A young couple who moved into our 1,000th new build home say it is everything they wanted and more.
Courtney Wallace and Connor Jackson described the two-bed house at Weavers Close, in Peterlee, as their “perfect” first home.
Not only is it the high quality, energy efficient, and spacious home they were after, but as a Rent to Buy property they pay a discounted rate of rent for five years so they can save towards buying it in the future.
Hays Travel agent Courtney, 22, said: “We’re saving but haven’t had chance to save enough for a deposit and we didn’t want to fling money away on rent.
“We were about to view a flat when this opportunity came up, the timing was perfect, and it is the perfect first home.”
The couple love having a garden, particularly when friends and family visit.
And the spacious second bedroom includes an office area for when Connor, a refuse and recycling operational development officer for Durham County Council, works from home.
The 21-year-old said: “It feels a bit surreal, it’s everything we wanted and more.
“After working in my bedroom at my parents’ through the pandemic and driving there and back three times a week from Courtney’s I knew I wanted a separate office. “Being able to shut the door at the end of the workday makes a big difference to our quality of life.”
The couple’s house is one of 59 homes being built by Partner Construction for believe housing, in the £10m redevelopment of former industrial land, off Stephenson Road.
And it marks a milestone for believe housing, as it is the 1,000th new build home delivered by the not-for-profit housing association since its predecessor County Durham Housing Group took over the ownership and management of 18,000 homes from Durham County Council in 2015.
To mark the occasion, Easington MP Grahame Morris visited the site, having cut the ground for the start of construction in 2022, to see how residents are settling in.
He said: “It is amazing, I think it is a great mix of properties for people like Connor and Courtney getting their first home, families and older people who need a bungalow.
“The design and layout of the homes is very thoughtful and a good use of the site.”
Kate Abson, Director of Development at believe housing, said: “I’m exceptionally proud to have reached the milestone of our 1,000th new home.
“The icing on the cake is seeing how happy customers like Connor and Courtney are to be building their lives in our homes.
“I want to thank all the colleagues and partners whose hard work made this possible.
“We now look forward to delivering more of the high quality and energy efficient homes that people need and seeing our investment regenerate neighbourhoods, support communities, and boost the regional economy.”
Feedback from customers led to believe housing updating its approach on how much is paid when someone deliberately or carelessly causes damage to their home or leaves it in an unfit state.
Colleagues at believe housing have shown plenty of festive spirit to support two good causes.
Volunteers who saved a village church from closure have completely transformed it into a cherished community venue.
When it’s cold outside and the cost of living continues to affect many of us, it’s good to know where you can find a warm welcome.
