Infusion of new beginnings in Moss Side, Manchester
This has been a week of smiles for the first new residents to move-in to their converted and renovated Victorian terraced homes at ‘Infusion’ in Moss Side. The ten legal completions happened on 29 July and the homebuyers cannot believe their luck in securing one of the 71 ‘new’ homes in the first part of Manchester City Council’s £17m regeneration of the Bowes Street area in Moss Side.
With 54 of the 71 properties sold in the first 20 weeks wide smiles are set to continue as more people take up residency soon. Beyond the convenience of the location, design, value and specification make a winning formula. The houses boast a stylish SieMatic kitchen, Italian tiling in the bathroom, solid oak internal doors and energy-efficient eco features such as solar panels, sun pipes and thermal insulation. Carolyn Walsh, Miller Homes Project Leader confirmed: “Sales have been phenomenal and demand still running ahead of the build programme.
The four streets in the redevelopment are being beautified too. Beresford Street, Hartington Street, Rosebery Street, Cowesby Street are being upgraded with hard landscaping, parking bays and tree planting.
Akemia Minott was the first buyer to legally complete on 29 July. Akemia, her teenage daughter Chana and son Shiloh have moved out of rented property in Old Trafford and in to an ‘Elm’ 3-bed at ‘Infusion’. Akemia said: “On one day in February three people mentioned ‘Infusion’ so I had to come and see. I didn’t know whether I could or couldn’t afford to move here, but I knew I wanted one so much. Staff at ‘Infusion’ were very reassuring and helpful which along with the equity loan scheme made it all possible. I am a Youth Worker with the ‘Hideaway Youth Project’ here in Moss Side and now, living here, I feel part of the community. I cannot believe how peaceful it is, you forget you are in the middle of Moss Side. I can’t stop smiling.
One week on from moving-in to his new 2-bed house, the ‘Oak’ design and Simon Whitefield says: “I smile even when I go to sleep, when I wake up and when I’m coming home. I first read about the development in the Manchester Evening News and registered my interest in January. I came along to the opening at the end of February and was blown away with the whole package.” Even at the opening house designs were being snapped up. Simon moved quick and reserved off plan to secure his house.
Still in the process of unpacking, Paula Duffy tells a similar story: “I saw the building work and the houses taking shape. I didn’t believe that I could afford to buy one, but all the figures worked out. I put the deposit down in March and yes, it all went smoothly and wonderful, I made it. I can’t stop smiling.”
Sue and Liz opted for a 3-bed ‘Larch’ house design that is converted from two, two bedroomed terraced houses made into one. Sue said: “I remember the day in February exactly because it was my birthday. We only lived over the road and came to the opening event. We weren’t really looking to buy, but were really impressed when we saw the show homes. The equity loan scheme meant they were affordable. We had to be quick off the mark to get a ‘Larch’ because there were only a few being built. I love the mix of old and new.”
Hearing the delight of buyers is Claire Coates and Aimee Hanlon. The couple are to move in in a few days. They also reserved a 2-bed ‘Oak’ house design off plan in March after viewing the show homes. Smiling, Claire said “I’m loving it already”.
There is good reason for the smiles to continue. The majority of buyers still cannot believe they have managed to get on the property ladder and are owning 100% of their new home by paying just a 5% deposit and arranging finance for as little as 70% of the price thanks to the ‘Inspire’ equity loan scheme backed by Manchester City Council. The ‘Inspire’ scheme is designed to help first time buyers, key workers and families unable to afford to buy a new home in the open market. The percentage the buyers receive in the shared equity depends on their circumstances. With the scheme the balance of the price [as a percentage] only becomes payable when the property is sold or if the householder dies. In the event of joint ownership it would be on the death of the last remaining applicant.
The last homes available are the 2-bed ‘Oak’ priced at £99,950 and 3-bed Ash and Elm designs priced from £115,950. The ‘Inspire’ shared equity scheme* is currently available and for people that qualify it could prove an affordable way on to the property ladder.
Full details are available from the ‘Infusion’ Marketing Suite and show homes located on Beresford Street, Moss Side, M14 4RY. It is open everyday, 10.30am to 5.30 pm.
For more information, visit infusionhomes.co.uk.
[*Terms and conditions apply]
