It’s only January but 2018 is already looking good for homebuyers and Linden Homes Western…
Commenting on the market and reflecting on 2017, Chris Harris, managing director for Linden Homes Western, said:
“We finished 2017 in a strong position and 2018 is looking even more promising. It’s been a year of change for the UK but there is a shortage of housing and it’s definitely ‘business as usual’ at Linden Homes.
“Despite the small increase in the Bank of England interest rate, mortgage rates are still historically low and there are some great mortgage products on the market.
“We saw a positive change in November when the Government abolished Stamp Duty Tax for first time buyers on properties up to £300,000. By removing the highest fee for first time buyers it reduces their costs and enables them to join the housing ladder sooner.”
Speaking about Government schemes, Chris commented: “Help to Buy has proved to be a very popular and beneficial initiative. In many cases it works out cheaper for purchasers to buy their own home rather than renting a similar sized property. This year, almost 50 per cent of our homes were reserved with Help to Buy, proving just how important it is for homebuyers and housebuilders alike.
“There’s a misconception that Help to Buy is only available to first time buyers but existing homeowners can use the scheme too and it has been a challenge to get that message out.
“Homebuyers are more decisive than ever and they are empowered with a lot of information before they’ve even visited our developments. Not only have they obtained the prices of the homes, but the different floor plans have been reviewed, the specification has been read, the site plan has been analysed and they’ve compared our homes with others on the market via property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla. However, I would encourage people to visit the development sooner as there are many initiatives available, designed to help you move –purchasers may be able to move quicker than they think, afford a larger home or save themselves money on the sale of their existing home. Following positive feedback, we’ve put more resource into our Part Exchange initiative to help drive that side of the business and it helped some of our purchasers move quickly, in time for Christmas.”
Chris added: “The company’s landbank is healthy, which will provide over 1,200 new homes and there are a number of developments launching this year, including Westbury, Ashchurch and Thornbury, near Bristol, so 2018 is definitely going to be another busy year!”
Linden Homes Western is currently building homes in Kempsey, Gloucester, Bishop’s Cleeve, Thornbury, Bath, Bristol, Chippenham, Salisbury and Radstock.
-ENDS-
Media can contact Emma Mackay on 077383 12960 for more information, images and interviews with Linden Homes.
References to “we”, “us” or “our” are to the part of the Vistry Group (including Linden Homes, Bovis Homes, Countryside Homes, Drew Smith, Vistry Ventures or one of Vistry’s joint venture companies) from which you are intending to purchase a new home. References to "you” and “your” are to the prospective buyer or buyers of a new home from us.
All images are used for illustrative purposes only and are representative only. They may not be the same as the actual home you purchase and the specification may differ. Images may be of a slightly different model of home and may include optional upgrades and extras which involve additional cost. Individual features such as windows, brick, carpets, paint and other material colours may vary and also the specification of fittings may vary. Any furnishings and furniture are not included in any sale. Please check with our sales consultants for details of the exact specifications available at the development(s) for each type of home and the associated prices.
