Going off-plan First-time buyers turn a new build into a home with character
With a tight budget but bags of creative ideas, two first-time buyers have turned a starter new-build house into a quirky and individual home
Having rented in the Newcastle suburb of Heaton for six years, Rachael Robinson and her partner Jonathan Branthwaite were eager to get on the property ladder. ‘It felt as though we were throwing money away on rent, but with a budget of less than £150,000 to spend on a house, our options were limited,’ explains Rachael. ‘We thought about buying a run-down house in the same area but didn’t have the funds for a major renovation so, instead, started looking at newbuild developments that offered incentives.’
Before long they came across a large development called The Rise in the west end of Newcastle, where 1,800 new houses were being built by Keepmoat, Barratt Homes and the City Council. A visit to a Keepmoat show home was an eye-opener. ‘You hear about new houses being the size of rabbit hutches, but these seemed spacious and good quality,’ says Rachael. ‘Our parents came with us for a second opinion and they were impressed too.’
After being shown plans for five different house types, the couple felt themselves drawn to the Styford, as there would only be three or four built in each phase. ‘We wanted a corner plot that wouldn’t be overlooked by neighbours and this one had uninterrupted views over the valley.
Also, as there were no plans for more homes to be built in front of it, we felt that it would keep its value,’ says Rachael. ‘And we really liked the fact that it had two off-street car parking bays.’
Even though there wasn’t a show home for the Styford, the couple decided to reserve a plot. As first-time buyers they qualified for the Help to Buy scheme, which meant they only needed a five per cent deposit. A government-backed equity loan provided another 20 per cent, and a mortgage covered the remaining 75 per cent. ‘We were worried about getting a mortgage as Jonathan is self-employed, but he had five years of accounts and I’ve got a regular salary so it was quite straightforward,’ explains Rachael.
For the next six months the couple planned their decorating scheme and when, in February 2015, they finally got the keys, they were able to put all their ideas into practice. ‘Buying off-plan was a bit scary, especially as a few months before we moved in we went to see round another Styford design that was ready before ours and it felt a bit small,’ admits Rachael. ‘However once we got inside ours and started decorating, it seemed more spacious.’
As they’d already selected their appliances and furniture before moving in, it was a race against the clock to get the rooms painted and flooring laid before deliveries started arriving. ‘We had a whirlwind week with lots of trips to B&Q,’ remembers Rachael.
‘All the walls were magnolia so we got rid of that straightaway and opted for a neutral backdrop of greys with some feature walls and we added colour with accessories. Although you’re generally advised not to paint a new build in the first six to nine months due to shrinkage, we didn’t let that stop us and have only noticed very minor cracking in some corners, which is easily touched up. Using an all-in-one paint and
‘My best buy is probably the retro sideboard,’
SAYS RACHAEL
primer means you generally only need one coat so the walls can still breathe, and keeping rooms well ventilated also helps reduce shrinkage.’ They chose the kitchen and bathroom from the builder’s options, using tiles and flooring, as well as a mix of distinctive upcycled pieces, to personalise the house.
Luckily Rachael and Jonathan have similar tastes. ‘I’d say our style is Scandinavian and minimal with some industrial touches and lots of graphic prints,’ says Rachael. ‘The living room is more a mixture of Scandi and mid-century modern with clean lines and lots of artwork from Jonathan’s online shop Everlong Print Co. The ladder shelves are great for display so we’ve used them throughout the house. We’ve also saved money by updating a few bargain accessories and vases with yellow and copper spray paint. My best buy though is probably the retro sideboard, which was only £40 on Gumtree – it looks great now we’ve sanded and stained it.’
In the kitchen the couple have gone for an industrial feel with coffee-coloured units and dark grey worktops teamed with simple Metro tiles. The dining table and benches are a particular favourite as Jonathan made them from a steel frame and scaffolding boards. ‘The only thing we don’t like is the electric hob as we both grew up with gas hobs,’ says Rachael. ‘However electricity was the only option as the whole development has an ecofriendly district heating system.’
Upstairs there are two double bedrooms and the couple selected the one with three windows and an ensuite shower room as theirs, while Jonathan uses the third, single bedroom as a home office.
‘The fantastic views over the valley are a real plus point,’ says Rachael. ‘Jonathan’s always taking pictures of the sky from the window, and has made a collage out of them. It’s great to have a bedroom for guests too, which also overlooks the valley.’
Now they’re settled, the couple are glad they opted for buying a new build off-plan rather than a major renovation project. ‘It was hard work to get the house right, but now we can just relax and enjoy it.’