From Sofa Bed To Dream Home In Partington

After years of dreaming of more space for her and her young daughter, single mum Zoe, 41, has bought her dream home at Countryside’s Millbank Lock, in Partington. 

Veterinary nurse Zoe was sleeping on a sofa bed in her one-bedroom apartment, but had her heart set on her three year old daughter Eva attending school in Urmston, so was reluctant to relocate. Desperate to find a home with more space, but with property prices in Urmston up 19% from its highest peak in 2019, Zoe widened her house hunt to nearby Partington. 

After a recommendation from a colleague, Zoe visited Countryside’s Millbank Lock development, where she discovered there was a two-bedroom plot available that was within her budget.

Zoe says: “We had outgrown our one-bedroom apartment and I was trying to stick it out as long as I could, but I’d reached a point where I was really unhappy and had to make a change. I was so used to property prices in Urmston that I never thought it would be possible to buy a house, until I visited the Millbank Lock development in Partington, the next town along. When I visited the site, there was only one two-bedroom plot left, it felt like it was meant to be! Looking back now, I can’t believe I was willing to stay where I was when there are brilliant schools all over, especially so close to our new home at Millbank Lock. There are two lovely primary schools with good Ofsted ratings, that are within walking distance of our house, so the location is perfect for us!”

Keen to avoid any surprise repair or renovation costs, Zoe chose a new build home that was fitted with high quality features and brand new appliances. Many other buyers are also seeing the benefits of new build properties, with research by the The Home Builders Federation finding owners of new builds see average annual savings of £2,000 on household bills.

As energy costs continue to rise, Countryside properties include energy saving measures as standard, making the properties 27% more energy efficient and use 20% less water than the national average.

Zoe continues: “When I first walked into the house, I was so overwhelmed that I burst into tears. I couldn’t believe how perfect it was! Having moved from a one-bedroom apartment, it's lovely to finally have stairs and a big open plan kitchen and living area.  My daughter and I were able to watch our home be built from the ground up and we can’t wait to make new memories now we’re all moved in. My little girl is especially excited to make the most of the garden next summer!”

Joe Turner, managing director, Manchester and Cheshire East, Countryside, comments: “Zoe’s story is especially heartwarming, and we’re proud to have played a small part in her journey. Location is extremely important to us and it's essential that our developments are within an accessible distance of town centres and local amenities like schools and doctor’s surgeries. There are many benefits to choosing a new build home, but as Zoe’s story highlights, there are savings to be made at a time when it really counts. We wish Zoe and her daughter all the happiness in their new home.

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