First time buyers and the dilemmas they face in trying to get onto the housing ladder are never far from the news.
The latest study suggests that the average age of a FTB has risen to 31, and that raising a deposit remains something of a battle.
Other research reveals that the average FTB needs to earn £41,000 to get a mortgage, and that this could leave some would-be home hunters feeling even more under pressure.
The KPMG study claims the average FTB in the UK needs to earn almost twice the average wage (£22,000) in order to secure a mortgage, depending where they live.
However, help is at hand for first time buyers looking to snap up a brand new home in the Linden Homes Midlands region – with the Help to Buy scheme proving increasingly popular.
Sales director Clare Phillips said: “Buying a new home has many advantages over a second hand home, and our sales professionals are happy to help first time buyers, and our other purchasers, answer any concerns they may have not only about the customer journey and buying process, but local area knowledge – which to many people is a priority when it comes to schools, work and amenities.
“We want to put our buyers in the driving seat, not just when it comes to the design of house but to their home lifestyle choice.”
And if you are a first time buyer – here are a few questions you may want to ask yourself as you prepare to make arguably the biggest decision of your life:
- Location. Think about where you like to shop, where your children will attend school, where you work and where your friends and family live.
- Size. How many bedrooms do you want now or in the future? Maybe you need an extra room for working from home or expanding your family. Where will you do the laundry, and what kind of storage space you need?
- Garden – do you need one and if so, how big? If you are a keen gardener or enjoy spending time outdoors with family or friends, you may want to consider a south-facing garden. If you prefer something a little less maintenance, then go for something smaller.
- How far away from work would you be happy to move to? Take into consideration public transport and road / rail networks and perhaps try out the journey at different times of the day before making a decision.
- Can you afford the house? Really think about exactly what you want from your new home and make a list of all your necessities ie garage, cul-de-sac setting. You may be happier with something a bit more modest in size.
- Set yourself some rules about saving. It may mean forgoing that weekend takeaway or trip to the nail salon or cutting down on use of your mobile phone.
- Do you need to budget for extras? Ask the developer what comes as standard with the home ie security alarm, and plan your spending for any additional items.
-ENDS-
For further press information please contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on 01733 371363 or email cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk
