First-Time Buyers Move Into Their Dream Home By The Shore
A couple have swapped renting for homeownership in one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant locations, snapping up an apartment from CALA Homes by The Shore.
May and Mohamed Aboelella bought their home at Waterfront Plaza after renting in the city for three years. After house-hunting at other CALA developments in North Berwick and Balerno, the 20-year-old couple discovered Waterfront Plaza and immediately registered their interest, landing their dream home within months.
May, a software engineer, said: “Mohamed and I moved to Scotland three years ago, and we’d heard good things about CALA from colleagues and friends – they have a good reputation that when you buy with CALA, you’re buying something that will last.
“Even when we looked at other properties in the city centre which were a similar price, we found there was always a catch – the location wasn’t great, the interiors weren’t what we wanted, or there was no parking.
“We have friends who bought at CALA’s Kingfisher Park in Balerno who were really happy with their experience, so we knew we definitely wanted to buy with CALA.
“When we found Waterfront Plaza it ticked off everything on our list – it’s the new thing on the block, and it’s something a bit unique and different to other developments, while still being so close to everything in the city. Having the view of the water has also been really refreshing, especially during lockdown.”
May and Mohamed chose a two-bedroom apartment on the fourth floor, with a balcony overlooking the communal garden. Waterfront Plaza has an expanse of outdoor space which match the open-plan interiors of the apartments. In addition to the communal garden, landscaped walkways and private gardens connect the site with key parts of Leith.
“The location is also fantastic,” added May, “ you’re so close to The Shore with its great restaurants and independent cafés, and near to Newhaven, Cramond beach and the Water of Leith – and all these great cycle paths. In future the tram will make it even more accessible, so all of these factors together have made it the perfect place for us.”
She also praised the team at CALA for their attention and customer care, which has continued after their move-in date: “The team has really been amazing. After we first moved in, they would come to see if there were any issues or anything they could help with, which I never expected – it has been so helpful and reassuring.”
As well as walking and cycle routes, the development benefits from excellent transport connections to the city of Edinburgh, with the tram set to be in place by 2023.
After the sell-out success of its first release of colony apartments, Waterfront Plaza has a range of two- and three-bedroom apartments and four-bedroom townhouses available, ranging from £299,500 to £520,000. Find out more at www.cala.co.uk.
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