PREVIOUSLY derelict and boarded up post-war semi-detached houses have been given a dramatic upgrade in the Meir area of Stoke-on-Trent – transformed into desirable and contemporary family homes, available for sale via the government’s popular shared ownership scheme.
A total of 16 high-grade but low-cost three bedroom semi-detached homes are available to buy from just £45,000 (based on a 50% shared ownership basis). Full price is £90,000). Four of the 16 homes are now complete, with the rest being released in phases throughout the autumn and into early 2011, offering people on lower incomes in the area a real chance of stepping on to the property ladder in style.
They are being sold through Plumlife, a government appointed not for profit company, which is part of the award winning Great Places Housing Group.
The homes have been ambitiously revamped to meet the demands and lifestyles of modern family living, featuring light flexible living spaces, quality hi-spec fitted kitchens and bathrooms, downstairs toilet, off-road parking and gardens to the front and rear.
Superior, timber framed double glazing, top grade insulation and brand new heating systems ensure the homes are much more energy efficient, cheap to live in and environmentally friendly.
The Woodlands has been developed in partnership between Great Places Housing Group, RENEW and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as part of the wider, dynamic regeneration of the area. The launch of the new properties follows large-scale investment in the Meir neighbourhood, which now boasts The Crescent Primary School and new Children’s Centre, both rated “outstanding” by Ofsted.
Matthew Harrison, deputy chief executive of Plumlife, said: “There is a real need in the area for bigger family homes that are affordable as well as desirable – particularly with the current credit crunch. The shared ownership scheme gives people the opportunity to commit to a relatively small mortgage and pay rent on the rest. This takes the pressure off them to come up with a huge deposit, one of the main problems facing buyers today. Even with the rent on top of the mortgage, monthly payments are still less than if you were buying outright.”
Cllr Mervin Smith, Stoke-on-Trent City Council cabinet member for city development, said, “Schemes like this are important in creating affordable family homes which can cater for existing residents, as well as providing opportunities for people thinking of moving to the area. Regeneration in Stoke-on-Trent is well underway, with work on the city’s new bus station starting in March, the city centre Tesco store and Potteries Way extension completing in November, and a brand new sixth form college at the University Quarter. New housing will complement any existing and future regeneration, so it’s exciting seeing the scheme opening its doors in Meir.”
The Woodlands show home will be launched on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 September, from 11am and 4pm.
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PLumlife
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