A couple have escaped the London rental trap and bought their first home in Whitchurch.
Alex and Mel Bromley, both 38, had been renting a house on the outskirts of London but managed to save the money for a deposit and buy a new property at David Wilson Homes’ Clockmakers development on Tilstock Road.
The couple, a wealth manager and a special needs teacher, welcomed their second child earlier this year.
With two young children, aged three years and five months, and the rising costs of childcare in the capital, the couple wanted to move to a home that met their needs.
Mr Bromley said: "Nowadays, the cost of having a family in London is impossible.
"There are simply too many compromises that have to be made and the costs of childcare are typically around £1,500 a month without considering our rent as well.
"Moving to a brand-new home meant we didn’t have to take on any maintenance, and our home is so energy efficient thanks to the solar panels that came with it.
"Even if we have spent the day running my computer, the washing machine and other tech and appliances, it can cost less than £1 per day – the output is virtually covered by the solar panels."
- Whitchurch man's sentencing date for drug offences confirmed
- Recycling centres to stay open seven days a week for six months
- Whitchurch Civic Centre campaigner's call over public meeting
To help save for their new home, the couple moved in with Mrs Bromley's mum in Whitchurch and saved £2,000 a month.
The couple are not only enjoying the savings that their new four-bedroom Bradgate-style home has provided them but also the lifestyle they are able to live in Whitchurch.
Mr Bromley continued: "Although we have moved, I still work in London and I’m in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
"Crewe Train Station is only a short drive away and, from there, I can take the train directly to London.
"The location of our home is exceptional.
"We are in a quiet stretch of houses with the cricket and rugby pitches directly outside the home.
"Being on a corner property has also given us a great-sized garden where we can play with the kids."
The family had been seeking a detached house and were very impressed with the Bradgate-style home that Sian, the sales adviser, had recommended – a house style she had bought herself prior to working for David Wilson Homes.
Mrs Bromley said: "Whilst it’s a four-bedroom home, it doesn’t feel big for the sake of it.
"It’s a very usable and approachable size and we are really happy with all of the bedrooms having space for double beds.
"The layout of the kitchen and living room are very open and free-flowing which is nice.
"Many people aspire to have larger homes, but when you’re in a well-proportioned home that has been built thoughtfully, you don’t feel like you want more.
"This home perfectly suits our needs."
The couple are also enjoying the community in Whitchurch, which they say is very different from London.
Mrs Bromley added: "We’ve spoken to a few people here and they all seem very friendly.
"There’s a young couple directly opposite and a couple that have downsized next door that are friendly and helpful.
"It’s nice to have a community that is contrasting to London where everyone speaks to each other."
Clockmakers currently has three and four-bedroom homes available with prices starting from £276,000.
For more information, call the sales team on 033 3355 8479 or visit the website at David Wilson Homes in Shropshire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel