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29 February 2008
Things are picking up for first time buyers. Latest figures show that the number of first-time buyers continued to increase in January 2008, rising to 14.5 per cent of the market share*, three per cent higher than the same period last year. Kyle Alan and his partner, Katie Clarke, have recently joined these ranks, taking their first step onto the property ladder with a two bedroom house at Ventura Riverside, Countryside Maritime's highly eco-friendly development on St. Mary's Island, Chatham, Kent.
Kyle, 21, an electrician, comments: "Katie and I recently decided that the time was right to get on the property ladder and buy our first home together. We have both grown up in Chatham and have watched St. Mary's Island develop over the years and really like the fact that it is so peaceful and quiet, despite it being so close to the town centre. We had looked at a few new build developments nearby, but none of them really felt right for us. When we heard that a new phase of properties was going to be released at Ventura Riverside, we went to look around and decided that the development was perfect for us. We bought our new two bedroom house off plan, and with Countryside Maritime paying our five per cent deposit, it ensured we were within our budget."
Suzanne Hunt, Head of Sales and Marketing, Countryside Properties, comments: "We have recently started to see a definite increase in the numbers of first time buyers at both of our current developments on St. Mary's Island. The combination of the riverside location and well-priced, modern new homes is proving extremely attractive, especially when these purchasers are able to take advantage of our incentives, such as the five per cent deposit paid, which can really give them a helping hand with their finances."
Kyle continues: "We have lots of friends and family nearby so the location works really well for us. It's also great for work, as I am based in London and Katie works at Bluewater, so the commute is easy for both of us. The house is due to be ready in September this year and we're really looking forward to starting our new life in our first home together."
Ventura Riverside comprises a range of innovative two bedroom apartments and three and four bedroom houses. These homes are being built to achieve an EcoHomes rating of Excellent, the most eco friendly development on the Island so far. Externally, the properties feature red brickwork, coloured rendering and timber cladding and successfully marry elements of classic and contemporary architecture to striking effect.
Large windows mean that the properties are flooded with natural light making the most of the clean lines and open spaces within. Every property has outdoor space in the form of a balcony, terrace or garden, or a combination of the three, enabling residents to make the most of the development's stunning, waterside location.
The houses and apartments at Ventura Riverside have been designed and built for sustainability and offer the benefits of reduced running costs through greater energy and water efficiency, reduced maintenance and healthy, comfortable and flexible internal environments.
St Mary's Island is located off the A289 and is approximately one mile north of Chatham town centre. The M25 and A2 are also easily accessible. There are frequent train services to London Victoria from Chatham, with a journey time of approximately 44** minutes.
Prices for current availability are from £195,000. For further information contact the marketing suite on telephone 01634 891 444 or visit www.venturariverside.net
Stunning one and two bedroom apartments, most of which have river views, are currently available at The Fishing Village which is also on St Mary's Island. They are available from £165,000 and for further information contact the marketing suite on telephone 01634 891 027 or visit www.thefishingvillage.net.
* National Association of Estate Agents
** www.thetrainline.com
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