What One of Our Purchasers Says About Buying a Hazeley Home
Continuing our series of Q&A’s with our purchasers, this time our Sales Manager, Delia Edwards, visited our clients who moved into one of our homes at St Thomas More Place, just off Stoney Lane in the Weeke area of Winchester, to hear their feedback on their buying experience with Hazeley.
What has your buying experience been like with Hazeley?
Buying from a developer like Hazeley is so straight forward and I have been delighted all the way through. I have felt very welcomed and the home demonstration was very helpful, because I could get my bearings before I moved in. In fact, I was surprised how quickly I got used to things.
Would you choose a Hazeley home again?
Definitely, I have been very impressed with Hazeley.
They are very accessible, and their customer care is brilliant. If something goes wrong, they don’t mind if I call and everyone is always very respectful and friendly. I’m never made to feel I’m being a nuisance, it’s like being part of an exclusive club.
My home is much easier to run. The bills are cheaper and it's warm in winter and just right in the summer. I hadn’t had an open plan kitchen/living area before and to be honest, I was worried about it reeking of cooking smells, but the extractor fan takes any cooking smells away quickly.
All my family tell me I’ve made a great decision.
Where did you live before moving to your new Hazeley home?
I lived in the same house in Winchester for about 35 years – a large detached home.
Why did you decide to move?
My last home was located on a hill, meaning every time I went out, I was either going up or down a slope and it wasn’t close to any shops. I had to ask myself seriously if I could see myself spending my retirement there.
I have to say my dream was a period property; other things on my tick list were:
- 3 bedrooms
- Big enough for my existing dining table
- Easy to run
- Parking
- Ensuite
I wasn’t actively seeking to move but got in touch with Charters when I received one of their flyers saying they had buyers wishing to buy homes in my close. Before I knew it, I had an offer for the full asking price and nowhere to move to! But I was quite relaxed about finding somewhere else as I knew if I didn’t, I would just stay put.
Why did you decide to stay in Winchester?
I’ve lived in Winchester for a number of years and have lots of family here. I did think of moving to York where I also have family, but decided to stay in Winchester, but knew it had to be something central rather than in the outlying villages.
How did you hear about our scheme, St Thomas More Place on Stoney Lane, Winchester?
I was aware of the homes being built by Hazeley, but I wasn’t considering a new build home and assumed they were all 3 storeys, which I didn’t want, as I did not want to have to move again.
Savills, Hazeley’s selling agent, contacted me to persuade me to look at St Thomas More Place and my sons encouraged me too. So, I took a drive by, but thought they all looked too small. Hazeley launched the show home a few Saturdays later and I went along. Well, I walked into the show home, now my home, and was amazed at how spacious and light and bright it was. As I walked around, I could see myself living here. It was not what I expected at all, but the more I saw it the more I thought this has everything I need:
- Space for my dining table
- Great location
- Easy to run
- Great neighbours
- Space to put things away
- Big wardrobe in the master bedroom
What are the positives and negatives of downsizing?
I can’t really think of any negatives.
I’ve had a massive de-clutter though and I can honestly say I haven’t missed a single thing and I got rid of lots – beds, sideboards, wardrobes, etc.
Is there any advice you would give to someone in a similar situation?
Personally, I’d made up my mind to move before I was 70. I have heard of so many stories where a family member has ended up in a large house, which makes it hard not only for them, but difficult too for the family members trying to look after them.
You want to enjoy your final years; don’t you and you want a home that is convenient for you and your family.
The first afternoon I moved in I knew I would be happy here.
To ensure their privacy, our clients have specifically asked us not to publish their names.
