Crest Nicholson has launched its brand new Verla development in the charming cathedral city of St Albans, Hertfordshire. Comprising 74 contemporary homes in total, the development offers a selection of studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments located within walking distance of St Albans city centre, perfect for first-time buyers looking for well-designed homes in a great location. This Saturday, Crest Nicholson is hosting a ‘First Time Buyers’ event at the development, between 10am and 5pm, to help prospective first-time buyers secure their dream home.
Each home at Verla features a high-end specification throughout, with stylish, fully integrated kitchens, and sleek bathroom suites. The development has been designed to reflect the character of the beautiful city, featuring timeless exteriors and well-designed interiors. Residents will benefit from a number of amenities on site, from the communal gardens to a rooftop terrace, perfect to enjoy in the warmer months with breath-taking views of St Albans. Each apartment has their own balcony, and the two and three bedroom apartments at Verla also come with private parking.
Ask the experts
Verla’s First Time Buyers event is an opportunity for potential buyers to not only look around at the brand-new show home; but learn more about the home buying process and the schemes on offer that can help them secure their dream home, such as Home Reach. In the current market, buying a new property can feel quite daunting. Thankfully, Crest Nicholson’s friendly sales executives and experts including a mortgage advisor will be on hand this weekend to show attendees around the homes and answer any questions buyers have.
Crest Nicholson’s part buy-part rent Home Reach scheme offers a more affordable way to step onto the housing ladder as a lower initial financial commitment is needed via this shared ownership part buy-part rent process. This enables more purchasers to benefit from the security and advantages of owning a home, including the ability to decorate and make the space their own, plus the ability to sell and move at a time that suits them. First time buyers also benefit from Stamp Duty* relief on Home Reach properties.
There are currently three one bedroom apartments available via Home Reach at the development. Available to buy with a minimum 50% share, purchasers have the option to increase their share over time, up to 75% ownership, known as ‘staircasing’.
Charlie Joseph, Sales and Marketing Director at Crest Nicholson Chiltern, comments: “We are excited to have launched our new Verla development, which is set to be a thriving community in this charming and historic city. We have a number of schemes available, including our part buy-part rent Home Reach scheme and Deposit Unlock, to help purchasers take their first step onto the property ladder. We are thrilled to open the doors this weekend at our event to prospective purchasers, who will have the opportunity to get a feel for the stylish design available and how we can make the home buying process easier.”
St Albans City Station is just a 10 minute walk from the development, providing regular trains to Central London in just 20 minutes – a perfect location for commuters. In addition, the quaint and historic city centre is less than a mile away, and boasts a wide array of shops, pubs, restaurants, cafes and bars. St Albans is packed with interesting attractions, such as the Clock Tower, the only medieval town belfry in England and the de Havilland Aircraft Museum.
Residents looking for picturesque outdoor pursuits can make the most of the nearby Verulamium Park, which offers 100 acres of green space including a lake, play areas and the remains of a Roman amphitheatre. In addition, the development is in close proximity to Heartwood Forest, the largest newly planted native forest in the country, and also within walking distance is Verulam Golf Club, perfect for keen golfers. Lastly, nearby is Alban Way, a 6.3-mile bike route, offers cyclists a scenic connecting route leading to Hatfield.
Homes at Verla will be ready to move into this Autumn. Prices start from £358,000 for a one bedroom apartment and from £490,000 for a two bedroom apartment. For the three apartments available to purchase via Home Reach, prices start from £177,500 for the minimum 50% share. Select homes are additionally available to purchase on the Government backed Help to Buy: Equity Loan scheme or Deposit Unlock.
