Off-Plan Homes Selling Well At New Forest Development

Off-plan sales are well over the 40% mark at bespoke housebuilder Metis Homes’ Forest Edge scheme, which is in the small riverside town of Fordingbridge, known as the northern gateway to The New Forest. Featuring a mix of 63 houses and apartments, the first homes at the highly popular Hampshire scheme should be ready to move into from spring 2023.

The exclusive new development from the WhatHouse? Award-winning developer is close to the River Avon, near to the Dorset and Wiltshire borders. Fordingbridge town centre, which features an array of independent bars, restaurants, boutique shops, convenience stores, community and leisure facilities, is less than a mile from the development, which is accessed off Salisbury Road.

David Oakley, sales and marketing director for Metis Homes, says: “The early success of our Forest Edge development is a reflection of how special the opportunity is to live in this highly sought-after riverside town. Fordingbridge offers a range of good schools and The New Forest’s rich tapestry of family attractions and activities. The vibrant neighbourhood is also popular with holiday makers and second homeowners. With a range of apartments and family homes available from £300,000, we are receiving enquiries from a wide range of prospective purchasers. There are now only two three-bedroom houses still available for occupation next spring, so we would urge those in the market to contact us as soon as they can.”

The spacious development plan for Forest Edge features two play areas and a purpose-designed dog agility course, all surrounded by mature woodland trees. Footpaths leading to inspiring Forest walks can be joined right from the development boundary. The traditional architecture and red brick elevations of the houses and apartments are inspired by the local vernacular.

The headquarters for the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, which runs an annual programme of events and tours, is only a mile from the Forest Edge development. New Forest Water Park is three miles away. Travel beyond Fordingbridge is convenient, with the A338 located within easy reach. Salisbury is 12 miles north, while Southampton is 22 miles to the east. Bournemouth Airport and the coastal towns of Bournemouth and Christchurch are located 18 miles south. A bus stop is conveniently located within a few minutes’ walk of the development.

David Oakley adds: “The Home Builders Federation recently reported that new homeowners can expect to save on average around £2,600 in energy bills. All 63 homes at Forest Edge are expected to achieve an EPC rating of B, with benefits including electric vehicle charging points, and high levels of insulation and thermal efficiency. All our homes should be eligible for ‘green mortgages’, which are offered at more favourable rates. The four-bedroom houses have the added benefit of solar PV panels, which will enable the future residents to generate a proportion of their own electricity use, significantly lowering their carbon footprint.”

Internal specification features for the new homes include fibre broadband, and all flooring included, which is from a range of Karndean hard flooring and premium carpet choices. Bathrooms feature contemporary sanitaryware and complementary Porcelanosa wall and floor tiles, while the designer kitchens have integrated white goods and Neff cooking appliances. All principal bedrooms will feature built-in wardrobes, while the four-bedroom homes will also benefit from built-in wardrobes to bedroom two.

Only two homes are still available for sale within the first tranche of Forest Edge, which will be completed in spring 2023. Homes 12 and 13 are both three-bedroom semi-detached houses, each offering 1,012 sq ft of luxury accommodation, and priced at £420,000.

A range of two-bedroom apartments, priced from £300,000, and three- and four-bedroom family homes priced from £399,950, are newly on release, in advance of build completion dates scheduled for summer and autumn 2023.

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