Internet key to helping Hong Kong couple find their perfect home
Nowadays the internet is the first port of call for many UK home hunters, but for one couple living 6,000 miles away in Hong Kong, it has proved invaluable.
Retired Sea Master James, 60, and his accountant wife Alison are looking to make a move back home to the UK in the future and took the decision to purchase a home now in preparation. However, the small matter of a 12 hour flight between here and their current home in Hong Kong forced them to do much of their property search online.
It was while spending hours on the web that the couple found Redrow’s Willow Gardens development in Hailsham. It ticked all their boxes for location, style and specification so it was just a short time before they started a conversation with the sales team on site to find out more.
Alison, 55, said: “We choose Willow Gardens because it’s in a great part of the UK and close to our family in Kent and Hampshire. It’s an attractive development close to lots of green countryside and close to the sea.”
The couple were able to view photos and plans of all Redrow’s house types on the housebuilder’s website. It includes extensive details of the build quality and floor plans to help purchasers buy ‘off plan’ while the homes are being built. There is also a facility to watch video tours of the developments and show homes via Redrow’s own internet television channel Redrow.TV, which has helped a number of purchasers get a feel for the houses before they visit a development.
After much research, James took the decision to fly to the UK to visit the development. Fortunately Redrow’s New Heritage Collection homes lived up to their high expectations and the couple decided to reserve their preferred plot. The New Heritage Collection combines traditional Arts and Crafts style exteriors with bright modern interiors.
“We liked the way the rooms are laid out and Redrow fixtures and fittings are all good quality.” Alison added. “Buying a brand new home made the whole purchase much easier. Everything is new and therefore easy to maintain. We’ve got no repairs or upgrades to do and, thanks to the modern build specification and energy efficiency standards, it will be easy to keep the house warm.”
A brand new Redrow home is also up to 40% more efficient than one built only 10 years ago, so potentially cheaper to run over time; it includes integrated appliances covered by manufacturers’ two-year guarantees; and comes with an NHBC 10-year ‘Buildmark’ warranty.
Alison and James plan to rent out the property until they set a date to return to the UK and hope to see a good rental income on their investment.
Located on the A22, just eight miles from Eastbourne, about 25 miles from Royal Tunbridge Wells and a similar distance from Brighton, Willow Gardens is well placed as a base for commuters, but has plenty of amenities nearby in Hailsham itself.
Purchasers of selected three-bedroom homes at Willow Gardens can still take advantage of HomeBuy, which provides an equity loan for up to 30% of the purchase price, jointly funded by Redrow and the Homes & Communities Agency. Eligible customers include first time buyers, those starting over after a relationship breakdown, or families who can prove they need the extra space, so long as their annual household income is less than £60,000.
With HomeBuy Direct a three-bedroom ‘Broadway’ home, usually costing £209,950, can be snapped up for an initial outlay of less than £146,965. The outstanding loan is interest free for five years and can be paid back when the home owner has more funds available or comes to resell.
Other four-bedroom homes are priced from £289,950.
For more details, visit the three fabulous show homes, open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. Alternatively, visit redrow.co.uk.
