HOUSING is not just about bricks and mortar, it's about the people who live in those houses, which is why a house move can mean so many things.
In Stephen Chapman and Amy Duffield's case, their house move was all about creating the right environment for their new baby.
The couple, who had been renting an apartment in Ripley, were keen to get onto the property ladder and when daughter Ava was born, the need to move became ever more urgent.
Crest Nicholson's Denby Bank development was their first choice for a family home.
Stephen said: "We had viewed the development last year and loved it, and when Ava came along we knew it was where we wanted her to spend her childhood.
"Amy grew up in this area and I moved down when I was in my teens after relocating from Scotland, so we really wanted to settle properly in Ripley and stay close to our families.
"Ripley is a great area to live, with plenty of parks nearby, as well as Denby Pottery, which has lots of activities for children throughout the summer.
"There are also a number of good schools to choose from for when Ava is older – even though she's still young this is something we had to consider when making our choice.
"And, it's in a great location in terms of our commute to and from work."
It was beginning a new family that also influenced the house type Stephen and Amy selected.
"The sales advisors helped us to choose a three-bedroom Hereford house that's just perfect for us.
"We really wanted a property that not only had lots of space indoors, but a great garden for Ava growing up.
"The Hereford offered both of these, and having such a great outdoor space is like having another room.
"The house itself is superb, and as a new-build it is really low maintenance," said Stephen.
The couple are proof that even during the tough economic climate; families can make owning their own home a reality.
Stephen explained: "We used the FirstBuy scheme, which made it possible for us to buy our home, as we only had to put down a five per cent deposit. Although that scheme isn't available now, there are still great options such as Help to Buy, which is exactly the same, apart from 20 per cent of the cost is covered by a Government funded equity scheme."
Houses at Denby Bank are available from £169,950 for a four-bedroom Kendle house.
For more information visit the sales and marketing suite (open daily, 10am to 5pm), call 0870 754 1095 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/denbybank