Discover how Brett and Holly used Cala's Part Exchange service to move into their dream four-bedroom home at Ryder Gardens, Bovingdon, in just seven weeks without waiting to sell their existing property.
When Brett and Holly discovered Ryder Gardens in Bovingdon during a weekend walk, they weren't planning to move.
The local couple already had planning permission to extend their existing home and expected to stay there long term. But just weeks after visiting Cala's development, they had secured their dream four-bedroom family home and moved in only seven weeks later using Cala's trusted Part Exchange service, on a Ready for You home.
Their story shows how Part Exchange can help homeowners move quickly, avoid property chains and secure a new build home without waiting to sell first. A third of Cala customers choose to Part Exchange.
From weekend walk to dream home
Brett, a firefighter, and Holly, who works in supply chain and logistics, had lived locally for years and wanted to stay close to family, schools and work. A chance visit to Ryder Gardens changed everything.
“We’d gone out for a walk as we often do and saw the development, and something immediately drew us in,”
“We had no appointment, we weren’t even looking to buy or move, but the Sales Consultant was extremely helpful and offered to show us around. A few days later, we had put in an offer.” Holly explained.
Just seven weeks after their offer was accepted, the family moved into their new four-bedroom detached Laurel home.
Why Ryder Gardens stood out
Although the couple had considered extending their previous property, they realised the work required would be significant and still might not deliver the lifestyle they wanted.
The spacious layout, high-quality specification and family-friendly design of their new home offered a ready-made solution.
“There’s a room for everyone,” Brett said. “The girls can have their own space, we can have one-to-one time with them, and everyone can also enjoy a bit of peace and quiet when they need it.”
“We hadn’t ever considered a new build,” Brett admitted. “But when we saw the homes on Cala’s Ryder Gardens development, it completely changed our perspective.
“Everything was finished to such a high standard and was very much in our style. The garden was a great size, there’s good parking; it had everything we wanted.”
How Part Exchange helped secure their move
Like many homeowners looking to upsize, Brett and Holly planned to use equity from their existing property towards their next home. However, selling on the open market can be unpredictable and lengthy, particularly when buyers, chains and timescales don't align. Cala's Part Exchange service gave the family certainty and helped remove a major obstacle from the moving process.
“Part Exchange really made it happen,” Holly said. “Our old house was still on the market at the end of last year, and we would have lost this one if we’d had to wait to sell. Knowing Cala would take care of that gave us the confidence to go ahead.”
By using Part Exchange, the family were able to move forward with confidence, avoid the uncertainty of waiting for a buyer and secure the home they really wanted.
Staying in the community they love
Remaining in Bovingdon, Hertfordshire, was a key priority for the family. With both Brett and Holly working in nearby Hemel Hempstead, and their daughters settled in local schools, Ryder Gardens provided the opportunity to enjoy a larger home while staying connected to the community they already loved.
Enjoying the benefits of a new build home
Since moving in, the family has discovered benefits beyond the additional space. Their energy-efficient new build home has helped reduce household running costs, while thoughtful features have made everyday family life easier.
“We’ve now got a utility room and proper space for things like a tumble dryer, which has made such a difference,” Holly said. “No more airers and wet clothes everywhere, and no worries about damp or mould. It’s allowed us to have those little niceties that we needed as a family.”
“This development is on another level to other properties we saw,” Brett added. “You really do pay for quality with Cala. It felt honest from the start as we were open about our budget, and they were open with us. It just felt right.”
A move they never expected to make
What started as a casual weekend walk led the family to abandon their extension plans and move into a home that exceeded their expectations.
“Despite the changes we were planning to make to our old house, this home was more than we’d even dreamed of,” Holly said. “The girls are happy, we’re settled, and we’re surrounded by family. It’s worked out better than we could have ever imagined.”
Such was their experience at Ryder Gardens that Brett's sister has since reserved a home there too, meaning the families will soon become neighbours.
Book your appointment today
Our Part Exchange service is available on selected off-plan and Ready for You homes across the UK. Whether you're upsizing, relocating or looking for a smoother way to move, our team can help you explore the options available. Speak to our sales team and discover whether Part Exchange could help you secure your next move sooner than you think.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I move into a new home quickly?
Choosing a Ready for You home and taking advantage of incentives such as Part Exchange can help speed up the moving process. Ready for You homes are already built or nearing completion, while Part Exchange removes the need to find a buyer for your existing property. Together, they can help eligible buyers move into their new home sooner and with greater certainty.
What is Part Exchange?
Part Exchange is designed to make moving easier. Cala could act as the buyer for your existing home, helping you avoid the uncertainty of selling on the open market and reducing the risk of property chains.
What are the benefits of Part Exchange?
Part Exchange can help make your move quicker, more convenient and less stressful. Benefits include:
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No estate agent fees
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No property chain
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Greater certainty around your moving timeline
How does Part Exchange work?
Step 1: we check your eligibility: Quick and simple - takes minutes.
Step 2: Receive your offer, based on independent valuations, typically within 1-2 weeks.
Step 3: Proceed with confidence - Cala buys your existing home, so you can secure your new one without delays.
Step 4: Complete in as little as 4-6 weeks once legal work is finalised. Plus, you can stay in your current home until your new home is ready. Find out more
Can I move into a new home before selling my current property?
With Part Exchange, you don't need to find a buyer for your current home before progressing with your move, helping remove one of the biggest barriers to moving. Your legal completion dates will be the same, so you can stay in your current home, until your new one is ready.
Who is Part Exchange suitable for?
Part Exchange is popular with homeowners looking to upsize or who want a simpler and more straightforward moving experience.
If Part Exchange doesn’t suit, Cala offers a range of moving solutions, designed to help eligible buyers move with greater confidence, convenience and certainty.
What is a Ready for You home?
Ready for You homes are new build homes that are already build complete or nearing completion, meaning you could move in sooner than you might expect.
What are the benefits of choosing a Ready for You home?
Choosing a Ready for You home means you can view the finished property before you buy and enjoy a quicker route to moving into a brand-new home.
Can I use Part Exchange on a Ready for You home?
Selected Ready for You homes may be available with Part Exchange, helping eligible homeowners secure a new home without waiting to sell their current property first.
Are Ready for You homes available across the UK?
Ready for You homes are available on selected Cala developments across England and Scotland. Availability varies by location and development.
How quickly can I move into a Ready for You home?
Timescales vary depending on the home selected and your individual circumstances, but because these homes are already built or nearing completion, moving can often happen in as little as 4-6 weeks, much sooner than with an off-plan purchase.
