First-time buyer Amy Connelly (25) had her sights set on a Barratt Homes property after renting an apartment from the homebuilder while at university studying engineering in Aberdeen. She loved the quality and comfort of the new-build apartment, coupled with the fact that she could use her blank canvas to learn how to DIY, something she did with her dad.
After browsing available properties in the Aberdeen area online, Amy fell in love with the two-bedroom Patterson at Barratt’s popular Westburn Gardens development. The extra bedroom provides more than enough space for herself with extra room to host friends and family. As someone who needs a bright and airy space, large windows that flood a room with natural light were just what Amy wanted.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
Like many others settling down in Westburn Gardens, it was the location that sealed the deal. “It ticked all the boxes for me”, said Amy. “It’s central, town is only a 15-minute walk away, it’s surrounded by parks and shops and also has great transport links. The secure feel of the development and the civic areas for residents such as the Obelisk monument were further plusses.”
For Amy, who is a fan of great design, Barratt’s refurbishment of the former Royal Cornhill Hospital to develop Westburn Gardens ties together history with modern living, with some of the buildings traced back to the 18th Century.
She’s continued the theme of great design inside her own apartment, commenting; “As a drilling engineer working offshore, I love planning out my DIY projects and coming home to progress the creation of my very own sanctuary to relax in during my time off. The beauty about buying brand new is that I moved in and everything was ready, so now I get to put my own touches on it. I also had the chance to spend quality time with my dad, who taught me a lot of DIY tips and tricks.”
Amy’s recording her progress on a dedicated Instagram account, @mylilflat, which includes tips, tricks and modern living inspiration for others who may also be decorating their first home. Her tips include adding a day bed to the spare room that can be pulled out to a double when guests are staying, giving Amy a flexible space. She’s also transformed her bathroom into a tranquil relaxation room complete with subway tiling, shelving and plants.
Amy is incredibly proud to own her first home at just 25 years old, and she’s found exactly what she was looking for, commenting: “The development is great for everyone, and as a young professional it’s perfect for me. Having parking for both myself and visitors is exactly what is needed in the city centre.”
The buying and moving process was simple, with Barratt’s Senior Sales Adviser, Jenn Foster keeping Amy up to date on build progress throughout. She also used the Scottish Government’s First Home Fund scheme to purchase her home, which meant she only needed a 5% deposit – making it easier for a young person like herself to get on the property ladder.
Although the First Home Fund is not currently live, last year Barratt launched its own Deposit Unlock scheme through which buyers can purchase a new-build home priced up to £330,000 with only a 5% deposit. The competitively priced mortgage for the remaining 95% is designed to make buying a new home much more affordable to those who may have otherwise struggled to fund a deposit for their dream home.
A wide range of one and two-bedroom apartments is currently available. Prices at Westburn Gardens start at £139,995 with incentives available, including a choice of Part Exchange, a 5% deposit boost or key worker deposit contributions on selected plots.
For more information about the quality properties on offer visit www.barratthomes.co.uk.
