According to recent reports from Nationwide, average house prices in London are now less than 10 per cent lower than their peak in 2007 making it even more difficult for first-time buyers to get a step on the property ladder. However, savvy first-time buyers are starting to look further out of London to make the most of their money, and one development experiencing this, is Morello Quarter in Basildon by Weston Homes.

Morello Quarter features 425 one and two-bedroom apartments providing arguably the highest interior specifications in the area, which rival even those new build homes in Central London. The contemporary apartments are comparable to those of Dockland’s style homes offering buyers a taste of the London lifestyle, but without the price tag. The latest figures from Nestoria.com reveal the average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the Docklands is now £250,000 which is more that £100,000 more expensive than a brand new apartment at Morello Quarter, where prices start from as little as £125,000.

Bob Weston, Chairman and Chief Executive of Weston Homes commented: “We are starting to see house prices getting close to the highs of 2007 and with the shortage of new-build properties coming to the market, this trend is only going to continue as demand exceeds supply. At Weston Homes, we always choose quality over quantity when building our developments and Morello Quarter is no exception. The apartments boast an unrivalled level of specification and are situated in a prime location within the town.

“Basildon is a perfect location for first-time buyers offering excellent value for money in an area undergoing extensive regeneration. The short commute into London also means buyers can have the best of both worlds with an exceptional level of interior quality combined with easy access to the city.”

Each Morello Quarter home boasts spacious bedrooms and living areas that benefit from ample light, a designer kitchen complete with integrated appliances, luxurious bathrooms with ceramic wall tiling and chrome fittings, and high quality fitted wardrobes in the master bedrooms.

Recently, Basildon has undertaken the beginning of a transformation into one of the UK’s most modern towns as part of the local government’s £2 billion “More Basildon” vision which will involve a new Sporting Village, the creation of a health and education research centre and more homes. The town centre includes a range of facilities, with over 100 outlets ranging from high street chain stores to unique specialist shops, as well as an assortment of places to eat and drink.

Trains from Basildon Railway Station run regularly to London Fenchurch Street, averaging a 35- minute journey. The A127 and A13 also provide easy access to the M25, with Stansted a 50-minute drive away and Gatwick just over an hour.

Prices at Morello Quarter start from £125,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £155,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. For more information, please contact Morello Quarter’s sales and marketing suite on 0845 638 5012, email morello.quarter@weston-homes.com or visit www.weston-homes.co.uk/morelloquarter.