Case Study 3

19-year-old Matthew Duddington was both nervous and excited to begin his three-year Animation course at Staffordshire University. But after purchasing a two-bedroom apartment at Countryside Properties' successful Lock 38 development, Matthew can at least be assured that come graduation he will not only have a degree in his back pocket but a sound investment as well.

Commented Matthew, "When I sat down to add up what I would have to spend on rent it seemed like such a waste of a lot of money. I was convinced there was a more sensible way."

With his family home in Cropton, North Yorkshire, commuting to University was out of the question for Matthew, who began his three-year course at the end of September. Instead, he purchased an apartment at Lock 38 in Cliffe Vale, tempted by its setting alongside the Trent and Mersey canal amongst two carefully restored Grade II listed bottle kilns and the refurbished former ceramic works of the Twyfords Pottery.

Matthew continued: "After a lot of deliberating, my parents suggested we invest some of the family savings into buying a property - not only would I save on rent but it seemed like a safe investment given Stoke's ambitious regeneration programme."

"My new apartment has the most amazing views. I look right over the canal with the traditional bottle kilns just to the side. Plus the apartments feel really fresh and modern which is a great contrast to the heritage setting."

"My parents and I looked at loads of properties in Stoke but the apartments at Lock 38 offered us value for money in terms of space and particularly the quality of the build. It's also a handy 15 minute walk from the university - giving me no excuse to miss lectures!"