Going solo for first time buy

Wed, May 3rd 2006, 11:00

Living alone is a new rite of passage for today’s generation of first time buyers – with many young people believing it’s important to go solo before settling down.

The transition from living in the family nest to living alone rather than sharing with friends is now the path most favoured by young independent-minded first time buyers, according to The Unilever Family Report 2005*, which found that 96% of people polled who live alone say doing so is an important experience to go through.

One young professional who supports this trend is Emma Faithful, who at 25, is nine years younger than the average first time buyer and one of a growing number of females in particular, who are choosing to go it alone rather than rent or wait to buy with a partner.

The commercial manager, from Copthorne, has just snapped up a fabulous one-bedroom pad at Redrow’s Porterhouse development in Crawley, West Sussex.

Porterhouse is shaping up to be the ultimate apartment venture in Crawley and Emma will be among the first to move into the development this summer.

Emma, who works for Marks and Spencer, based in Shoreham, says: “I wasn’t really looking to buy a home as I didn’t think I could afford anything. However Redrow’s development instantly appealed because it’s so close to the train station, for access into central London where I worked until recently and still socialise, and it’s near my friends, who also live in Crawley.

“The location is fabulous – I can be in London in just over half an hour or jump on the train to Gatwick airport and be there in less than ten minutes!”

Making the move to Redrow’s scheme means Emma has been able to leave the family home and set up in her own place – top of the to-do list for any young professional today.

She continues: “Until now I’ve been living with my parents so I can’t wait to move in to the apartment in the summer. I’ve already started to look around at sofas and get ideas for the different rooms. My apartment is on the first floor and has its own balcony in the lounge – an added bonus.”

Situated in the heart of the commuter belt between London and Brighton, Emma’s choice, Porterhouse, offers a sleek range of 87 one and two-bedroom apartments, in a contemporary design often reserved for large cities. Most apartments also feature either a terrace or balcony and there are also a select number of duplex apartments boasting fabulous roof terraces.

Porterhouse is the perfect place for professionals and city workers to purchase their dream home. It’s situated midway between London and Brighton - ideal for those seeking a home for work and play.

Three Bridges train station, opposite the venture, offers a direct link to London (40 minutes) and Gatwick airport (10 minutes), making it a real draw for commuters, while the M23 and M25 are both also within easy access.

“Emma is proof that today’s first time buyers don’t have to stay at home until they’re in their thirties”, says Paul Moran, sales director for Redrow Homes (Southern). “The competitive pricing of our Porterhouse apartments, starting at £169,000, should bring them within reach of professional first time buyers and those looking for a cheaper alternative to London, hopefully helping twenty-something’s move out of the family home and into a place they can call their own.”

To demonstrate the lifestyle that comes with the keys to a city-style apartment, the house builder has enlisted the services of a specialist interior styling company to dress and furnish a two-bedroom show apartment – designed to whet the appetite of young forward-thinking professionals aiming for a home of their own.

Inside, the designers have made a bold statement with a burnt orange, charcoal grey and black colour palette, while the curved feature wall in the lounge has been given a funky twist with retro cork-textured wallpaper, providing the perfect backdrop for the contemporary glass and American walnut furniture used throughout.

Each of the two bedrooms epitomises glamour and sophistication, with luxurious chandeliers, textured wallpaper and indulgent velvet and silk soft furnishings fit for any boudoir.

Meanwhile the main bathroom and en-suite shower room are the ultimate in contemporary living with crisp white wall tiles, mixed with a hint of grey and vibrant burnt orange. The fully fitted kitchen features light cherry wood and cream gloss cabinets.

Paul continues: “Our two-bedroom show apartment will appeal to young professionals hoping to get onto the property ladder. They can see the product, touch it, feel at home with it, and hopefully decide that Porterhouse is the place to live in.”

For more details about the range of stunning apartments at Porterhouse and to book an appointment to view the brand new show apartment, call the Redrow sales consultant on 01293 532165.