 20% of the property’s equity for the first five years.
EasyBuy is only available on selected properties and is not available in conjunction with any other offer. The remaining 20% is left outstanding as a loan for up to 10 years secured by a second mortgage. The customer pays 0% interest fixed on the outstanding 20% for the first 5 years and only 3% interest pa (typical 3.00% APR) thereafter.
