Development updates

Keen boxer, 23, one of first to move into housebuilder’s North Whiteley location

- 22 Jan 20

A first-time buyer who loves to box is one of the first residents to move into a national housebuilder’s North Whitely location.

Rachel Neill, 23, moved into Bovis Homes’ Whiteley Meadows, off Botley Road, as she wanted a new-build home close to her boxing gym – and her best friends also moved there on the same day!

Rachel used the Government’s Help to Buy – Equity Loan to support her purchase and loved the flexibility of choosing a brand-new, two-bedroom property.

Rachel, who grew up in nearby Swanmore, said: “I moved back to Whiteley after university and was looking for a property close to work, my boxing gym and friends and family, while still being close to the countryside.

“As the property is a new-build, I was able to take advantage of the Help to Buy scheme, reducing the amount I needed to save for a deposit, and making getting on the property ladder so much more feasible.

“I loved the idea of buying a new-build and being able to choose my flooring and the kitchen and as there is no chain with a new-build property, I didn’t have to worry too much about the timeline or being let down throughout the process.

“My Dad drives past the development on the way to work, it was really exciting getting daily
updates on how the build was going. At first it was just an empty plot of land, then the walls went up and then suddenly, I had a roof, doors and windows. It was fun to keep track of it from the first brick all the way through to completion.”

Rachel, who has been boxing for over 12 months to keep fit and trains three times a week, added the housebuilder kept her updated throughout the process and she is delighted to have her own space with great neighbours.

“The Bovis Homes team were really helpful, always keeping me updated and making sure I was in contact with the right people at the right time,” she said. “They were always really accommodating in making sure I could get exactly what I wanted for my home, even when I changed my mind about my flooring choices several times.

“It’s really great to have started back at work after the festive break knowing I’ve moved in and the hard part is behind me. To have my own space and big wardrobes to spread out all my stuff. My best friends moved onto the development on the same day, so now we can relax and enjoy being neighbours.”

Using the Help to Buy – Equity Loan scheme, home buyers need just a five per cent cash deposit,with the Government providing an equity loan of up to 20 per cent of the value of the property being bought. Purchasers then need to secure up to a 75 per cent mortgage.

Buying a new home off-plan gives buyers the opportunity to customise their new home, including choosing the kitchen and to take advantage of many purchasing schemes aimed at assisting people in buying a new home.