A RECENT report by Bryant Homes and independent think tank, The Future Foundation, has provided a rare insight into the true meaning of the home in Britain today.

According to the report, it seems our houses are becoming an important status symbol with 64 per cent of people believing their home said more about them than clothes or even their car. When it comes to choosing where we live, a sense of community was still top of the list of priorities, as was a safe place for children to play.

The research also showed that people are less likely to work from home if they did not have a dedicated office area. Many said they resented working in their own living space.

---------------------

BOVIS Homes is offering a savings package at the Brooklands development in Dartford.

Bovis is offering to pay the stamp duty on selected town houses for customers who are looking to complete a home purchase before this Christmas.

Jeff Day, sales manager, said: “Our stamp duty payment offer represents a significant saving, making our homes even more affordable. We’re even prepared to pay up to £350 in legal fees, if the purchaser is willing to use out preferred solicitor.”

The sales office is on 01322 2891590.

------------------

ONLY nine, two-bedroom apartments are being built at Hillreed Homes’ River Heights in Maidstone.

The show apartment opened on October 19 and already two apartments had been reserved.

Jo Richards, sales and marketing co-ordinator, said: “River Heights is in the London Road which is a perfect location for commuters affording easy access to Maidstone railway station with excellent train services direct to Charing Cross and Victoria.”

Prices start from £144,950. Ring 01622 683013 for more details.

-----------------------

TOWER Homes has two affordable shared ownership schemes in Kent - Aurora Fields and Haydon Close - now available.

Tower Homes says shared ownership, or part buy, or part rent as it is often called, is a simple way into home ownership for people who cannot afford to buy outright.

Instead, it allows you to buy an initial share in a home and pay a low rent on the remainder. You can buy more shares whenever you can afford to.

Aurora Fields in Chattendon, Hoo, consists of six new and 13 refurbished two-bed and three-bed houses. Prices start from as little as £47,500 for a 50 per cent share in a three-bedroom house.

Haydon Close offers a selection of one, two and three-bedroom homes, just two miles from the centre of Maidstone. Prices range from £45,000 for a 50 per cent share in a one-bedroom maisonette to £63,000 for a 50 per cent share in a three-bedroom end-of-terrace house.

For further information on Aurora Fields or Haydon Close, call freephone 0800 056 3601.