DOWNSIZER SWAPS WHITSTABLE FOR FAVERSHAM AND BECOMES MORTGAGE FREE AT 52

New research has shown that one in six people expect to still be paying off their mortgage over the age of 65.[1] Keen to lose her mortgage early, and in search of a lower maintenance home, Lynne Thomas (52) decided to swap her four-bedroom house in Whitstable, Kent, to a four-bedroom semi-detached home at David Wilson Homes’ Perry Court development in nearby Faversham.

After putting her home in Whitstable on the market, Lynne was amazed to sell the property in just 24 hours. She started looking for smaller four-bedroom properties that would tick all of her boxes – good storage, a separate study and a spacious layout. Having lived in Faversham 24 years ago, Lynne decided to return to the market town and found her ideal downsizer home at Perry Court.

Lynne, who works from home as a tutor, comments: “I wanted to downsize to a smaller property without comprising on too much loss of space. I was also looking for a home that would be lower maintenance and wouldn’t require repairs or renovations, which is why I decided to go for a new build.

“Another bonus of my decision to downsize was that I could also be mortgage free. I feel like a huge weight has now been lifted and there is less financial pressure. I have a real security knowing that my house is paid for, and it means I can put more money into savings each month to plan for the future.”

Lynne certainly didn’t expect to sell her Whitstable property so quickly. “The property market in Kent is crazy at the moment – I sold my house in Whitstable in a day!” she says.

Lynne adds: “I wasn’t willing to compromise on certain features, such as space and parking, so I had to cast my net further afield than Whitstable. After finding Perry Court I was sold almost instantly. It didn’t feel like I was downsizing, even though I technically am – I was really impressed with the open plan layout and good-sized rooms. I also have a downstairs study which is essential for work.”

Lynne also needed the extra space for when her two sons Sam (21) and William (19) return home from university in the holidays. “All of the bedrooms needed to be a good size, otherwise I think I’d have trouble on my hands when the boys return!” Lynne adds. “That’s the problem with downsizing – although you need less space, you don’t really want it! I’m really pleased that I’ve found a home that is still spacious and doesn’t feel much smaller than my previous house.”

Natalie Perry, Sales and Marketing Director at David Wilson Kent, comments: “We have seen a number of buyers like Lynne who wish to downsize but aren’t willing to lose so much space. Four-bedroom properties are versatile and offer plenty of living and storage space for downsizers in this position.”

Aside from the attraction of being mortgage free, Lynne opted for Perry Court thanks to its countryside feel and chose a home with fantastic views. “From my house I can see right across the fields and have an open view looking at the Oast House,” Lynne says. “I love waking up each morning and seeing so much open space, the view really is beautiful.”

Perry Court is set on the outskirts of the historic market town of Faversham. The development itself provides easy access to walking and cycle routes, and will include play areas, allotments and an on-site orchard. Meanwhile, the town centre offers a collection of vintage shops, and traditional cafes, restaurants and pubs. There are also regular markets in the high street that offer a range of products, from antiques to locally made arts and craft, alongside locally produced foods such as fruit and vegetables.

The development is just one mile from Faversham Rail Station, which offers direct trains to London Victoria in 71 minutes during peak times, and connections to Canterbury. Perry Court is well served by road links too, with the nearby A2 and M2 providing direct routes either to the M25, or south to Canterbury and Dover.

There are currently a range of three and four-bedroom houses for sale at Perry Court, with prices starting from £364,995 for a three-bedroom semi-detached home