Despite nearly a third of potential first-time buyers saying they have given up on the idea of buying a home, and most expecting to not be able to secure a mortgage until they are 38*, a lucky few teens and twenty-something’s are tearing ahead, prepared to spend big to secure their dream home. City & Country Group’s Old Saint Michaels development, which was this week featured on screen on BBC Three’s latest television series ‘Young, Rich and House Hunting’, showing some of the country’s most affluent young people as they hunt for their perfect pad, boasts a collection of beautifully restored period apartments duplexes and mews houses that make extra special homes for first-time buyers.
Johnnie Mitchell, a 20 year old, self-made entrepreneur from Westcliff-on-Sea in Essex, who is seen looking at some of the striking properties available at Old Saint Michaels on the programme, is just one of a number of successful first-time buyers who have been attracted to the prestigious scheme located in Braintree. The striking red brick buildings are Grade II Listed and, having originally been part of the Victorian hospital that stood on the site, have been carefully renovated into a range of beautiful modern homes which offer a unique combination of traditional period features and up-to-date interior design. Offering a wide choice of stylish homes to suit both lavish and modest budgets, City & Country Group has restored each individual property in a captivating and distinctive way, making them a popular choice for buyers wanting a home that makes a statement the first time around.
Johnnie comments: "The properties I viewed at all three of City and Country’s developments were of a standard that I haven't seen before. The craftsmanship and attention to detail was immediately noticeable and I felt that I would be purchasing a piece of history as well as an apartment. Unfortunately I have had to put my house hunt on hold as I concentrate on my business for the timebeing, but when I decide to start looking again, I will most certainly be thinking of going to look around some of City & Country’s properties again."
Helen Moore, Managing Director at City & Country Residential, comments: “For most first-time buyers the properties featured on ‘Young, Rich and House Hunting’ remain out of reach, however, at City & Country’s Old Saint Michaels there are fabulous, yet affordable options for everyone. As well as the kind of buyer with a trust fund, or those from a City background who’ve made the money themselves, we’re also seeing a lot of local professionals buying here.”
Helen continues: “With the market being particularly tough on first-time buyers at the moment, we want to do everything we can to help them secure their dream starter home. At Old Saint Michaels, particular emphasis has been placed on providing interesting and unusual homes for first time buyers that are not only affordable, but will retain their value. Each of the properties is unique in nature and has lasting appeal; genuinely setting them apart from other starter homes currently available on the market.”
The Old Saint Michaels homes boast a range of original features, including honeycomb ceilings, sash windows and brick arches, which have been carefully preserved and set alongside modern interior styles including 100% wool carpets and engineered oak flooring, to create a sense of opulent luxury to reflect the historic importance of the building. Residents at the development can also enjoy beautiful views of the landscaped courtyard gardens, which are kept in pristine condition by a separate maintenance company.
The properties at Old Saint Michaels boast a fully inclusive specification, including brand new internal fixtures and fittings, meaning that first-time buyers will save money on crucial set up costs, particularly flooring which can set new purchasers back thousands of pounds. In each of the newly converted homes at Old Saint Michaels, top quality flooring has been laid throughout, and the properties also boast elegant bathroom suites and individually designed kitchens with integrated appliances; therefore there are no other hidden costs for first-time buyers.
Set amidst beautiful landscaped gardens, residents at Old Saint Michaels can enjoy the luxury of living on a large estate without any of the usual maintenance responsibilities. Located close to all the shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs of Braintree town centre, these homes offer the best in modern living in a unique historic setting. The railway station offers a direct commute into London Liverpool Street, and being only 12 miles from Stansted airport, residents at Old Saint Michaels enjoy a quiet haven whilst still being local to the convenient amenities of urban life.
Prices at Old Saint Michaels start at £125,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, £167,500 for a one-bedroom Mews House and £265,000 for a two-bedroom duplex. For further information, please contact the City & Country Group sales suite which is open daily from 10am to 5pm on telephone: 01376 335 800, or visit: www.oldsaintmichaels.co.uk.