Ambitious City worker James, 29, knows what he wants in life. He goes for his goals with a quiet, steely determination – and now he has ticked a major box by buying his own home.
Ever mindful of a great deal, this foreign exchange sales department manager sussed out a new-build apartment from Weston Homes, just where he wanted it. Spacious, light and airy, his hi-tech flat is part of Brentwood Central, a smart development with an entrance lobby like a hotel.
It’s in a superb location in the heart of Brentwood, a good-looking Essex town with great transport links and a lively social scene. James’s new place is just moments from the high street bars and boutiques. It’s also only ten minutes away from his family and super-convenient for Elizabeth line trains for a quick commute into Fenchurch Street.
James will be leaving home for the first time. Will his mum be waving a tear-soaked handkerchief at the door as he leaves her, his dad and sister Sasha? ‘He laughs. ‘Mum can’t get me out quick enough.’
LOOK FOR THE BONUSES
James’s work is tough and fast-paced. He enjoys landing a good deal for his client and a bonus for himself, so the Weston Homes deal with a host of bonuses suited him fine.
Brentwood Central was the first apartment he searched for. He was struck by all the advantages of the small development being on a neat plot in an attractive, central position near all the local amenities – and only 14 minutes from Brentwood train station. ‘It is a 45-minute journey on the Elizabeth line to London,’ he says. ‘And I get a seat!’
He also gets a parking space included with his flat but finds that with everything he needs so close to hand, he has to use his car very little.
IT’S EVERYTHING I WANTED’
‘I wanted a new build with little to be done, and a good price,’ says James. ‘I made an appointment with the sales office and was shown the show home. It was literally everything I was looking for.’
So impressed was he, in fact, that he is going to model his apartment on the colours used in the show home, and is selecting the same accessories, despite the wide choice of kitchen designs to choose from and branded goods available from Weston Homes, all included in the price.
The block of 60 one-bedroom and two-bedroom homes, arranged around a landscaped courtyard, has been very popular with local people. However, James was able to buy the second-floor balcony flat he liked most. ‘I knew straight away it was the one I wanted. Sustainability is important, having read about it. I wanted an air source heat pump and a well-built place, with low maintenance and low bills.’
PEGGING THE PRICE
The sales office at Brentwood Central is run by Richard, who talked James through the Weston Homes sales schemes available for first time buyers. James was very happy with the offer – and grateful for the expert guidance: ‘No one teaches you how to buy a home at school,’ he points out.
He chose the Weston Homes First-Time SecureBuy scheme, which allows first-time buyers to reserve a home off-plan for £500, and requires a five per cent exchange deposit. Then, six months before build completion, the buyer can apply for a mortgage. Should the value of the property increase in the meantime, the buyer pays only the price they originally agreed when they reserved the property.
James paid £335,000 for his one-bedroom home with a parking space and feels he got a good price. ‘I looked at a two-bedroom flat but the expenses would have been too high, and the one-bed is a good size.’
TIME TO JOIN THE AIR FRYER DEBATE
At the moment he pays his mum some rent, and spends a bit going out with his mates locally but his mind has been firmly focused on saving a deposit. ‘I am ambitious to get on,’ says James.
‘I was never going to go to university, I wanted to start work and start earning. But I never fancied living in London. I like it here, it is where my life is.’ Although he does go away on holiday, his favourite is Dubai.
Surprisingly, he is one of the last among his mates to buy his own place. Now he can join the air fryer debate – to buy or not to buy. But first he wants a sofa, probably a sofa bed for sleepovers, and definitely not a cream one. And he wants it all ordered before he moves in. ‘I want to be able to put things away. I’m tidy. I can’t deal with mess.’ Which is yet another reason why these high-quality apartments with big fitted wardrobes and plenty of kitchen cupboards appealed to James.
AFFORDABLE LUXURY AND A PASSION FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Weston Homes founder and Chairman Bob Weston, who runs his family company from modern offices near Stansted Airport, builds for first time buyers, and believes they can have luxury without paying a fortune. He is passionate about sustainable, good-looking buildings.
Like James, Bob left school early and worked hard to establish his career. Bob’s now a successful developer of some 30 years standing. He and James would get on well.
