More than 260 brand new homes are being developed around Rochdale, bringing regeneration and a boost for renters.
The properties, being built across four brownfield sites as part of a £35m project, are available for rent only and are said to already be attracting a “large amount of interest”.
Simple Life Homes are behind the developments, and aim to raise the standard of living for customers while offering stability and benefits usually afforded to homeowners such as the security and peace of mind of a long-term home.
Prospective residents can currently apply for homes at all four sites, including Rochwood Rise, Brookside Grange, Norwich Green and Harewood Close.
A showhome is being unveiled at Rochwood Rise in January and will provide an opportunity to see what homes could look like across all of the new developments.
Rochwood Rise, which is close to amenities, shops and leisure attractions, will include a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes with the first tenants moving in towards the end of this month.
Two, three and four-bedroom houses are being built at Brookside Grange, near to Rochdale town centre, along with two blocks of one and two-bedroom apartments. Houses will be available to live at the development from mid February with apartments due for completion in the summer.
A selection of two and three-bedroom houses are expected to be available to move into from mid February at Norwich Green, which backs onto Rochdale Canal; and two and three-bedroom homes at Harewood Close, which is close to Rochdale Station, are expected to be ready in spring this year.
The developments are among 15 Simple Life Homes schemes around Greater Manchester, and follow the success of the Coral Mill site in Rochdale’s Newhey area which is said to have proved “continuously popular” with customers.
Graeme Reay, land director at Simple Life Homes, said they’re “really excited” to be delivering more rental homes in Rochdale, and added: “We’ve experienced a large amount of interest already for these new sites and the performance of our existing sites in Rochdale has been outstanding, which is really encouraging – we have no doubt that we will experience high demand for these new schemes.
“Customers will not only benefit from a high quality product which includes all the modern fixtures and fittings, but they will also benefit from a professional landlord who is really breaking the substandard ‘norms’ associated with renting.
“Simple Life is challenging the common social aspirations within the UK of buying a home by presenting an enhanced long-term rental option, allowing people the freedom of having more disposable income as opposed to having to save a long-term hefty deposit.
“Simple Life feels that no one should be made to wait to live in a nice home in a nice area.”
Donna Bowler from Rochdale Borough Council added: “We are delighted to see the first properties becoming available.
“Rochdale is committed to improving standards in the private rented sector and these homes will be a welcome addition to our housing offer.”
Benefits for residents
If saving up the deposit and securing a mortgage to step onto the property ladder isn’t possible, new build rental homes can provide the same high quality properties.
Houses and apartments at Simple Life Homes’ Rochdale developments come with fixtures and fittings including fully integrated kitchens complete with fridge/freezers, washing machines and dishwashers.
They are, however, unfurnished which makes way for residents to stamp their own style in every room.
There’s also potential to add a four-legged friend to the family while living in a Simple Life property, as pets are accepted on an application basis with additional rent applying.
With Simple Life Homes as a landlord, there’s also access to a 24/7 customer service and dedicated maintenance teams, and work continues at tenanted sites to help communities flourish.
Residents can enjoy on-site events such as Easter egg hunts, ice cream van visits and an appearance from Father Christmas and his reindeer during the festive season.
Rochdale living
Rochdale in Greater Manchester is well connected to Manchester city centre, with trains taking just 15 minutes from Rochdale Station, as well as being ideally positioned for the M62 and travel across the wider region.
Simple Life Homes sites are close to a number of schools, including primary schools with ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ OFSTED ratings, as well as amenities including major supermarkets and sports centres.
Residents can also enjoy a range of local shopping and leisure attractions including an ODEON cinema, independent and high street retailers, and cultural destinations like Rochdale Pioneers Museum and Touchstones Rochdale museum and art gallery.
Written by Natasha Young, Reach plc