The Laurels

Apr 15th, 2023

Oct 5th, 2021

We have bought one of the first group of new-build homes to become available on The Laurels estate in Littlebourne, Kent. We want to say thank-you for the friendly, considerate and efficient way colleagues at Connells (the estate agents managing sales) and representatives of the developers (Jenner) have helped us before and after our purchase. Before purchase, we made requests for several extras and variations to the standard fittings and units in the property. These were always accommodated where possible or explained why they could not be done in time for completion of our purchase and set aside, with our agreement, for later decisions. The developers also added some extras we were not expecting and these were a surprise and delight. After moving in, we were encouraged to prepare a list of "snags" that became apparent as we settled in. This we did: some were very minor but two or three needed urgent attention. The Site Manager for Jenner spent a lot of time with us considering the items on our list. A few were down to misunderstandings of how to operate some of the utilities - even though the instruction and care manuals provided were all present and extensive - and these were patiently explained to us. Anything that did need attention - whether urgent or not - was either addressed immediately or the necessary work explained to us and, with our agreement, scheduled for completion in the near future. A formal mechanism has been introduced for us to send "defect reports" to the Customer Care Team at the developers for any problems in the future. They promise to correct any such reported problems for 12 months from our completion of purchase and will walk through the house with us prior to that date to check everything. None of the "snags" we have found have been serious or structural concerns for our home - but, should any arise, we understand they are covered separately by the 10 year LABC warranty. We are very happy to be in our new home. We are gradually adding the touches that will make it into our home. We love the large kitchen and dining area with double doors opening on to the patio and garden. This will be ideal later this summer when/if it stops raining, the lockdown restrictions are not re-imposed (we hope) and our family and friends can visit freely. We are also pleased with the large size of the bedrooms - we are using the smallest as an office, but it could accommodate a bed/double-LiLo for visitors as needed in the future. And we love the rain shower! We are amongst 6 or so neighbouring families and are making new friends. We look forward to more neighbours as the estate seems to developing quite fast. Littlebourne itself is a beautiful and substantial village and we still have a good deal more to explore. So, thank you to all those at Connells and Jenner who have smoothed the path for our moving in to The Laurels. You have been - and continue to be - really helpful and we are really grateful.
Jul 5th, 2021

IF YOU ARE WANTING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HELP TO BUY SCHEME AVOID AT ALL COSTS! For a new build site that promotes the fact they have the htb scheme, it is almost like its a complete inconvience to them! after being called to say the house we was after had been reduced for the scheme,we was over the moon! we was looked after by a very chatty sales guy who kept us updated and we decided to put down our reservation. we had been told that we would be in our house end of april start of may. Apart from a few issues that we was unhappy about with the build, we was excited and our notice had been given in on our current property! we then found out that the house (after it had been signed off and we had our deposit ready to go) still hadnt been registered for HTB! At this point we had bought the flooring for the house too. We have had 0 help or advice from the sales guy,(after he was out of the office for a week and didnt even send us a courtesy email) and we are now left homeless having to start the buying process all over again. As young first time buyers, using the HTB scheme we have been left feeling really disapointed and alsmost like we arent as important as all the other buyers. We started getting less emails and less calls... even though we was originally meant to be moving next week. We assumed a cash buyer would be an easy sale for them and they couldnt be bothered with ours anymore. So now we have pulled out of the sale and will be living in a Air bnb for the next couple of months! totally gutted that we will not be moving to our dream family home.
Sep 19th, 2020