Getting on the Property Ladder With a Warfield Apartment

Almost one in five new build purchasers are open to living in a new build apartment, increasing to one in four in the South East, illustrated by a steady stream of apartment buyers lined up in Warfield, just outside of Bracknell.   One such buyer, 47 year old Matt Davies, got back onto the property ladder with the purchase of a two-bedroom apartment at Berkeley’s Woodhurst Park development.

Matt Davies, a Delivery Lead IT manager, took a step back onto the property ladder for the first time since 2014, following a period of renting after the sale of his home in Caversham. He bought the apartment at Woodhurst Park for £305,000, giving him a fresh start, and choosing the type of property he believed would give him the best value for money whilst still meeting his and his 9 year old daughter’s needs. 

The decision to buy an apartment was an easy one. It offered community living at his fingertips, and very little maintenance, while retaining access to outdoor space thanks to a private balcony. Matt says: “Firstly, I needed a property that was big enough, and it needed to be a logical financial move. Since I now mainly work from home, I needed plenty of space to both live and work. With the two-bedroom, two-bathroom layout and open-plan living and kitchen area it feels like there’s room to spare. It also gives me the best deal when it comes to space versus cost, with the added warranty benefits of a new build.”

Matt was looking for a home in the area to maintain close links to family in Caversham, nearby to Reading, but without losing access to fast transport links, such as the nearby M4 and M3 motorways.  He comments: “I know the local area fairly well. There’s lots to do in Bracknell, and I can be in London on the train in less than an hour. Taking everything into account I decided it would be an ideal base for me. Finding Woodhurst Park, and being able to move in immediately, was ideal for me.”

After a change in family circumstances, Matt found himself searching for a new home. Matt comments: “I was returning to the position of a first time buyer, but without any of the benefits. I always knew an apartment was my best bet at getting back on the property ladder, so it soon became the focus on my search.”

Benjamin Ivey, Sales and Marketing Director for Berkeley Homes, comments: “There is a common misconception that apartments are for first time buyers. We are finding that people are starting to see the value of apartment living. The convenience, alongside the built-in community within the building, means that they are ideal for people at different life stages. The apartments at Woodhurst Park offer flexible living space situated in an idyllic countryside setting – truly the best of both words.”

Matt adds: “After spending several months viewing a range of apartments in the local area, I was very impressed on my first visit to the apartments at Woodhurst Park. The property was completed to an extremely high standard of finish, with generous double bedrooms. The open plan layout enhances the already spacious room sizes – it seemed very good value for money. The property also has underfloor heating and it is a lot more energy efficient than some of the older buildings I’ve lived in. There is also extra security with its shared entrance.”

Woodhurst Park sits in 65 acres of parkland, with a landscaped Greenway running through the centre, idyllic riverside trails and a village green and duck pond. The site includes a primary school, play areas and nature walks, providing the perfect example of how new communities and nature can thrive. 

“Woodhurst Park was my top choice because of its rural setting,” Matt adds. “As a keen runner and cyclist, it was important to find somewhere offering the best space for outdoor activities – the development has such large open areas, and so many trails it is perfect for me. Its design also played into the convenience of an apartment – I have all the benefits of a garden, but with none of the hassle of maintaining one.” The development is less than two miles from Bracknell Railway Station, from which London Waterloo can be reached within the hour. Maidenhead Station, a 15-minute drive away, is part of the new Crossrail line reaching London Paddington in 16 minutes. For journeys by car, key roads including the M3 and M4 are nearby, providing access to destinations such as Heathrow in 30 minutes. 

Berkeley has now launched its newest collection of homes at Woodhurst Park, offering a range of two, three and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom apartments. For more information on the homes available at Woodhurst Park, please call 01344 981691 to arrange an appointment or find out more here.