A ceremony has marked a milestone in the building of 28 apartments for private market rent in Ashford town centre.
Ashford Borough Council leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson joined Darren Welch, managing director of Leath Park Developments, part of the Jenner construction group, in laying the ‘golden brick’ at Victoria Crescent.
Built on the site of a former Travis Perkins depot, the development consists of 14 one bedroom and 14 two bedroom flats, with work expected to be completed by February 2019.
Innovative property company A Better Choice for Property Limited confirmed the multi-million pound off-plan purchase of the 28 flats last year. It aims to increase its portfolio of properties over the next couple of years.
A Better Choice for Property now has commitments to 98 properties and it is actively looking for more across the borough, especially new build flats and houses. Blocks of one and two bedroom flats and also two and three bedroom houses are being sought.
Cllr Gerry Clarkson said: “The property company demonstrates another innovative way that the council is supporting the complex and various housing needs of a growing population, while also delivering a very healthy revenue stream for the council.
“We are delighted to be working with Leath Park Developments on this exciting scheme and we look forward to growing the business further in the coming years, with the aim of generating more revenue to enhance the provision of council services to residents.”
Darren Welch said: “These apartments will be finished to a high standard and are located a short walk from the international rail station and convenient to all the new retail and leisure facilities which are being developed in the town centre.”
A Better Choice for Property effectively operates as a buy-to-let investment company, targeting people in work in Ashford who can afford to rent. They are given one-year tenancies that can then be extended by further yearly increments or on a monthly rolling contract, affording flexibility to the tenants, while enabling communities to develop. The emphasis is on providing a high-quality customer experience to tenants from start to finish and thus offering A Better Choice for Property!
The property company has carefully grown a portfolio of one, two, three and four bedroom homes across the borough, ranging from flats to detached houses.
The company is interested in purchasing off-plan, buying sites for development either outright or in joint venture or buying completed developments. Contact Keith Hollidge at [email protected]