Leafy, riverside living is within reach at historic Godalming where award-winning Linden Homes has just launched its much anticipated collection of high quality new houses and apartments.
The support of the government-backed Help to Buy scheme means that people with deposits as low as five per cent still have the opportunity to make their home at the appropriately named Riverside development.
Tree-shaded streets are lined by traditionally designed and very spacious two, three and four-bedroom houses as well as two-bedroom apartments – all within walking distance of the popular market town’s bustling centre.
But the desirable combination of location and quality doesn’t mean buyers have to break the bank to secure a property. Those worth up to £600,000 are eligible for Help to Buy, which is open equally to first-timers or those moving further up the housing ladder.
It works by the government lending 20 per cent of the value of the property through an equity loan which can be repaid at any time or on the sale of the home. It means buyers only need to come up with a 75 per cent mortgage on top of their five per cent deposit.
Riverside has already attracted a lot of interest with four plots snapped up by househunters at a preview event on Saturday.
Those lucky enough to secure one of the superb brick, wood and render homes will enjoy convenient transport links and life on the banks of the River Wey which winds through Surrey’s famous rolling countryside.
One Linden Homes customer who used Help to Buy to secure his property at Northfields in Colchester was Trevor Lepley, a performance analyst for JP Morgan. He only had a five per cent deposit too, and he said: “I thought I would be renting for a long time unless I won the lottery or something.
“Help to Buy is fantastic, it’s what people need. House prices are not cheap now. If someone had told me a year ago that I would be owning a four-bedroom house now, I would have laughed at them.”
In common with Trevor’s house – and all Linden Homes properties – each one at Riverside comes with integrated kitchen appliances as standard, plus a 10-year NHBC warranty and two-year customer care warranty for peace of mind.
The streets have been planted with more than 100 new trees to shade residents during hot days and access to the banks of the River Wey have been secured. A play park has also been built to entertain youngsters.
Godalming is a historic market town which counts among its community one of the leading independent schools in the world, Charterhouse. Summer brings concerts at the bandstand in the Phillips Memorial Park off bustling High Street.
For getting further afield, the A3 runs north-south and Guildford is less than 20 minutes away by car. Train commuters have a choice of two mainline stations each about a mile away, Godalming and Farncombe, which both run direct into London Waterloo in about 45 minutes.
Linden Homes Guildford managing director Peter Youll said: “Riverside is such a pretty, leafy development that people might mistakenly think it’s out of their reach – but think again. Help to Buy can unlock the extra support people sometimes need to secure their dream home.
“Now Riverside has officially launched there’s going to be a lot of interest from the market, thanks in particular to its delightful location in Godalming. Getting to the front of the queue will make the very best properties available – so get in touch.”
Buyers who act early will have the freedom to buy off plan and enjoy all the potential advantages that brings: ranging from influencing the design elements of the property to unlocking even better value deals.
As an alternative to Help to Buy, current home-owners may prefer Linden Homes’ Part Exchange scheme. It offers one quick, hassle-free agreement that takes out estate agents’ fees and the problems with chains which can scupper even the most secure-looking move.
To register interest or to find out more, call 0844 488 1923.
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For further information, contact Claire McCowan or Claire Bradley at Remarkable Public Relations on 01962 893 893.
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
