Property matters: David Maslen, New homes, Sussex churches & chapels
David Maslen on the ultimate house-buying criteria
Hit the road
Location, location, location is the somewhat overused maxim applied by many as a rule of thumb when selecting a property. However, a closer look reveals that a compromise in this principle can produce significant benefits for property purchasers in the Brighton & Hove area.
Clearly, most purchasers’ idea of a dream home is one in perfect condition, with a beautiful garden, massive sunny accommodation, off-street parking, and found in the best street in the area – preferably a quiet, leafy, cul-de-sac. And of course, it must be cheap!
Sadly, this idyllic combination does not exist, because if the first seven criteria are satisfied, then the price is likely to be astronomical! So budgetary constraints typically force buyers to accept a degree of compromise. For many, this will mean asking the children to share a bedroom, making do with a patio rather than a garden, doing some DIY or parking the car in the street. Last on many people’s list is buying on a busy road!
Yet consider that advantages. Firstly, properties on a busy road are usually considerably cheaper than similar properties in a quiet street. This means that you can buy far more for your money. It could well mean that you will not have to compromise on those very things that contribute to an attractive property lifestyle. You might actually gain attributes such as a playroom for the children, a garage for the car, or a garden large enough to exercise the dog.
Most people who live on a main road tell us that they no longer notice it. And there is no reason to think that such a property might be a poor investment either, because just as you bought it at a discount, so you will sell it in the future – although by then it may well be in a 20mph zone!
www.maslen.co.uk
The chase is on
New homes at Cissbury Chase in Worthing
Barratt Southern Counties has launched a new development of homes at its Cissbury Chase development in Worthing.
The development comprises a collection of two, three and four bedroom homes, combining the finest elements of 21st century architecture with contemporary build quality and innovative design.
“Interest since our recent launch has been phenomenal,” says Lynnette St Quintin, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt Southern Counties. “We have been inundated with interested homebuyers all keen to buy one of the properties at Cissbury Chase. The Government initiative of Help to Buy has proved exceedingly popular so far and three of our initial reserved homes have been under this scheme.”
Help to Buy enables buyers to purchase one of the brand new homes at Cissbury Chase with just a 5 per cent deposit. The Government then provides a 20 per cent equity loan, meaning that homebuyers then only need a 75 per cent mortgage.
Cissbury Chase offers buyers bright and spacious homes with generous outdoor spaces. In a fantastic location close to Worthing seafront, Cissbury Chase offers homebuyers excellent shopping and leisure facilities as well as direct access to the station.
As with all Barratt Homes, each of the new homes at Cissbury Chase come with a five-year warranty on all fixtures and fittings.
Currently available at Cissbury Chase is a four bedroom semi-detached family home with single garage. Currently the showhome, this property of 1,320 sq ft, enables buyers to fully appreciate the quality of the build and the high level of design that Barratt Homes has provided.
Properties for sale start at £256,995 for a three bedroom, mid-terraced house with garage and parking space up to £307,995 for a four bedroom semi-detached house with single carport and parking space.
For further sales information about Cissbury Chase or Help to Buy, call 01903 505828 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk
Sussex churches & chapels revealed in their full glory
A £645,000 rescue package for 45 of the UK’s most historic and community minded churches has been announced by the National Churches Trust.
Churches awarded National Churches Trust Cornerstone grants include St Peter’s in Brighton, often referred to as Brighton’s unofficial cathedral and designed by Charles Barry, who helped to rebuild the Palace of Westminster.
In Sussex, Billingshurst Unitarian Chapel and All Souls, Eastbourne also receive National Churches
Trust grants.
The National Churches Trust, founded in 1953, is an independent charity, which receives no financial support from church authorities or government.
Huw Edwards, broadcaster and journalist and Vice-President of the National Churches Trust said: “The National Churches Trust’s £645,000 funding package is an investment in the future of the UK’s places of worship. Churches, chapels and meeting houses are some of the most beautiful buildings in the country and these grants will help to bring more of them back to their full glory.
“As well as being kept beautiful, it is important that places of worship can help local people. That’s why the National Churches Trust’s latest grants also help projects to install kitchens, toilets and to improve access for the elderly and people with disabilities. With modern facilities, churches, chapels and meeting houses become welcoming community hubs, enhancing their public benefit.”
For more information visit www.nationalchurchestrust.org
