For family reasons, John and Sue, aged 72 and 71, initially decided to move back to Huntingdonshire from Gloucestershire 18 months ago. They had no fixed idea of where exactly they wanted to live, but had always liked Brampton and soon enough identified Sarazen Gardens as the “best development in and around the area.”
Having viewed Cala’s four-bedroom Osmore showhome, the couple loved the house and development. Whilst they continued to look at other houses and bungalows that suited their requirements further afield, none could match the convenience of Sarazen Gardens.
John, who once worked as a civil engineer, comments: “The parking space, separate access and a good sized garden were just some of the key factors in influencing our decision. We liked the idea of Cala’s ‘Sales and Leaseback’ scheme, as we were intending to spend that winter in our caravan in Portugal.
The Sale and Leaseback scheme allows homebuyers to purchase a professionally designed showhome, with a guaranteed return on investment for an initial period whilst the property is leased back to Cala. The scheme offers purchasers a great way to secure a prime-position property on the development, either for future occupation, or as a buy-to-let investment.
Buyers have no council tax, insurance or maintenance costs to pay; and at the end of the lease, Cala will complete any works required to ensure the home is in pristine condition and ready to move in to.
John continues: “We sold our Gloucestershire property in late September 2019, and then completed on our house at Sarazen Gardens in early November that same year. Entering into a six-month leaseback agreement, our date of occupation was set to be the start of May 2020; so off we went to enjoy Portugal as planned”.
But of course, with COVID-19 impacting everything from March onwards, the Portuguese authorities closed all of their campsites, as did France and Spain. As a result, the couple spent three nights in motorway lorry parks on the way home – along with their dog, Cocoa. Upon their eventual return to the UK, having travelled 400 miles a day for four days, they fortunately managed to find a campsite in Brampton that allowed them to stay.
John continues: “By this time, it was the height of lockdown. This on the plan the transformation of the show home into our home had temporarily been halted. Cala could see our predicament and were fantastic in expediting the works to enable us to move into our new home at the earliest opportunity.”
Thanks to Building Control issuing an occupation certificate, the Secker’s were able to move in in April, a month ahead of schedule, while the finishing touches were made to their new home. During this period, the Cala staff stayed in touch and kept the couple reassured and informed regarding the progress of work outstanding on their home.
“Everybody was as compromising as possible. We didn’t think it could be done or see an end to it. But the Cala team were brilliant in getting the supply chain back to work, and operating as best as they could under the restrictions at that time. We couldn’t have asked for a better service with our lease agreement, nor helping us with the unfortunate circumstances that unfolded as a result of lockdown.”
All homes at Sarazen Gardens, Brampton are now reserved. If you’re interested in Cala’s nearby Hampton Lakes or Wintringham developments, or want to know more about our Sales and Leaseback scheme, visit www.Cala.co.uk.
