Member Article

Leading housebuilder defies the doldrums in Manchester

Leading house builder, Persimmon Homes, is defying the property market doldrums, reporting visitor numbers up 20 per cent at its Greater Manchester developments.

Sales Director Dave Hodgson said: “Despite national doom and gloom about the property market, here in Manchester we are seeing positive movements, especially at our development at Barton Cross, Urmston, and at Heald Point, our Charles Church site close to Heald Green.

“In 2011 we sold more than 600 homes but, judging by interest at our sites already this year, we anticipate an even busier time ahead.

“Barton Cross is a very successful site, with an average two homes being reserved every week, ranging from apartments to four bedroom family homes.

“We have opened a new show home on the site, to allow us to meet the demand for viewings. We think it is partly down to the fact there are very few new homes sites within the Trafford Borough Council area – so it really is a case of ‘location, location’.”

The site, within easy reach of the M60 and the Trafford Centre, opened last year and, includes incentives for first time buyers.

Mr Hodgson continued: “Government programmes, such as FirstBuy, and shared equity schemes are definitely helping to boost the housing market, providing a lifeline for people trying to get on the first rung of the property ladder.

“There are also initiatives like the newly-announced NewBuy Guarantee, aimed at improving the range of mortgages available to people with smaller deposits. These, combined with the right properties in the right places are helping to encourage more confidence in the local market.”

Over at Heald Point, stylish apartments created by Charles Church – the luxury marque of the Persimmon group – are also selling quickly.

“Once again, location is everything for these homes, close to the airport and within walking distance of Heald Green village,” said Mr Hodgson. “The apartments are elegantly designed for people looking for modern contemporary living, close enough to transport links for commuters, but also on the edge of countryside for great quality of life.

“We work very hard to find the right sites for development, and our architects and planners ensure the best range of homes is available, to meet the lifestyle needs of buyers.

“That is what we believe is giving us the edge in such a challenging market.”

Persimmon Homes North West operates in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Flintshire, Wrexham, Powys and Shropshire from its regional office in Manchester.

The company has 20 Persimmon and Charles Church locations currently in development, including new and exciting sites opening in St Helens, Sandbach and Middlewich, ranging from traditional family homes to bold contemporary designs and sensitive renovation projects breathing new life into historic buildings.

To find out more about Persimmon Homes visit www.persimmonhomes.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Caroline Garbett .