Phil (59) and Jane Rowley (60), both now retired, used David Wilson Homes’ Stamp Duty reprieve to help make the move to the housebuilder’s The Catkins development with their family cat, Bourneville.
The couple, originally from Walsall, took the opportunity to move to a more rural area, with Phil being familiar with Stafford already having previously worked there.
They were able to purchase their new home thanks to a combination of the sale of their previous house and existing savings, and then the Stamp Duty reprieve meant they could immediately personalise the home. The couple used the extra cash for upgraded flooring and carpets, kitchen and bathroom accessories, and spotlights.
Phil said: “We had previously purchased a brand-new home and lived there for 26 years, so we had been familiar with the buying experience. It’s the quality of build that convinced us to buy with David Wilson Homes.
“We were impressed on viewing the properties. There was more room in the homes, the houses are more spaced out, and we’re in a lovely private spot on the development away from the main road.
“David Wilson Homes recommended the solicitors to us who were fantastic. They facilitated a smooth move after some potential issues with the buyers of our existing property which could have disrupted the move, and they did everything in their power to get us into our new home on time. The Sales Adviser, Darcy, was our rock for the purchasing experience.”
Phil and Jane had also considered second-hand homes, but were drawn to the appeal of a blank canvas that they could truly make their own. Both the layout of the home and the location were a major factor in the couple’s final decision.
Phil continued: “We saw the show home and Jane fell in love with it. We were so convinced that we put our deposit down within a couple of hours of viewing it. It was everything that we had been looking for and it ticked lots of boxes – in a more rural area, not overlooked from the front, easy accessibility to Stafford, good train and motorway links, an open plan kitchen-diner, and all double bedrooms.
“The kitchen runs the length of the house which is one of our favourite features of the layout. New homes are also very efficient in terms of solar panels and insulation, and we’re looking forward to saving money in the long-term.
“We didn’t know this area of Stafford as well as the town itself, but it has opened our eyes. We had a drive around the local area, and our neighbours are locals that have introduced us to surrounding towns and villages like Stone and Eccleshall, so there are lots of new adventures to be had!”
The couple purchased a four bedroom Kirkdale style home, which gives them the ideal amount of room for when their three children visit, hosting guests, or any conversions they may wish to make, such as a hobby room or office.
Since moving in, Phil and Jane have met several neighbours and have quickly become part of the budding community at The Catkins.
Phil added: “We’ve got some great neighbours on both sides, and some moved in on the same day as us. There are 12 people in total on our street, and everyone sent Christmas cards to each other so there’s a great community feel already.
“Our favourite thing about being at home is that we love looking out the windows. To the right, it’s a rural area looking over the fields, and there’s a stunning sun rise over the fields in the morning. It’s so nice and quiet on our road with very little road traffic, giving it a great feeling of exclusivity.”