Having previously lived in a Victorian home, second-steppers Amy (32) and Dan Barry (30) were looking to make their second step onto the property ladder. Amy and Dan, both teachers who had a baby on the way, wanted a low-maintenance move, and looked for newbuild properties near both their workplaces where they found their perfect home at Crest Nicholson’s Ackender Hill development in Alton, Hampshire.
Amy and Dan took the leap into homeownership thanks to help from their parents and thanks to equity in the house they were selling. As teachers, and with a baby on the way, being within easy reach to their busy workplaces was extremely important to them, and their new commutes from Ackender Hill have worked out well.
Amy explained: “Being teachers and starting a brand new family meant that we were looking for a perfectly located property near our workplaces, with sufficient size for all of us. When we found Ackender Hill, we knew it was perfect as it is equidistant between our two workplaces while also being big enough for a growing family!”
Amy and Dan knew they wanted to opt for a newbuild for their second home together. Since moving into their first home together they have been able to sit back, relax and avoid complicated home maintenance tasks that are common in second hand properties.
Dan says: “Since we are both busy teachers, battling with the varying issues that arise from second hand properties, whether it be sorting out maintenance work, electricians, or plumbers, was going to be impossible. We knew we wanted to go for a newbuild property which comes without the need for any upgrades to make the home liveable, such as sorting out leaks or replastering walls, as it’s already completed to a high standard. We wanted a hassle-free and smooth move, so knew from the beginning that choosing newbuild was the best option for us with our busy schedules. It’s been great to move into a property where we’ve not had to do anything!”
Since moving into their new home, Amy and Dan have already seen a massive difference in their energy bills, with recent research suggesting buyers of new build homes save over £180 per month on energy bills thanks to the more efficient features[1].
Amy explains: “The home is so well insulated that we feel we never have to worry about our heating getting too expensive, even in the colder months. This makes a massive difference compared to our Victorian home that was constantly cold. With the cost of living impacting everyone, and rising energy bills, it feels comforting to know we have an energy efficient home.”
Speaking about their experience, Amy said: “Crest Nicholson kept in touch from start to finish and the process was as smooth as it possibly could have been, enabling us to exchange contracts in just two weeks, we never thought it could be so easy!”
Nestled in the desirable market town of Alton, yet within easy reach of Basingstoke, Winchester and London, Ackender Hill offers residents the perfect balance between town and countryside living. Prices at Ackender Hill start from £686,950 for a four bedroom house and £699,950 for a five bedroom home, with Part Exchange, SmoothMove, Deposit Unlock and Deposit Boost available on select plots. For more information, please call 01420 573543 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/ackender-hill.