Buyers already snapping up unbuilt town centre flats

Estate agents say future landlords are snapping up buy-to-let properties for flats which haven’t even been built yet.

Last month devel o pers unveiled their latest plans for flats on either side of the Panorama building off Somerset Road in the town centre.

The Vista housing scheme would see the construction of 110 one and two-bedroom flats, which have been listed for sale at £270,000 online.

Now estate agents Northwood are urging more landlords to sign up to the scheme, and say a third of the properties have been reserved already.

The company stated: “Locations don’t come much better than this. This development is surely going to become one of Ashford’s premier postcodes.

“There is a mixture of apartments all finished to a high specification, located a short walk from Ashford International Station and town centre.”

The company states it as a guaranteed rent service to remove risks and headaches for landlords and ensure a return on any investment.

But Central Ashford Community Forum chairman Jo Jowers has been among those con- cerned by the growing number of one and two bedroom flats being built, saying: “We are all for having more residents living in the town centre, but it appears that the predominant way of bringing more residents is by having more one or two bedroom flats.

“That’s great for encouraging younger people into the town, but they are going to want to have families at some point.

“Those moving here might be told it’s cheaper, but there is a substantial price tag too, with high season ticket prices on the trains.

“We are told we don’t understand the new market, but I think it’s a shame we are concentrating on building flats, as we could be creating the problems of the London property market here.”

The Vista apartments were granted planning permission alongside the work at the former Charter House in 2013.

Jersey based property firm Investin Plc bought the scheme from Dukelease, and building work is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.

Northwood say any would-be landlords can get a brochure or reservation pack by contacting Ashford@northwooduk.com or calling 01233 229788.