First-time buyers share their top tips

Take note of finer details

Megan and Ben, Newlands Park, Mistley

Megan and Ben bought their first home earlier this year on Essex’s Sunshine Coast at Cala’s Newlands Park development in Mistley. Megan’s tip is to be as particular as possible, and if you have questions, ask! Megan said: “Since I work as a building surveyor, I knew exactly what I wanted because I know what sort of problems can arise.

“I work with both older style properties and new-builds, primarily in defects, which means as far as prospective buyers go, I’m probably on the pickier side! Energy efficiency was a big factor for me, as well as the style of heating, as I know how expensive it can be to heat a home that isn’t properly planned out and insulated, and the carbon footprint associated with that too.

“I was also very firm on my decision that we should buy a property built with proper stone masonry, and the Cala homes at Newlands Park ticked every box.”

Megan added, “The Cala team were amazing about everything. Since we’re first-time buyers we didn’t really know how to go about everything, but Cala made sure the whole process was stress-free and straightforward.

Let professionals do the legwork

Aleksandra and Jan, Saddlers Lea, Newmarket

After 14 years of renting, Jan and Aleksandra Girman escaped ‘generation rent’ with their two children earlier this year when they bought their first home in our Saddlers Lea development in Newmarket.

Jan’s tip is to let the professionals make it as easy as possible for you: “We were fortunate that Cala and the solicitors took most of the legwork out of the process and made it much smoother. Philippa and Kim at the sales office were particularly helpful, kind and willing to go the extra mile. I wouldn’t have known where to start without all their help.”

Location is key

Toby and Rebecca, Cala at Wintringham, St Neots

Toby and Rebecca moved into their first home at Cala’s Wintringham development in St Neots in July 2022, just ahead of the arrival of their new baby. Their three-bedroom Ellington house style caught their eye as it’s perfect for a growing family, with space to both work from home and close to good schools for their daughter.

Rebecca’s top tip is to be organised and do your research: “I had a spreadsheet of locations, detailing house prices, nurseries, distance from parents, and commuter costs – as at that point we thought we’d be heading into London every day.

“Wintringham as a location just ticked all the right boxes. The train station is just a 10-minute walk away, which is so helpful getting into London. There’s an excellent school a stone’s throw away across the road. We read about just how good the school was in the Guardian, which was a real plus point, especially since we’re starting a family.”

Visit the Cala website to find new homes near you and find out how the team can help you move.