With some fantastic options for first time buyers, as well as for growing families and downsizers, East Anglia currently offers a superb choice of brand new developments, distributed right across the region.
From the city of Peterborough and the county of Cambridgeshire to Northern Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, the region's characteristics and its prices vary dramatically.
Destinations within a realistic commute of London inevitably command higher prices, so professionals working elsewhere can often find more for their money further from the capital.
This latest round-up of current new developments across East Anglia includes options in Cambridge, Peterborough, Essex and Suffolk:
The Mallards in Hampton Vale near Peterborough (CALA Homes)
Launched this summer, The Mallards has proven to be a popular development set alongside lakes, open parkland and a nature reserve in the developing town of Hampton, south of Peterborough.
Offering a selection of contemporary two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes in a sought-after area of the city, the site saw ten homes reserved in the first three weeks of launching.
“We are delighted with the success of The Mallards. CALA’s reputation for quality, the design of the homes and their ideal location has resulted in extremely high levels of interest from local families, professionals and downsizers looking to move into this sought after area," explains Chris Roads, sales and marketing director for CALA Homes (North Home Counties).
"As a result of this, we’ve had to release additional homes ahead of schedule. The Mallards has an idyllic setting within a vibrant neighbourhood with a bustling cultural and sporting life. Hampton Vale is considered to be among one of the most environmentally-sustainable communities in the region, enjoying an enviable reputation of safety, giving a real sense of peace and tranquillity to its residents."
Prices: From £177,950
Find out more about The Mallards from CALA Homes
The East Apartments at Dunton Fields in Laindon, Essex (Bellway Homes)
Ideal for first time buyers, Dunton Fields is a popular new development offering a new launch of contemporary apartments. Selected properties are available with the Government-backed Help to Buy Scheme, offering a stepping-stone for first-time house buyers. To qualify, buyers only need a deposit of 5% and a mortgage for up to 75% of the value of the home - with the Government providing an equity loan of up to 20% of the property’s value (interest-free for the first five years).
Divisional sales manager for Bellway Essex, Gemma Bannister says: “Dunton Fields offers apartments in the heart of a thriving new development, boasting convenient transport links, and finished to a high standard with a modern flare. The option to purchase with Help to Buy also means that buyers need a deposit of less than £10,000 to secure one of these stylish new apartments.”
The East Apartments look set to appeal to young professionals, with a kitchen that opens out onto the dining/living area to provide a great space for relaxing or entertaining friends. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom and fitted wardrobe, while the second double bedroom has access to the main bathroom.
The nearby town of Basildon is home to a good range of high street and independent shops, and a market four days a week. There are also several supermarkets in the local area, and larger shopping centres within easy striking distance - such as Eastgate Shopping Centre, which is only a six minute drive away.
For commuters, easy transport links from Laindon offer a direct and stress-free commute into the City, reaching London Fenchurch Street in just 35 minutes or the West End via Oxford Circus in less than an hour.
Prices: The two remaining apartments are priced from £219,995, and are both available with Help to Buy.
To find out more visit www.bellway.co.uk or contact 01268 412132
Pietro House at Marconi Evolution in Chelmsford, Essex (Bellway Homes)
This range of newly launched, high-spec one- and two-bedroom contemporary apartments in the lively city of Chelmsford will place its residents at the heart of the region's many summer festivals and a whole host of other cultural events.
“Chelmsford has become a real hotspot for people with active and busy lifestyles, who like to get out and enjoy the many cultural events and gatherings around the county," says Gemma Bannister, divisional sales manager at Bellway Essex.
"The stylish new homes at Pietro House provide the ideal base for festival fanatics and those who want to explore everything the region has to offer.
Bellway is now taking reservations for Pietro House, which comprises apartments with stylish, open-plan spaces catering for modern lifestyles.
Prices: From £234,995
To find out more visit www.bellway.co.uk or call 01245 269208
The Spinning Wheel in Sturmer near Haverhill, Suffolk (Cheffins/Radford Homes)
This small, exclusive development of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes in Sturmer offers just nine homes blending traditional exteriors with contemporary interiors. Set within private gardens lining a private cul-de-sac, The Spinning Wheel resides on a 1.14-acre site in a popular village setting with a strong community focus.
Home to a busy pub, a village hall, a garden centre with tea room, and lots of local walks, the village is only 20 miles from Cambridge, from which there are trains to London King’s Cross and London Liverpool Street in about an hour. The village is also about five minutes' drive from the market town of Haverhill, which offers good schooling, a leisure centre and a range of amenities. Stansted Airport is only half an hour away and the historic town of Bury St Edmunds is also within easy reach.
Prices: From £250,000.
Find out more from estate agents www.cheffins.co.uk or call 01799 523656
Abode in Great Kneighton, Cambridgeshire (Countryside)
This award-winning development from Countryside, set in an urban village, will appeal to parents who place their children's education high on their agenda. It shares the prime Great Kneighton site with Trumpington Community College, a new secondary school that is due to open its doors to 11-16 year-olds this September. Cambridge city centre and its world-class university are only three miles away, and there are also numerous highly-performing state and independent schools in the area, such as The Perse School, which ranked 11th in the GSCE league table in 2015.
Abode offers modern, energy-efficient homes that are both elegant and practical. Currently available is The Hawthorne, a four-bedroom property spread across three storeys. Andrew Loveday, Sales Director for Countryside says the homes “...deliver flexible living space to suit families and their individual lifestyles. Understanding most people now want to find their ‘forever’ home, the house designs work on many levels, continuing to meet families’ changing needs over a long period of time.”
The development also benefits from being just minutes away from the Great Kneighton access point for the award-winning, fast-track Cambridgeshire Guided Busway – which gets you into the city centre and train station in just 17 minutes.
Prices: From £799,995
Find out more at www.abodecambridge.co.uk or call 01223 846650