Berkshire resident uses Help to Buy to secure luxury penthouse

Alex Bloor, 35, used Help to Buy to secure a loan of 20 per cent of the property price with no interest for five years. Two months ago, he moved into the three bedroom top floor penthouse which comes complete with a spacious living and dining area, an en-suite bathroom and two terraces, ideal for enjoying the views across the rolling Berkshire countryside.

Alex is already enjoying life in his new penthouse. He said: “Because it is on the top floor, you get a huge amount of light. I moved from a ground floor flat which although it wasn’t really dark, it was down a hill and it was nothing compared to what I have now. I can see the horizon in all directions and I have photographed a lot of sunsets.”

A property owner for ten years, Alex sold his home in the village of Westerham, Kent to move to Bracknell where he works in order to vastly cut down the amount of time he spends commuting.

He had assumed that he wouldn’t qualify for Help to Buy being a property owner already but the ‘friendly and positive’ team at Hodson Developments explained that homeowners looking for their next move can still use the popular equity loan scheme on any new home up to the value of £600,000.

Featuring spacious one, two and three-bedroom Apartments and penthouses, the Fitzroy Collection is a private, exclusive development set over two luxurious buildings. It offers individually designed Apartments with superior specification as standard and is set in beautiful landscaped grounds.

Christie Alaimo, Sales and Marketing Director at Hodson Developments, said: “It’s a common misconception that Help to Buy is only for first time buyers. As Alex’s case shows however, it’s easy to use the scheme if you already own a property and are looking to upgrade to a brand new home. With spectacular views and a host of added features, Alex has really been able to boost his quality of life and it’s great to see him settle in so well in his new home.”

Alex was previously spending over two hours a day in his car driving the 50 miles there and back between his office in Bracknell and where he lived in Kent. After five years of daily long journeys, he was prompted to make the move when the penthouse became available.

He said: “I wasn’t really considering moving at all until I saw the penthouse. I didn’t even look at any other properties in this area, I just really wanted this one. I liked where I was living but seeing The Fitzroy Collection convinced me the time was right to move. I had a look around when it was still a building site and decided very quickly to pay the deposit.”

Alex’s mega commute has been slashed to just 15 minutes walking and he says that it has had a significant impact on his quality of life.

The general manager at an internet service provider continued: “For one thing I have got a lot more free time now. I would never be able to do much in the evening as I wouldn’t get in until nearly 7pm whereas now I have already been home for an hour and a half by that time. It does make a big difference.”

The Fitzroy Collection by Hodson Developments is close to Bracknell town centre which is currently undergoing a £250million regeneration. A vast selection of High Street shops, well-known restaurants and entertainment are all within easy reach.

Knowing the town already has helped Alex to settle in quickly to his new life in Bracknell. He is just a few minutes’ walk from Bracknell mainline train station for easy access into London and also back to Kent when he wants to visit old friends.

Christie Alaimo concluded: “Bracknell is being transformed by one of the country’s largest regeneration programmes into a vibrant destination with scores of new shops and restaurants. This all adds to the excitement that is building up around the town and explains why we have seen such interest in the Fitzroy Collection. What’s more, the development is situated in one of the best parts of town to live with everything Bracknell has to offer on the doorstep.”

A limited number of 1, 2 & 3-bedroom garden Apartments, Apartments & penthouses are currently available at the Fitzroy Collection starting from £264,950. For more information see the Fitzroy’s availability or call 01344 481 893.