Over the past few years, second steppers have faced some tough challenges with many unable to move from their first homes. However, we are now finally seeing a much-needed boost to this vital part of the housing market, as even those who bought as recently as 12 months ago have seen the amount of equity in their homes rise by up to £77,000, with prices paid for starter homes[1] increasing. Aqua Verde at Channels is a modern development by Bellway in Essex's newest city of Chelmsford, and provides ideal homes for second-steppers looking to climb up the property ladder and into a larger home that will better suit their growing needs.

Understanding the time and effort it takes for existing property owners to sell their home when it is time to move, Bellway is also offering a free Part Exchange package designed by experts to help make buying and moving simple and painless. Part Exchange enables homeowners to trade in their home as part payment for a new build property bought from Bellway, and has helped buyers significantly reduce the time it takes to find their dream home.

Gemma Bannister, Divisional Sales Manager at Bellway Essex comments: “At Bellway, we want to take away the hassle that some homeowners experience when looking for a new home. Finding a new home may be easy, but we appreciate that selling your property can sometimes take so long that people often miss out on their dream home. By providing buyers with a variety of contemporary properties, and a scheme to take away some stress from their moving process, we are pleased to offer an excellent experience when moving with Bellway.”

Aqua Verde at Channels is a modern development of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, which features characteristic architecture including vaulted roofs and full height windows to flood rooms with light. Most properties at Aqua Verde also feature open plan living spaces, with generously proportioned bedrooms and top of the range fixtures and fittings. Finished to the highest standards, all the homes at Channels benefit from off-street parking or garages.

Currently available at Aqua Verde is The Victoria, a three bedroom link detached home spread over two floors with car port, ideal for second-time buyers. The ground floor features a spacious open-plan kitchen, living and dining area including bi-fold doors leading out to the garden. While upstairs on the first floor is a terrace off bedroom three, bedroom two, a contemporary family bathroom and a master bedroom with fitted wardrobes and an en-suite shower room.   

Chelmsford city centre is a short drive from Aqua Verde and offers a wealth of leisure opportunities. The quality of shopping is renowned, with two shopping centres – Meadows and High Chelmer – as well as a range of high street and independent boutiques. A regular market and a number of farmers' markets are also held in the area. For evening entertainment, a plethora of restaurants, bars, traditional pubs, tea rooms and cafes cater to all tastes. Drama lovers can take advantage of two theatres, hosting a variety of live music, comedy and drama shows, while the latest blockbusters are always on show at the local Odeon cinema.

For families, a number of well-regarded schools are within easy reach of Aqua Verde. Little Waltham CE Primary School and Great Waltham CE Primary can be found in the neighbouring village. For older students, King Edward VI Grammar and Chelmsford County High School for Girls, two of the top performing schools in the country, are both less than 10 minutes' drive away.

For commuters, the new homes are just 10 minutes' drive from Chelmsford train station, from where frequent services into London Liverpool Street take around 35 minutes. Eastwards, trains to Colchester take as little as 20 minutes, Ipswich in 40 minutes and Norwich in less than 90 minutes. Channels is well located to benefit from the areas' excellent road network, with the A12 just eight minutes' drive, with links to the A120 for Stansted Airport and the M25 for travel in and around London.

Prices for the three bedroom detached house type The Victoria start from £419,995 at Aqua Verde. For more information please visit www.bellway.co.uk or contact 01245 443060.

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For further press information please contact Alice Norrington at Oracle Group on 020 8394 2821 or email alice@oraclepr.co.uk