House buyers looking for their next home are becoming drawn to the idea of buying a new home in order to have a ‘blank canvas’, according to a new report out by the National House Building Council Foundation (NHBC). The survey of 2,000 movers found homeowners want to be able to put their own stamp on their house, free from nasty DIY or décor surprises left from previous homeowners, while also saving money on their energy bills. This was the case for downsizers Claudia Albright, 56, and her husband Richard, 74, from Brighton when they were looking for a new home to free up their money.
The couple, who previously lived in a converted two-bedroom flat with high ceilings and period features, were looking for a suitable home for nearly four years, viewing over 40 properties, before finding the boutique development, Azure overlooking the sea in Rottingdean village.
“Some of the older properties we saw were just horrid,” explains Richard, who at first was not too keen on the idea of going modern. He continues: “Our last home had a drawing room and a mile-long walk to the kitchen. It was impractical. At first I wasn’t too keen on going modern. Now, I absolutely love it and I was amazed at how I have settled into a different style of living so quickly.”
They decided to free up the money in their previous home to become mortgage free and be able to go on holidays. They paid £550,000 for the new, two-bedroom apartment at Azure, in Marine Drive. Claudia, a personal assistant, comments: “We are saving money each month by moving to a new build. We have found that our energy bills are much less, and we did not have to do any refurbishments as we would have had to do in the old flat, so we saved on DIY costs too. The apartment’s quality of finish is great, we have plenty of storage with a practical layout and a secure car parking space too, which is often hard to come down by here.”
There are two apartments left at Azure to purchase that are set upon the clifftops offering panoramic sea views along the coast towards Brighton. Both offer exceptional specification, an open-plan living space with south-facing balconies, secure underground parking and cycle storage.
Rottingdean Village offers a range of independent restaurants and shops. The picture postcard heart of the old village surrounds an ancient duck pond overlooked by its historic parish church. There are
numerous societies social and sports activities on the doorstep, and the South Downs National Park is just a short walk away.
When they’re not indoors Claudia and Richard enjoy getting out in the fresh air taking in the nearby walks and cycle paths. Richard adds: “I feel totally at home here. We can see the sea every day and get some marvellous sunsets. The setting is such that we feel that we are on holiday all the time!”
Both apartments at Azure are ready now with prices starting at £850,000 to include underground parking. Call joint agents Mishon Mackay New Homes 01273 829300 or David Webb Residential 01273 300525, or email [email protected] for your appointment to view.