Buying a new build as a solo buyer
Buying a house of your own is a huge achievement - which made it all the more exciting when Ashley moved into her new Persimmon home in Sunderland just in time for Christmas. She told us all about the process of finding her home, and what she loves most about it.
A long-term goal
Ashley lives with her 5-year-old cockapoo Cassie on our Hillfield Meadows development in Sunderland.
After time spent living at home saving, and travelling the world for work, she knew it was time to settle down in her own home last year.
“I lived with my parents all my life, and also lived abroad whilst working on cruise ships,” says Ashley, “However I knew the time had come for me to find my own place and ‘fly the nest’.”
“I’ve been saving since I was 15 so was able to buy my own home. I chose this location as its not far from my parents – it’s in the village I have grown up in, so I know the area really well.”
"I chose a new build home as I wanted to put my own stamp on it from day one"
Why buy new?
Right from the start, Ashley knew that she was looking for a new build home, and Persimmon stood out as the right housebuilder for her.
"I chose a new build home as I wanted to put my own stamp on it from day," Ashley explains.
"I knew Persimmon had a great reputation compared to other builders, and I also had recommendations from my friends and two other family members also own Persimmon homes."
Twist of fate
It was while searching on property portals that Ashley came across her perfect home - at a lower price than she'd expected.
Ashley says: "I first found this home on Rightmove, and noticed it was at a reduced rate called discount market value. At the time I knew nothing about this, so I called the sales office and spoke to Carole who told me all about it."
"Unfortunately, as it was such a sought-after area the property had already been reserved, however I later got a call from Carole who said the buyer had dropped out and the house could be mine if I wanted it! I went round and spoke to Carole who told me everything I needed to know. I feel that a discounted market value home was a great option for me as I would be living alone."
"I reserved in May, and was given the keys in December. I moved into my new home on the 22nd December - it was the best Christmas present ever!"
"I love having the patio doors open on a sunny day and pottering around in my garden."
A little haven
After moving into her new home, Ashley has spent time decorating and making it her own.
"My kitchen and garden are probably my favourite parts of my home," Ashley says.
"I love having the patio doors open on a sunny day and pottering around in the garden - which, might I say, is huge! My dad and I have landscaped it ourselves so we're very proud of how it's turned out - it's my little haven."
"I also work from home, which is brilliant as it means I can spend more time in my lovely new home."
Great buying experience
"Every member of staff I have spoken to at Hillfield Meadow have been brilliant. So friendly, efficient and always giving me peace of mind, especially as a new homeowner."
"I would certainly recommend Persimmon, the experience I have had with them has been brilliant. They have always been there to help since day one, and reassured me every step of the way."
