Tia and James' Story

Buyers: Tia, 23 and James, 23

Monthly mortgage cost: £1,065

Occupations: Geographic Information Systems Technician and Trainee Chartered Accountant 

Move in month: September 2023

Development: Shipley Lakeside in Heanor, Derbyshire

House type: The Hivestone, 3-bedroom detached home

Instagram account: @littlelakesidehome

Tell us a little bit about yourselves: 

James and I met whilst studying at university and have now been together for almost five years now. James works as an auditor, training to become a chartered accountant and I work as a Geographic Information Systems Technician. We currently have no children or pets but are hoping to get a puppy for Christmas time now that we have garden space. 

What was your living situation before buying with Avant?

Before buying our Avant home, we were renting a fourth floor, one bedroom flat in Leicester city centre for two years. I am originally from a tiny county called Rutland and James is from a small village in Derbyshire near Alfreton. So, when we moved home after finishing University in 2021, Leicester was a good halfway point between each of our families. 

What was your motivation for moving?

The reason we decided to move from our small flat was that we needed loads more space, with us both working from home. We also started to hate city living and wanted to move back to a more rural area with green space and room for a dog. 

What house type did you choose and why did you choose it?

We opted for the Hivestone house type as it was a great first house to get us onto the property ladder and had all the space we needed. As we both work from home most of the week, a three bed property was perfect as we could each have our own office. The Hivestone offered three generous bedrooms and a downstairs living space, accompanied by patio doors leading out into a fantastic sized garden. 

Why did you choose Avant Homes?
We found that Avant Homes offered a utility space in most of the homes on our development which is something we found other developers didn’t, especially on smaller homes. When looking at homes in our price range, the Hivestone offered a detached home, with a double driveway, large garden, and plenty of space for home working and guests. Whereas other developers, at the same price point, could only offer us two bed homes or semi-detached townhouses. The location was also an important factor for us. With us both being from countryside villages, we really missed this living in the city and knew it was something we wanted to go back to when choosing a home. The Shipley Lakeside development offered us a great sized home, with all the above aspects in a lovely quiet setting.  

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

We are not big fans of DIY, and we knew that buying a second-hand home would need lots more work putting into it than a new build. We loved how new builds are ready to move into and live in from day one. 

How did you find the buying process?

We found that the buying process was surprisingly easier than expected. We’ve all heard the horror stories about how long and complex the home buying process can be, but we had a great mortgage broker and efficient solicitors which really helped. To aid the process we used the mortgage advisors and solicitors recommended to us by the Avant Homes Sales Advisor.

What do you love about your Avant Home?

Our spacious kitchen is our favourite room, with lots of cupboard and worktop space. Having the utility room attached is such an added bonus too, there’s so much storage space. Both of us also love the landscaping at the front of our home, setting us back from the footpath. As well as the Hivestone doorway, it will be great to decorate with plants and Christmas decorations. 

Did you go for any upgrades from Avant’s optional extra range?

We decided to upgrade quite a few things including the kitchen cupboards, as we wanted it to be perfect and personalised to us. We had flooring throughout, along with built-in wardrobes, additional plug sockets, an integrated microwave, glass splashback and an outside tap. 

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

Living here is so much calmer and quieter. We feel like the additional space has made our life so much better, as we are not on top of each other. We have only been here for a week, but everyone living on the development is very friendly.

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

We recommend taking lots of photos of the process. From show home viewing, brickwork to furnishing, it’s great to look back on!

Have you been inspired by Tia and James’ buying story, and are looking for your first home? 

Discover your dream, affordable home at one of our fantastic development locations across the UK. 

Click here to find your dream home.

Want to share your Avant story? 

Send us a message on Instagram @avant_homes

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