Energy efficiency converts first time buyers into new build enthusiasts

First-time buyers Ash Bower, 28, and his partner Ruth Nation, 29, had never previously considered buying a new build home. However, after discovering This Land’s Spiregrass Square development in the peaceful village of Over, Cambridgeshire, and being captivated by its energy-efficient features, the couple had a complete change of heart.

They had harboured some reservations about new builds due to things they’d heard about limited storage space and delays in building, but traditional properties just didn’t meet the standards they were looking for in energy efficiency.

And with personal trainer Ash often hosting online classes from home, it was important to keep bills under control.

He said: “While we were renting our previous home, several concerns came to our attention. The property’s EPC rating was quite poor, and we noticed how inefficiently the property retained heat, especially during the winter months. We could feel the drafts and noticed that the energy bills were much higher than we’d anticipated.

“It was a wake-up call for us, making us realise how crucial an energy efficient home was to our lifestyle especially with me spending so much time working from home. That’s what led us to start exploring new build homes. We were curious to see if they offered the energy-efficient features we were looking for,” explains Ash.

Visiting Spiregrass Square dispelled the couple’s new build concerns. The homes’ impressive EPC rating of B and carbon-neutral design stood out. They also found ample storage in each room and appreciated the surrounding green spaces, reaffirming their choice to embrace new build living.

Using a LISA account with a 25% government top-up, in addition to their general savings and inheritance funds, the couple successfully saved enough money to make an 11% deposit of £41,000 for their new three-bedroom Marram townhouse at the development, which cost £x.

Ash adds, “The idea of buying a property wasn’t initially a top priority for us. However, when we laid eyes on our new home, something just clicked. Renting certainly has its limitations – not being able to put our personal stamp on a space and the transience that comes with it. The prospect of finally owning our own home, having the freedom to make it unique to us, and creating a lasting place for our future was too enticing to pass up. It was the right time to make the move, and we couldn’t be happier with our decision.”

With both Ash and Ruth working active jobs – Ruth as a Gymnastics Coach, the need for ample space became even more critical. Ash, in particular, required a dedicated area for his online coaching, given the growing demand for virtual training.

“The house perfectly suits our needs; the three bedrooms have allowed us to designate one as a home office where I can efficiently run my business from. Being a personal trainer, I have quite a bit of equipment, so having plenty of storage space has been a significant benefit. This is especially welcome as our previous home was a two-bedroom property, and the extra storage space has made a world of difference,” Ash notes.

Over, with its serene countryside surroundings, not only provides the ideal backdrop for their active lifestyle but also offers the peace and tranquillity that comes with living in a very safe area with low crime rates — a feature that was particularly important to the couple.

Ash said: “Prior to making the move to Over, we lived in Dry Drayton. While the area had its charms, we found it lacked several essential conveniences that we now appreciate. Over not only offers the countryside we love but also has local amenities including a shop and excellent accessibility to travel routes, making daily life much more convenient.

“We also love to keep active in our free time, enjoying runs and cycles, and Over is the perfect location to accommodate our passion for a healthy lifestyle with plenty of paths, parks and countryside walks on our doorstep.”

The couple reserved their home in May this year, before moving in at the beginning of August, and have loved the sense of community and feel of the development so far.

Ash commented, “The community feel here is exceptional, and the integration of green spaces with tastefully positioned homes is really well done. We love having a view of the park, and it’s lovely to gaze outside and see lush trees and open greenery.”