A flat that has it all

He’s lived at the Cedar Road property for eight years, during which time he’s made continual improvements and enhancements – and it shows.

But why stay in a flat in the first place? Doesn’t everyone hanker after a detached home, or maybe a terraced semi?

In fact the compact, easy to manage nature of a flat can be appealing on a whole variety of levels, not least convenience.

Oddly, too, there’s arguably an additional degree of privacy you find in a property like this Cedar Road home sometimes missing from supposedly more private residential choices.

You’re surrounded by neighbours, but not on open view to them in quite the same way as in a home with a conspicuous position in the middle of a street.

And while Mr Lafferty’s flat is compact it has
everything a young family or couple just starting out could hope for – not least pleasant second floor views of the area, which is a pleasant tree-lined locale and not, as he points out, just one amorphous swathe of generic housing.

“It’s really a great area,” he said. “It’s quiet here, with really nothing to hear except the sound of children playing, and for amenities it could hardly be better.

You’re within walking distance of pubs and shops, and within easy reach of the town centre and major supermarkets – either by bus or a short drive.

“It’s a nice place to live and I think could really appeal to people looking for something that’s well-equipped and good value which also has a decent amount of space.”

The property has full gas central heating and double glazing to set off its two double bedrooms, large living room and excellent fitted kitchen.

Since the Laffertys have plans they’re keen to fulfill they’ve decided to offer the flat at a fixed price rate of £52,000, which for the quality on offer could be considered a bargain.

Mr Lafferty makes the point that some people aiming to save as much as possible on home outlay may consider it worthwhile carrying out refurbishment and decor work themselves.

But he reckons by the time materials and time expended are taken into account they might not save very much money over the cost of a flat which, like his, has been finished to a high standard of specification – effectively at no additional charge.

Property agent Slater Hogg suggests early viewing is highly recommended, and it would be difficult to disagree. This is a flat that really deserves to be seen.