Shared equity sees Ramsey couple onto the property ladder
At Valiant Square in Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, young couples can afford to purchase a new home thanks to Storey Homes’ shared equity scheme.
Shared equity purchasers Gareth Neal and his fiancée Debbie Reeve are due to get married at the end of July this year and were convinced with the wedding imminent they wouldn’t be able to afford one of the four bedroom houses at the development. Properties on the former Ministry of Defence site cost from just £203,957 for a four bedroom home based on an 85% share of the full market value of £239,950. This opens up opportunities to purchasers who are unable to secure a mortgage for the higher value.
Gareth explains: “Debbie and I previously lived in an apartment within the grounds of the secondary school in Cambridgeshire where she works as a teacher. Due to the cost of the wedding we didn’t dream of being able to move into our own home for years as we simply couldn’t raise a large enough deposit or mortgage. By chance we went to see the marketing suite at Valiant Square as we had half an hour spare one day and couldn’t believe it when we heard about the shared equity scheme that was available. We left realising that we had an amazing opportunity to purchase a stunning four bedroom house within walking distance of Debbie’s school that would last us a lifetime - we simply couldn’t say no!”
Gareth adds “Not only could we afford the property but it was our dream house and will be ideal for raising a family once we are married. As all the homes at the development used to be the accommodation for married couples at this former RAF base, they have a solid structure and excellent build quality. This will be ideal if we decide to convert the loft to provide a fifth bedroom and en-suite in the future to add value to our home.”
Gareth finishes “The sales team at Storey Homes were amazing, Kerry and Faye couldn’t have done anything more to help, making the whole experience unbelievably easy. We moved in at the end of January and still can’t believe this amazing four bedroom house is ours.”
Valiant Square formerly provided accommodation for married officers serving at RAF Upwood, which originally opened in 1917 and closed in 1995 and which played a major role in the character and recent history of nearby Bury and Ramsey.
Phase 1 comprises 27 detached houses of two different styles, all with new kitchens and bathrooms and most with a garage. The refurbished homes feature a newly fitted kitchen, utility room, dining room and sitting room on the ground floor. Whilst upstairs there are four spacious bedrooms and a newly fitted bathroom.
The refurbishment and upgrading of existing houses means that Valiant Square offers all the contemporary comforts of a brand new home in a development that has already matured into its rural setting. The development features a woodland/country walk that meanders through the development, creating a residential enclave that blends with the beautiful open countryside that surrounds it.
Ramsey is a historic market town founded around the Benedictine Abbey in the 10th Century; the Medieval Gatehouse remains today. The bustling town provides a selection of shops, cafes and public houses, amply accommodating everyday needs. For fitness enthusiasts, a sports centre, bowls club, tennis clubs and Ramsey Golf Club are within easy reach. Families are also well catered for, with a good selection of primary, secondary and sixth form schools.
Situated just a few minutes from the A1 running north and south and within 15 minutes of the A14 running east and west, Valiant Square provides easy access to surrounding towns and villages. Huntington is around 20 minutes away and Peterborough can be reached in 25 minutes; both are served by mainline railway stations into London.
The sales office and show home are now open from Friday through to Monday 11am to 4pm.
