New Homes Week Special: Inside the Hopkins Homes Experience at Chitts Hill
As New Homes Week unfolds from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th February 2025, many potential homebuyers are exploring the possibilities of new build properties.
Understanding the home buying journey can help demystify what might seem like an overwhelming process. Buying a new build home involves multiple steps, from initial property search to moving day, and hearing directly from homeowners can provide helpful insights into navigating this transition.
“After our experience over this last year, we would highly recommend Hopkins Homes to others, as we feel we have had a first-class experience.”
Ian and Alison Chamberlain, proud homeowners at Hopkins Homes’ Chitts Hill development in Colchester, share their journey from house-hunting to settling into their new home. Their experience offers an honest look at the home buying process and the benefits of choosing a new build property during this year’s New Homes Week.
Finding the Perfect Home
Ian and Alison’s search for their dream home began on Rightmove, where they discovered the Chitts Hill development. After 34 years in their previous house, they were specifically looking for a bungalow and were drawn to Hopkins Homes. “We decided we needed a new build to save having to do any decorating or alterations,” the couple explained, highlighting the appeal of a fresh start.
The Buying Process
The Chamberlains found the buying process smooth and well-supported. “All our questions and queries went through Kim, the on-site sales consultant, who kept us fully informed and answered all questions promptly,” they explained.
When it came to the necessary paperwork, the couple noted that they needed to provide “identification confirmation, details of sale of existing property, solicitor details, and mortgage or finance details.” This ensured all bases were covered from the start.
Choosing the right solicitor was made easier with guidance from Hopkins Homes. “The Hopkins Homes sales consultant suggested a solicitor to use in Chelmsford who is used to dealing with new builds, which we knew of anyway,” they said. This expertise in new builds proved invaluable throughout the process.
While many buyers might worry about securing a mortgage for a new build, the Chamberlains were in the fortunate position of not needing one. However, they noted that Hopkins Homes was prepared to offer support in this area if needed.
Their journey from reservation to moving in was remarkably swift. “From reserving our home at the end of November, we moved in following a holiday on the 16th February,” they recalled.
The Dunton: A Spacious Haven
The Chamberlains chose the ‘Dunton’, a large 4-bedroom bungalow. They were impressed by its layout, describing it as having “a large lounge, dining and kitchen area, ensuite and main bathroom, large hallway and good size garden”. “The features of the Dunton are excellent, innovative and modern,” they said, noting the high build quality with very few snagging issues.
Living the Hopkins Homes Experience
After a year in their new home, the Chamberlains are thoroughly enjoying their lifestyle change. “We like the bungalow’s position in Chitts Hill and enjoy the spacious feel,” they said. The couple praised Hopkins Homes’ flexibility, mentioning how they were able to upgrade to a larger integrated fridge-freezer to suit their needs.
Exceptional Aftercare and Support
One aspect that stood out was the excellent aftercare service. “We have had excellent support from the Hopkins Homes team throughout our time here. Any issues we have had have been very quickly and efficiently dealt with,” the Chamberlains said. They rated the customer service as “excellent with prompt attention throughout,” adding that their expectations were more than met with their new home.
A Resounding Recommendation
Based on their first-class experience, Ian and Alison wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Hopkins Homes to others.
Their advice to potential buyers? “We were unsure about a new build and a new area but would recommend to anyone to take the plunge and try it and see”.
The Chamberlains’ experience is a testament to Hopkins Homes’ commitment to customer satisfaction, premium craftsmanship, and creating homes that enhance the lifestyles of their owners.
Curious? Explore the available developments from Hopkins Homes here: Development Search | Hopkins Homes