Month: June 2022

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Area Profile: Plympton St Mary

Choosing a new home is exciting. If you’re considering moving house in Plymouth, make sure you assess all suburbs before making your final decision. This coastal area is packed with gems, such as Plympton St Mary.

Plympton St Mary is a pleasant area to live in with a friendly atmosphere and close proximity to green spaces. This area makes up part of Plympton, a suburb of greater Plymouth.

Are you interested in Plympton St Mary? Keep reading to learn about this area’s facilities, transport, safety, and more. We’re here to help you decide!

Scroll to explore this area in more detail.

About Plympton St Mary

Situated northwest of Plymouth, Plympton St Mary is a parish with a population of 12,891. If you are interested in enjoying family life near the city with a quiet hometown, this is an area to consider.

Plympton St Mary is part of Plympton, a larger area five miles away from the city. Around this area, you’ll find historical sites, quaint streets, and the popular Plympton Castle. Could this area be your new home?

Transport and Connections

Transport in Plympton St Mary is good, but many residents choose to use personal vehicles to get around. Locals travel in and out of this area via the B3416 and the A38. 

Public transport in Plympton St Mary includes the bus routes 21, 21A, 20A, and 59. All of these stop by Plympton St Mary’s church, allowing residents to access the city centre easily. Mudge Way bus station is also very close to Plympton St Mary.

Though Plympton St Mary doesn’t offer a train station, you can be at Plymouth’s central station within 30 minutes via bus. From here, you find connecting trains to London and other areas of the UK via CrossCountry and GWR trains.

Local Facilities

Facilities in Plympton St Mary are all-encompassing. Everything you need to thrive as a family, from motor schools to wedding photography, is included in this area.

There are a range of grocery stores here, including a large Aldi for home supplies and food. However, if you prefer to eat out, you can find a range of pubs and restaurants. Popular spots include The Colebrook Inn and The Lord Louis.

Plympton St Mary offers The Ridgeway Practice, Glenside Medical Centre, and Plympton Health Centre, ensuring all families are covered with health care. The NHS Derriford Hospital is located west of the area, and buses frequent this stop.

The Ridgeway Shopping Center is another popular sport for retail needs.

Family Life in Plympton St Mary

Plympton St Mary is a popular spot for family life, thanks to an abundance of schools and good GCSE results. In 2015, 53.5% of pupils achieved at least five A*-C GCSE grades, a statistic which continues to rise.

There are eight primary schools across the Plympton area, allowing parents choice and flexibility regarding important educational decisions. Alongside primary school options, Plympton Academy is close by for secondary education. 

Two Ofsted Outstanding schools are located here, the Boringdon Primary School and Elburton Primary School. Explore local schools in detail here.

Safety In The Local Area

Safety is one of the most important aspects of home hunting, especially if you’re moving with younger children.

When it comes to crime, Plympton St Mary has lower antisocial behaviour than Plymouth city centre. Criminal damage, domestic abuse incidents, and serious crime are also lower.

In general, Plympton St Mary’s crime is much lower than Plymouth’s, making it a pleasant area to live and raise a family in. See the full Plymouth City Council report here.

House Prices

Are you interested in the average house prices in Plympton St Mary?

Moving to this Plymouth area costs just below the UK house average, as the average house price in Plympton St Mary costs £233,051.

Here, you can expect to spend approximately £199,215 on a terraced house, £142,875 on a flat, and £225,506 on a semi-detached home. Detached houses approximately cost £329.489.

Get in touch today if you’re ready to make the all-important move. Find our buying services here.

The Bottom Line

For a laidback life surrounded by amenities, schools, and cultural land sites, Plymouth St Mary could be your next home. Popular with all demographics, this area provides a friendly community and a taste of city life on your terms.

Ready to take the next step? Contact the Pilkington Estates team here.

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Renting vs Buying: What You Should Know

If you’re considering moving house in the Plymouth area, we’re here to help.

We often see many customers unsure whether it’s time to buy or if they should continue renting. This is a timeless problem, and there are benefits to each choice. But, with some guidance and research you’ll find the solution for you in no time.

Today we’re looking at the critical components of renting vs buying to help you decide whether it’s time to get on the property ladder. Ready to learn more about the process?

Scroll to find out more about mortgages in Plymouth.

Making The Right Choice For You

When it comes to finding a Plymouth home, there are a range of options to consider. But ultimately, you must make the right decision for your life and finances.

Renting and buying are similar in some senses, as they allow you to live in a property, and you make regular payments in each scenario. The key difference is that renting offers flexibility at a higher cost, whereas buying a property is a long-term commitment.

While renting doesn’t always mean you’re ‘throwing money away’, some clients do feel more secure when they’re making payments towards a mortgage.

If you’re stuck and need some professional advice, allow our team of experts to guide you. Explore our bespoke buying services here, or contact the team here.

Here are some crucial points to weigh up when deciding whether you should get a mortgage.

Monthly Payments

The most significant factor many consider when looking for a home is the payments. When you’re making payments towards your mortgage, you’re slowly working on owning the property outright.

In contrast, rental payments go into the landlord’s pocket. This isn’t always bad, as renting comes with flexible benefits for those not ready to settle in one place.

Potential Profits

Another incentive to opt for a mortgage over renting is that your property could rise in price over time. When house prices rise, mortgage payers tend to make profits. But it could go the other way, and house prices could fall too.

Similarly, any maintenance or extensions you make to your house can increase its value over time. Plus, you have the freedom to get creative with your home.

No Forced Moves

A significant perk of living in a house you own is that no one can force you to move. Sometimes, landlords will sell their properties, or alternative situations will arise, leaving them with no choice but to ask renters to move. This can happen with short notice, and all rentals come with this risk.

A New Asset

Though it’s not the cheeriest reason to buy, your house becomes an asset that can be passed on if you die. Many of us don’t think this far ahead often, but owning a home may benefit your children or loved ones in the future.

No Permission Needed

Frustrated renters often complain about not being able to own pets or redecorate when they want. When you’re making payments towards your mortgage, you won’t need to ask for permission when you want to paint. Plus, you can own all the pets you wish to!

Are There Any Downsides Of Buying?

While many consider buying the superior option, there’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to renting v.s buying.

Mortgages and ownership do come with downsides, depending on your personal situation.

These include:

  • Paying for your own repairs, such as leaks.
  • The interest rate on your payments may rise.
  • The moving process often takes longer.

Always weigh your options before deciding on a final route. If you’re confused, seek professional property advice to get an expert opinion.

The Takeaway

Will you be stepping onto the property ladder in 2022? Getting started with your own mortgage might seem like a daunting decision, but we’re here to help you on the road to ownership.

Check out our Mortgage Calculator

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Area Profile: Mannamead

Mannamead is a popular area in Plymouth, but what does it offer?

If you’re looking for a Plymouth home, you’ve probably researched a range of suburbs in this unique area. But, before you decide, make sure you’ve looked at Mannamead too!

We’ve gathered all you need to know about this area to help you decide whether it’s right for you. Keep on reading to find out about facilities, history, and whether Mannamead is family-friendly or not.

Scroll to find out more!

Welcome To Mannamead

Located northwest of Plymouth city centre, Mannamead is close to the action of the cosmopolitan city. However, this suburb also offers residents peace and quiet, perfect for families who want the best of both worlds.

This picturesque area was an affluent destination in the Victorian and Edwardian days. Today, Mannamead still offers this vintage seaside charm through wide avenues and grand villas. If you want to stroll down historical avenues and bask in old coastal grandeur, Mannamead might be your next address.

How Connected is Mannamead?

Mannamead offers a range of transport links, keeping residents connected to Plymouth centre and the rest of the UK.

A range of bus routes can take you south towards the city or north to Whitleigh, Derriford Hospital, or Woolwell. Stagecoach buses are also available via Mannamead Road.

After a quick bus journey to the city centre, Mannamead residents can find Plymouth station, which offers both GWR and CrossCountry trains. Common connections bring residents to London Paddington, Exeter, and even Edinburgh!

What Facilities Does Mannamead offer?

When choosing a new area to live in, you need to know the essential services! So, what can you find in Mannamead?

The facilities in this suburb include an NHS GP surgery (The Mannamead Surgery), a dental clinic, a car garage, a range of grocery stores (including a Tescos), and a PureGym. Local residents can enjoy high-quality facilities within walking distance of their Plymouth property.

Alongside practical amenities, Mannamead offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Popular options include The Penguin Lounge and The Mannamead – JD Wetherspoon pub named after the area.

Is Mannamead Family Friendly?

If you’re looking to relocate to Plymouth with your family, you might want to explore the school options in Mannamead.

Thanks to this suburb’s position near the city centre, children in this area have connections to impressive education centres. There are Ofsted Outstanding options for kids of all age groups, from day nurseries to primary and academy schools.

Some primaries and academies may require children to take a bus daily, but many are within walking distance. Popular Mannamead school choices include Devonport High School for Boys, Frogmore Montessori Nursery, and High View School. Explore the school options in more depth here.

Alongside schools, Mannamead is home to Mutley Park and Thorn Park – two popular areas for family days out and summer sports. Kids can also enjoy the local Tennis club and junior football teams.

Bottom Line

With an impressive collection of amenities, transport links, and school options, Mannamead could be your Plymouth home. This area has everything a young family needs to thrive! If you want to learn more about this area or find properties nearby, contact us here.

Stay up to date with our blog here.

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Should You Retire In Plymouth?

Did you know 64% of Brits want to retire in a new area?

A 2021 index study saw that more than half of Brits want to retire in a new location. But that’s not all they found! Plymouth was also voted one of the top 10 UK cities for retirement. We’re not surprised. With beautiful scenery, good amenities, and a friendly spirit, Plymouth is an area that suits all demographics.

Let’s delve into why Plymouth is so popular for retirees to help you decide whether Britain’s Ocean City is for you. Enjoy!

The Study Results

Created by HeatingForce, the retirement index study was designed to determine which UK areas are the most popular with retirement-age citizens. This study looks at various factors to get a broad image of what matters to our seniors.

Factors to consider include:

  • Annual sunshine
  • Healthcare quality
  • Crime levels
  • Leisure activities
  • House prices

3435 adults over 40 were questioned, and the majority stated that new experiences were the reason behind their wanting to relocate. The main reason those who wanted to stay put through retirement was proximity to family and friends.   

At the top of the list was Norwich, scoring 925 and taking the top spot for retirees. Plymouth came in at sixth place with a score of 682, beating out other UK cities, including Leeds, Portsmouth, Dundee, and Aberdeen.

And the worst places? At the bottom of the list was Coventry – voted the worst place to live and relocate with only 13 points.

Why Retire In Plymouth?

So, why should you choose Plymouth for your retirement? Let’s look at the advantages of relocating to this southern city.

Coastal Lifestyle

Perhaps one of the biggest attractions, Plymouth is situated on the waterfront. In later life, a coastal lifestyle can’t be beaten. With cleaner air, a relaxed pace of life, and natural beauty, the benefits of living by the coast are endless.

Entertainment Opportunities

Plymouth offers excellent views and beautiful landscapes, but what else is there to do here?

With a bustling waterfront area, historical museums, and cultural festivals, there’s always a new way to enjoy your weekend in this city. Plus, the city receives a tourist buzz in the summer, allowing you to feel like you’re on holiday when you’re at home.

Friendly Locals

Though Plymouth is a city, there’s still a small-town community feel here. 18% of Plymouth’s population is 65 or older, so you’ll meet like-minded friends who also want to enjoy their retirement in the coastal city. Communities with the largest number of elderly residents include Plymstock Dunstone, Plymstock Radford, and Plympton St Mary.

Health Amenities

When it comes to retirement, you want to be living near good amenities, including healthcare providers. Plymouth boasts a range of healthcare centres, including the Derriford Hospital and NHS Plymouth, ensuring all residents are taken care of. Alongside these significant centres are many private healthcare providers, GP clinics, and dental surgeries.

Final Thoughts

Is retirement on the radar for you? Start planning your retirement now, especially if you’re gearing up to relocate. With an abundance of fun, healthcare, and affordable house prices, there’s no wonder Plymouth is in the top 10 UK cities to retire in. Are you ready to experience Ocean City?

If you’re ready to move, allow our experts to guide you. Contact the Pilkington Estates team today to learn more.