Jonathan tries before he buys at Berkeley’s Victory Pier in Gillingham

2/14/2013 4:30 AM EST

In January 2012, Jonathan Cashford, 63, moved into a rented apartment in The Boathouse, the first phase of the exciting regeneration project, Victory Pier in Gillingham, Kent by Berkeley.

Within eight weeks of renting at Victory Pier, Jonathan knew it was where he wanted to buy his next home and in July 2012, around a year before his new home will be ready to move into, he purchased a two-bedroom apartment off-plan in the second phase of the scheme, Marina Heights.

Jonathan bought his new home for £187,000 and put down around a ten per cent deposit. He says: “I’ve lived in nearby Hoo for nine years and wanted to stay in the same area when I bought my next home. I liked the look of Victory Pier, but as I’ve never lived in Gillingham, I wanted to try it out before I purchased, which is why I decided to rent here first.

“It’s such a pleasant location overlooking the River Medway and the views are fantastic. I can’t understand why anyone would want to live in London and pay an awful lot more, when here it’s great value for money and just a 40 minute train journey away from central London!”

Jonathan continues: “The fact the apartment comes with a car parking space is also very important for my job as a sales executive and the location is top notch – I travel all around Kent, Essex and London, so I’m always close to where I need to go.”

Already 20 homes have already been reserved off-plan in the latest phase, Marina Heights, which in total comprises 87 suites, one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

The development is regenerating this 20 acre site into a vibrant waterside community set within beautifully landscaped grounds overlooking the River Medway. Once the regeneration is complete the new waterfront village will include around 800 new homes, 24,000 sq ft of retail and commercial space including shops and restaurants, a 120 bed hotel and new marina style moorings.

Prices start from £114,950 for a Manhattan suite, from £129,950 for a one-bedroom apartment; two-bedroom apartments start from £174,950 and three-bedroom apartments start from £260,000. For more information and to book your appointment, please call the sales and marking suite, open daily from 11am to 6pm, on 01634 565000. More information is available on the website: http://www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/berkeley-first/victory-pier

Photograph: Jonathan Cashford at Victory Pier in Gillingham. Telephone Berkeley on 01634 565000.