First-time buyer calls Quadrant Wharf home

First-time buyer Oliver Tugwell has just moved into brand new apartment at Quadrant Wharf and is already taking advantage of all the regeneration schemes that Millbay in Plymouth has to offer.

Twenty four-year-old Oliver took advantage of the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme, which was available for selected new homes at Quadrant Wharf, in order to purchase his first ever property.  He moved in to his new one-bedroom apartment in Aqua House last November.

The stunning £30 million, 137-home Quadrant Wharf development continues the multi-award-winning mixed-use regeneration scheme in Millbay. The development is comprised of apartments split across two light and airy buildings – Aqua House and Lye House – and a selection of cleverly-designed, split-level homes that make up Canola Row.

Oliver said: “As I work for a mortgage company, it was easier for me to sort out the Help to Buy loan and mortgage, as I had an understanding of how it all worked. My knowledge of the industry helped make the whole experience much smoother.”

For Oliver, his experience of Millbay so far has been nothing but positive.

He said: “I really like living here, the area is lovely and my neighbours are really nice. I really wasn’t sure what to expect from an apartment, and one of the things that concerned me was that I was going to be able to hear my neighbours a lot. However, I haven’t heard anything since I have moved in, which is great. The flat is much bigger than I originally thought, and a lot warmer as well – I’ve only had the heating on for a few hours since I moved in.”

Oliver’s ground floor flat has its own front door and offers easy access to his car, which is something that he was particularly looking for. Having lived in Plymouth since he was 15, he also wanted to be close to local amenities and was attracted by the coastal location.

“Millbay is close to town, just a five minute drive from my work in Peverell and near to the sea,” said Oliver. “I like kayaking and swimming. Although I don’t have a kayak at the moment, I am looking to get one. I am also looking forward to being able to exercise outside by the water in the summer.”

Oliver has an eye on the future and believes his new property at Millbay is a solid investment thanks to the ongoing regeneration of the area.

He added: “Millbay is an up and coming place and I think that my apartment is a great investment. The value of the property is only going to increase and as the development expands, it’s going to add further value. I can see Millbay becoming like nearby Royal William Yard, in terms of restaurants and shops.”

Millbay is being delivered by The English Cities Fund – a strategic joint venture between national urban regenerator, Muse Developments, Legal and General, and Homes England – in partnership with Plymouth City Council. This new coastal quarter will deliver an innovative mix of residential, leisure, business, hotel, and retail development, with high-quality public spaces and direct access to the waterfront.