New research has revealed the county of Essex is one of the best London commuter hotspots, based on average house prices and the cost of an annual train ticket.[1] Eager home hunters searching for an affordable home away from the chaos of the capital, need look no further than Notting Hill Genesis’ City Park West located in England’s newest city, Chelmsford, Essex.

With deposits from as low as £2,969*, buyers can take full advantage of the growing value gap between London and the surrounding counties, with a collection of Shared Ownership apartments perfectly located to enjoy the bustling town of Chelmsford and an easy 35-minute commute into London.

Furthermore, Notting Hill Genesis is offering a summer special reservation fee of just £99 for any Shared Ownership reservation made between Saturday 28^th July and Sunday 5^thAugust.*

Providing an ideal retreat in the heart of historic Chelmsford, the final phase of City Park West comprises a selection of 300 one and two-bedroom apartments, across a range of tenures including Shared Ownership and Market Rent. The Shared Ownership scheme gives buyers the opportunity to purchase between a 25% and 75% share of a property paying a subsidised rent on the remainder. With prices starting from £60,625 for a 25% share, and provided they can afford to, purchasers can increase their share at any time, all the way up to 100% and outright ownership.

Sarah Butler, Commercial Director of Notting Hill Genesis, comments: “The Shared Ownership scheme is an invaluable product for young buyers trying to take their first steps towards owning their own home. Our impressive homes at City Park West are a fantastic option for first time buyers who work in London and feel priced out of owning a home there, Chelmsford station is just across the road and provides a very manageable commuting time into the capital. Chelmsford offers the perfect balance of impressive facilities, excellent transport links, affordable property and with an exciting program of redevelopment underway, there will be even more reason to choose to live in this thriving city.”

All of the apartments have been thoughtfully designed to offer a selection of spacious layouts combined with a stylish and contemporary specification. Features include floor to ceiling windows providing light-filled rooms, open-plan lounge and dining areas are complemented by sleek and individually designed fully-fitted kitchens with a selection of integrated Bosch appliances.  Bathrooms are fitted with Duravit sanitary ware and chrome fittings and generously sized master bedrooms come with their own en suite, and many with built-in wardrobes.

Residents can also enjoy features including underfloor heating, video entry system and a 24-hour on-site concierge service. Many apartments also have their own private balcony and secure underground parking is available to all homes purchased with the Shared Ownership scheme; great for local workers and commuters alike.

Residents at City Park West have easy access to a wide selection of amenities all within walking distance of the development. American steak house, Grand Central, is moments from the development, while for more of a traditional dining experience, there is a selection of gastropubs including the Fox and Raven or enjoy a variety of craft beers on offer at the hipster Ale House. Chelmsford’s town centre is a few minutes away with a fully-pedestrianised high street that links High Chelmer and The Meadows shopping centres, along with open-air retail and leisure development, Bond Street, which is host to many luxury brands, including a John Lewis. There is a variety of independent shops and boutiques that line Moulsham Street, while Chelmsford’s indoor retail market in Bellmead offers an eclectic mix of street food and seasonal markets.

Commuters are well placed for use of Chelmsford station, located adjacent to the development, offering services running into Liverpool Street in around 30 minutes. The homes are 10 minutes from Shenfield station, where residents will have access to the new Crossrail route, due to open this year. There is a number of bus routes located within walking distance of City Park West, with regular services travelling in and around Chelmsford. Access to road links couldn’t be easier; the M25 is less than a 20-minute drive away via the A12. Both Stanstead and Southend airports are approximately 30 minutes away by car.