A couple who both drive long distances for work are feeling the benefit of the excellent road links at Linden Homes’ Quantum Fields location in Littleport.
First-time buyers Jessica Robb and Dean Oliver moved into their three-bedroom semi-detached house at the development in July, having previously lived with Jessica’s parents in Ely.
The move has reduced secondary school teacher Jessica’s drive to work by around a quarter, while easy access to the A10 is ideal for Dean, a telecommunications engineer who works across the Midlands and Eastern regions.
And getting onto the property ladder has also proved less expensive than they had imagined – as the couple are paying much less each month on their mortgage than they were expecting.
Jessica, 27, who works at a secondary school in Lincolnshire, said: “The commute to work now saves me 15 minutes of driving. It still takes me 50 minutes to get to work but saving those 15 minutes really makes a difference.”
Dean, 29, said: “Living in Littleport provides us with good links to main roads. The A10 is just next to the village and that takes us either south into Cambridge or up into Norfolk.
“Some days I could have a local job or a job further away such as in Saffron Walden.”
The couple had talked about getting their own place for about a year and a half before they finally started looking at properties in the area.
“We wanted to have our own space and think about starting a family in the next few years”, said Jessica.
The couple were able to put enough money aside from their incomes to save up for a five per cent deposit, however they were concerned they might not be able to afford a mortgage due to rising interest rates.
Jessica said: “Saving was relatively easy once we got started. We also had support from our families when it came to buying items for the house which we really appreciated.”
Dean added: “We were pleasantly surprised about our monthly mortgage payments. We were initially concerned about the rising interest rates and that impacting us, but we are happy with what we are paying.”
As first-time buyers, Jessica and Dean wanted to be prepared, so they used a budgeting app to work out what they would be spending before moving.
Jessica said: “We realised we budgeted more than needed on some bills, as we are actually spending less than expected.”
The couple visited four developments before going to look at the Quantum Fields site.
Jessica said: “As soon as we saw the development, we could picture ourselves living here. After deciding to get the house, we put down a five per cent deposit and the moving in happened very soon after.”
Dean added: “I used to live in London, so it is really a nice change being in a rural area where we can go for a walk and see lots of nature from our doorstep.
“I think it was a very quick move for us. As first-time buyers it meant that there was no selling involved - it was just about buying. From reserving the home to getting a mortgage, it was all very smooth and straightforward for us.”
Jessica and Dean found the sales advisors at Quantum Fields to be very helpful throughout the home buying process.
Jessica said: “Moving for the first time is a very daunting process but straight away they put us at ease. Colin recommended a mortgage advisor we used and happily answered the many questions that we had.”
The couple and their pet cat Autumn are now well and truly settled in their new home and enjoying the extra space that it provides.
Jessica said: “Since it is a three-bedroom home we have moved into and the plan to start a family is in the next few years, we have decided to have a room each for our own space until the time comes to expand our family.”
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.
