When Amy Vaughan decided to skip renting and move straight to purchasing her first home, the 26-year-old set her sights on a one-bedroom apartment in Maidenhead, where she grew up. Beating the odds to get on the property ladder six years earlier than the UK average first-time buyer [1], market risk consultant Amy used Help to Buy to purchase her property at Elmwood Gate in the Berkshire town.
Amy explains: "I was lucky to get a job straight from university and moving home meant I could save. I was able to skip renting jump straight onto the property ladder. My job is based in Paddington, so I debated moving closer to central London, but my life has always been in Maidenhead and I can commute easily, so it made sense to buy here.
"I knew about Elmwood Gate as I grew up only a few minutes' walk away. My sister and I went to a viewing initially and I loved it, so quickly arranged a second visit with the rest of my family. They suggested I look at other properties as well, having never viewed homes before, but I compared everything to Elmwood Gate - it set the benchmark to which nothing else came close. As a result, I put in an offer two weeks later."
Talking about the buying process, Amy is complimentary of Shanly Homes, saying: "The whole transaction was really smooth, and I had plenty of help along the way. I had a 30-day exchange and completion period, and was able to move in just before Christmas, which was a nice present to myself!"
Amy purchased a one-bedroom apartment, saying: "There were two reasons for this - the first being size. I live alone, so there was no need for a second bedroom; this flat suits my needs perfectly and is really spacious. Secondly, affordability was a key driver. I used Help to Buy which enabled me to purchase with a smaller deposit than on the open market, far quicker than if I'd had to save for a larger amount. The location is also ideal for me being, walking distance to the station for commuting and in easy reach to the town centre. I couldn't have asked for more."
Elmwood Gate comprises a collection of 67 one and two-bedroom apartments in Maidenhead, Berkshire, that are ideal for first time buyers like Amy.
Apartments at the development are modern and light and have been stylishly designed with high specification finishes. Open plan spaces provide plenty of living accommodation, and most apartments benefit from balconies. Contemporary kitchens come complete with integrated Zanussi appliances. Master and second bedrooms have fitted wardrobes, and en-suites are available in master-bedrooms in two-bedroom apartments. Residents benefit from secure, gated parking.
Elmwood Gate is just a few minutes' walk from the River Thames and Maidenhead's historic centre with its large selection of amenities, including supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, shops, restaurants, and cafes.
There are plenty of green open spaces in the area to enjoy as summer approaches, including Guards Club Park and Maidenhead Town Moor under 10 minutes away from the development. Maidenhead is also a great base for those interested in exploring the beautiful UK countryside, such as Windsor Great Park with over 4,800 acres of lush parkland and award-winning gardens or the Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Elmwood Gate benefits from excellent transport links, which Amy makes use of daily. Maidenhead train station is under a ten-minute walk from the development, from where direct train services run to London Paddington in just 40 minutes, as well as Reading in 55 minutes. When Crossrail launches, travel into central London will be even easier, thanks to direct services into Tottenham Court Road, Moorgate and Canary Wharf.
By car, the M4 can be accessed in just four minutes for connections to the M25 and journeys further afield. Elmwood Gate is also located within easy reach of Heathrow airport, just a 20-minute car journey away.
Prices at Elmwood Gate start from £350,000 for a two-bedroom apartment. Homes also come with Help to Buy available. For further information or to book an appointment please call 01628 301225 or email elmwoodgate@shanlyhomes.com.
[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/755701/average-age-first-time-home-buyers-england/
