Despite falling house prices, it’s still tough to get on the property ladder according to recent research from the National Housing Federation, with first-time buyers in London in particular struggling; and reports of the average 21 year old being 52 before they can buy their first home*. For aspirational youngsters, like Monika Jones, who is in her twenties, and is one of a number of young graduates working in the capital city hoping to buy their first home, more affordable pockets of the capital’s commuter belt, like Brentwood in Essex, are increasingly worth considering, particularly with its fast transport links into the city.
Having lived at home with her parents after graduating from dance college to save her first few year’s pay cheques for a deposit, Monika found City & Country Groups’ landmark Grade II Listed development, The Galleries in Brentwood as the perfect destination for her first home. Not only is the development situated nearby to her family home in Essex where she grew up, but it is also conveniently located for the commute into Canary Wharf, where Monika works as a Trading Assistant, which takes less than an hour and 10 minutes door to door.
Monika comments: “After living with my parents, I was really keen to get my first step on the property ladder and buy a place that I could call my own. As I work in the City I had originally started to look at properties close to where I work in Docklands; I had hoped to find something with the wow factor, but it was clear from the beginning that my money wouldn’t go very far. I decided to start looking at properties in Brentwood as I knew I could commute easily into work from the town and is an area that I already knew and liked.”
After turning her attention to finding a property in Brentwood, Monika drove past City & Country Group’s development at The Galleries and decided to take a look. Monika explains: “On first sight of the show home at The Galleries, it was immediately clear to me that the apartment had the wow factor I had been looking for, everywhere I looked there were beautiful architectural details. The properties have such a wealth of character, and the historic details combined with the modern kitchen and bathroom were exactly what I had been looking more. I also found the beautiful landscaped grounds extremely appealing - I could really imagine myself spending summer afternoons relaxing in the picture perfect garden!”
The distinctive Victorian buildings at The Galleries have been converted into a collection of high quality apartments and unique homes, that are ideal for a wide range of homebuyers looking for unusual living spaces in the popular commuter town. Residents at the scheme also benefit from partially gated, beautifully landscaped courtyard gardens, and many homes enjoying far-reaching views over London.
Monika continues: “At The Galleries I have managed to find an apartment within my budget that meets all of my criteria exactly; the property has such an amazing wow factor that blew all of the other properties I had looked at way out of the water. I moved in about a month ago and I am already really enjoying living here in such beautiful surroundings. I would urge other people who are looking at dingy and cramped apartments in London to cast their nets further afield, as you really can get a lot more value for money, and with the overground connection, The Galleries is within easy reach of London for the daily commute.”
The Galleries is located in Warley, on the fringe of the popular commuter town of Brentwood, where there is a variety of shops, restaurants and cafés. Close by, Brentwood Railway Station has direct services into London Liverpool Street, which take approximately 35 minutes.
Helen Moore, Managing Director at City & Country Group Residential, comments: “We are very pleased that Monika was able to find her first home at The Galleries. The development appeals to a wide variety of purchasers, not just young professionals and first-time buyers, but also those looking to downsize, however their most important criteria is usually that they are looking for a home with real character and style. Monika’s case also highlights how much of an ideal location The Galleries is for those commuters who depend on reliable public transport links, the development is located in one of the most desirable suburbs of Brentwood, within walking distance of the station.”
Prices at The Galleries start from £182,500 for a one bedroom, £325,000 for a two bedroom apartment, £395,000 for a three bedroom apartment and £499,950 for a two bedroom duplex. For those keen to find out more about purchasing a property at The Galleries, the on-site sales suite is open daily between 10am and 5pm. For further information, contact City & Country Group on telephone: 01277 20 21 22 or visit: www.the-galleries.net