Sophie and Will's story

Buyers: Sophie, 27 and Will, 29

Occupations: Finance worker and IT Manager 

Move in month: December 2024

Development: Merlin's Point, Witham St Hughs, near Lincoln.

House type: The Leyburn, 3 bedroom detached home

Instagram handle: @leyburn27

Tell us a little bit about yourselves: 

Will and I met online in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. With everything closed and social distancing in full effect, we quickly became each other’s support bubble and spent countless hours together on long countryside walks. By December 2020, we officially became a couple, and our relationship has continued to grow stronger ever since.

In 2021, we moved in together and adopted Winston — our affectionate (and slightly mischievous) tabby cat — who quickly became a beloved member of our little family.

Will works as an IT Manager for the police, while I work in finance for an agricultural company, so our daily routines are quite different. In the evenings, we love to unwind together, whether it’s watching a good series or playing on the Xbox. We both have a passion for travel, especially weekend getaways around the UK or exploring new food spots, and we always try to bring a little piece of those adventures back home with us.

What was your living situation before buying with Avant? 

Before buying our first home with Avant, we were renting a house that, unfortunately, we had to leave due to flooding. After that experience, owning a home felt like an impossible dream. We faced a choice between renting again or moving in with family and friends to save for a deposit. We’re so grateful to our loved ones who opened their homes to us for a year — their support made it possible for us to save and eventually fall in love with our home at Merlin’s Point.

Which house type did you buy and why did you choose it? 

We chose the Leyburn. Our first viewing was at the early stages of the development, but we weren’t quite ready to reserve at that point. We fell in love with this house type because of its spacious living area downstairs and the abundance of natural light from the large windows. We spend a lot of time in the living room, whether relaxing together or entertaining, so it was the perfect fit for us. The three bedrooms upstairs are also a great size, ideal for when we’re ready to grow our family.

Why did you choose Avant over other developers? 

We chose Avant Homes because, from day one, our Sales Advisor Georgiana was completely upfront and honest with us. We preferred this house type over others in the area, as it included a utility room — something other developers didn’t offer. The gardens weren’t overlooked, and our garden is a good size compared to others nearby. From the moment we met our Sales Advisor, we knew we had made the right choice, and the village itself is absolutely wonderful.

Did you know any family or friends that already lived in an Avant home? 

Yes! Our friend moved in a year before us and lives 5 doors away from us. 

What was your motivation for moving? 

We were ready to own a home rather than wasting money on renting. 

Why did you choose to buy a new build property over a second-hand home? 

A new build home is a blank canvas for us to decorate and make our own. We know we're covered with the 10 year warranty on the property and we loved being able to choose our options and extras. 

Did you make use of any schemes? 

Yes, we were able to use the 5% deposit paid incentive on our home, which was a big help.

How did you find the buying process? 

The buying process was excellent from start to finish. Georgiana did an amazing job of explaining everything, making the whole experience exciting for us. As first-time buyers, we didn’t always understand the terminology or processes, but she patiently guided us through every step and kept communication clear and consistent.

What do you love most about your home? 

The exterior of the house reminds me of the houses I used to draw as a child — it feels like a “proper” home and looks welcoming and comforting from the outside. We receive so many compliments on how lovely it looks. Inside, we love the high-specification kitchen, especially the integrated appliances. The rooms are generously sized, and the property offers plenty of space for us to enjoy.

Did you go for any upgrades from Avant's optional extras range?

We decided to have turf laid in our garden so we could start enjoying it as soon as spring arrived. We also added an outside tap and socket for convenience. Inside, we opted for towel rails in the ensuite and an over-the-bath shower in the main bathroom. Additionally, we upgraded to the integrated dishwasher and microwave to enhance our kitchen’s functionality.

Have you found your energy bills more affordable since living in an Avant home? 

Our house definitely retains heat better than any home we’ve lived in before. Even in winter, we rarely need to turn the heating on, and with so much natural light, we don’t have to use the lights until late in the evening.

How has life changed since you moved into your Avant home? 

We feel much more settled now that we’re living in our own home. We can put our personal touch on everything and make plans for the future with confidence.

Do you have any tips for anyone looking to buy with Avant Homes? 

Don’t believe everything you see on social media about new build homes. Our experience with Avant has been fantastic from day one — we have plenty of garden space, privacy, and room to grow, making it the perfect place to raise a family and truly call home.

Have you been inspired by Sophie and Will's buying story?

Are you looking for your forever home?

Discover your ideal, affordable home at one of our fantastic developments across the UK. 

Click here to find your new home.

Want to share your Avant buying story? Send us a message on Instagram @avant_homes.

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