Period Properties Prove Better Investments

An English Heritage poll of estate agents, has found that 82% believe that original features add value to a property.* This is the case for Karen and Mark Purcell who chose to put their savings into an apartment at Old Saint Michaels, a Victorian conversion in Braintree, Essex. The former workhouse restored by award-winning developer City & Country Group, comprises a number of apartments and mews cottages which are packed full of original features.

Karen, 37, and Mark, 43, live in Braintree with their three year old daughter Millie. The family decided that now was the time to invest in a second property and bought a beautiful one bedroom cottage, which they were able to rent out just two weeks after buying it. Karen, comments: “Increased affordability and a more accessible mortgage market allowed us to invest at this time. We viewed a number of new developments and although they met our criteria, they lacked character and something that would differentiate our property from others.

“When we saw Old Saint Michaels, the development instantly stood out. The cottage was beautiful, the mezzanine level was very unusual and I knew it would attract many potential tenants, especially young professionals. It was a very fast rental process and within weeks we had happy tenants moving in. This proved to us that the property has wide appeal and we believe it will hold its value over time. ”

Old Saint Michaels is a striking conversion which is set around beautifully landscaped courtyard gardens. All the properties are finished to an extremely high standard, the kitchens are bespoke and include a range of integrated stainless steel appliances. The bathrooms incorporate white sanitaryware and chrome fittings.  Top quality flooring has been provided throughout including 100% wool carpets, ceramic floor tiles and either feature restored original floorboards or engineered oak boards.

Old Saint Michaels benefits from being in a good location near Braintree town centre and is close to the railway station. Trains from Braintree station to London Liverpool Street run regularly and take just over an hour. **

Prices for apartments at the development start from £118,500 for a one bedroom, £172,500 for a two bedroom and £265,000 for a three bedroom. One bedroom houses start from £135,000 and two bedroom houses start from £199,500. 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

* English Heritage News Release, 23^rd June 2009.

**National Rail