Three years ago, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the arrival of the Help to Buy Scheme. It was designed, according to the Government to ‘help hard-working people take steps to buy their own home.’
The scheme has clearly struck a chord with potential first time buyers and those trying to climb further up the property ladder.
Since the scheme was launched, there have been over 150,000 completions, 80% of which were first time buyers: 95% took place outside London and over half of all Help to Buy completions have been for new build homes.
In case you don’t know how it works, these are the basics: When you apply for a Help to Buy Equity Loan to buy a new build home, the Government will lend you up to 20% of the cost of your new home. You’ll need to provide a 5% deposit and organise a 75% mortgage for the rest. Crucially, there are no fees on the 20% loan for the first five years.
Linden Homes’ customer Fatma Aytemur was working in London and renting a tiny one bedroom flat in the East End, when she decided to move out of the Capital, become a commuter, and see what Help to Buy could do for her:
“I assumed I would be buying a one bedroom flat - that’s what I had been looking for in London. To start with, I looked at apartments, but while I was on site, I thought I’d have a look at the show home. It was a beautiful four-bedroom house. After seeing it, and discussing the finances with the sales executives, everything changed: Instead of the one bedroom apartment I thought I could afford, I ended up buying a lovely, spacious five bedroom house!
“I had read pages and pages about Help to Buy, because I’d considered using it right from the beginning. I knew that it would help – but I never dreamed I could end up with a home like this! The Help to Buy scheme was very simple to use. Linden Homes helped to put me through to the right people and, with the assistance of the mortgage advisers, I arranged the whole thing. I think it’s fair to say that it has changed my life.”
Susan Whiting is the marketing manager for Linden Homes South.
“It’s been an exciting three years for many prospective home buyers: Help to Buy has clearly opened doors for thousands of people across the county. The scheme has broadened the horizons of so many who had assumed they couldn’t afford to buy their own home – or believed they had reached their limit on the property ladder. It has allowed them to aim higher than they’d thought possible. Our sales executives can talk you through the figures – you might be very surprised at what you can afford.”
Help to Buy is available at The Old Orchard in the pretty village of Charlton Marshall two miles from the market town of Blandford.
The development is set in a quiet corner of the village – in what used to be an orchard, and consists of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes. A selection of 2 and 3 bedroom homes is still available.
The homes are surrounded by the beautiful Dorset countryside and within walking distance of the River Stour. Charlton Marshall has an 18th century church, a pub and is within easy reach of several good schools.
For more details visit the Linden Homes website. The sales and marketing suite on site is open every day from 10am to 5pm. Alternatively you can call 01258 787 530.
-ENDS-
Media can contact Kelly Ward or Fotini Efstathiou at Remarkable Group on 01962 893893 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.
