MELBOURNE, 2 AUGUST 2019

Environmental sustainability, location and diversity were on the checklist for Nikita Martins, 27, and her husband Rahul Paul, 30, when deciding on their first home.

They found everything they were looking for at Frasers Property’s Valley Park community in Westmeadows.

The couple had been renting in nearby Oak Park before buying a townhouse in Valley Park in 2015 and have thoroughly enjoyed the lifestyle Valley Park offers since they made the move.

“Where we chose to live was going to have a significant impact on our finances and the environment, but Valley Park met all our requirements,” Nikita says.

“The construction was a sustainable design. Not only was this great for the environment by reducing our carbon footprint but we knew we would benefit from living here as well because of this. The house we chose to buy has plenty of windows which reduce our need to turn on lights, and the house is properly insulated thus reducing our electricity and gas bills.

“I love where we live because of the combination of the stunning natural beauty and the well-designed house, which features multiple viewpoints of the valley. The way the light changes through the house during the day is really special.

“The house is timeless and well designed. Even though we have been living in the house for four years, the house still feels modern.”

Location was another plus for the pair. Nikita commutes to the city daily for work and Valley Park is close to both the freeway and the railway station. The city is 17 km away and the train journey just 30 minutes.

“It allows me to come home without being exhausted from the commute,” Nikita says.

“Our home is close to the train station which means I am able to save on time and parking by taking the train.”

Rahul works in Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs and Nikita says having close access to the freeway takes the hassle out of his commute.

The pair enjoy an active lifestyle, and make use of a local recreation centre, within walking distance of their house, as well as fitness facilities which Frasers Property has incorporated into the communities open spaces.

The main reserve includes a set of numbered stairs, designed for cardiovascular workouts.

“Just like us, many residents have incorporated it as part of their fitness regime. The steps are numbered so when we use them we are able to keep track of our advancement,” Nikita said.

“We are also fortunate enough to have cycle trails available within the community. They connect the northern suburb tracks to the Moonee Ponds Creek trail. Whether we want to go for a walk, cycle or just breathe, the valley is a massive green corridor and we are so lucky to have it at our door step.”

Nikita says the community is also perfect for families.

“We don't have any children, however, the house and the community is designed perfectly for couples or families” she says.

“Although we don't utilise the playgrounds there are many facilities for us big kids too. We often ride bikes through the valley or play basketball at the courts located in the community. Valley Park provides a great lifestyle for everyone.”

Great local restaurants and a shopping centre are also on the doorstep and the couple love that they discovered an immediate sense of community.

“There is a sense of community living here with a diverse mix of residents” she says.

“The location and the sense of unity between the different cultures that make up Valley Park is what I love about where I live. Valley Park has met our needs, given us the chance to express our character and really enriched our lives.”

Adding to their sense of belonging was the fact the couple met their neighbours before either family even had a completed home.

“Buying a property off the plan is like an adventure. We would go every weekend to the site to see how our house was developing. We weren’t the only ones, our neighbours were just as excited as we were and we met them on site one weekend as we were looking at the progression of the house.”

And that house ticked all the boxes, particularly those marked ‘entertaining’.

“We are a young couple that love entertaining our family and friends. When we saw the house designs offered at Valley Park we knew this was the right choice for us. Our house has plenty of open spaces and a large deck. Not only did the houses look great from the outside the interior was cleverly designed to accommodate our lifestyle,” Nikita said.

Nikita says Frasers Property made the process of buying their house off the plan a positive one.

“Buying our first house off the plan was a daunting process, but once built, the house exceeded our expectations. Frasers Property delivered on their promise, the house was built on time and looked like the plans. There was no gap between expectation and reality.”

Nikita says their experience at Valley Park should show other buyers that they really could live the ‘great Australian dream’.

“We know that purchasing a house is one of life's most significant decisions, living in Valley Park has reminded us that you can actually have it all here.”

Properties in Valley Park are priced to include all fixtures, fittings and accessories necessary for buyers to move straight in. This ‘turn key’ pricing means there isn’t any unexpected cost creep and for a small cost, Frasers Property can even provide window coverings as part of the package.

As the Valley Park community nears completion, there are now a limited number of homes left to purchase, ranging from three, four and five-bedroom. Prices start at $555,000 for a three-bedroom home, ranging up to $705,000 for the largest homes.

For further information, visit valleyparkhomes.com.au or phone 13 38 38.