Thatcham homes are a 'safe bet' for investors

Thu, May 15th 2008, 12:00

A leading local letting agent believes Redrow’s properties at Kennet Heath, in Thatcham, Berkshire are a great place for investors to secure their cash for the long term.

Michelle Monahan, proprietor of County Property Management, based in nearby Newbury, firmly believes that property is still the safest bet for people looking to invest their money for the future.

She said: “The property market has always had mini peaks and troughs but in the long term home values will always continue to rise. I haven’t seen any downturn in the number of people buying properties to rent out in Thatcham, despite negative press of late. This is because there isn’t the same element of risk involved in property investment as there is in other areas such as the stock market.

“Kennet Heath has some great opportunities for buy-to-let investors looking to capitalise on the buoyant rental market. The two-bedroom properties for under £200,000 are particularly popular with investors as they will appeal to a wide range of tenants and can command rental incomes of around £800 a month.

“The development is particularly popular with professional renters who can take advantage of its convenient location within walking distance of Thatcham railway station to commute in the direction of either Bristol or London. However, it is also perfect for people leaving home for the first time, couples and young families. I would still put my money into property over any other form of investment.”

Conveniently located just off the A4, Redrow’s Kennet Heath development is close to  Thatcham town centre and is around a half hour drive from the centre of Reading, which was highlighted in a recent research report by Knight Frank as one of the safest places for people to invest in property.  There’s easy access to nearby Newbury, Basingstoke and Reading, with the M4 and M3 motorways just a short drive away.

As well as the two-bedroom apartments from £187,950 and semi-detached houses with two double bedrooms from £199,950, Kennet Heath also features three, four and five-bedroom houses, priced between £229,950 and £369,950.

Holly Finer, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (Southern), said: “As an added bonus for buy-to-let purchasers the new build properties we have available at Kennet Heath are low maintenance and energy efficient so they will appeal to investors who don’t want to fork out for costly refurbishment or the expensive repairs that are often common place with older properties.
“The good location, the fact the properties are brand new and have a good quality, modern specification should all help buy-to-let landlords attract a ready supply of tenants.”

To invest in a slice of the growing new community at Kennet Heath, visit the development, off Station Road, Thatcham. Alternatively call a sales consultant on 01635 863026 or log on to www.redrow.co.uk/developments/view/1.