Do you imagine yourself in a brand-new home in a fabulous location, but feel that as a first-time buyer this could be out of your reach – particularly with a deposit to find and the mortgage to arrange?
Over a third of first-time buyers fear experiencing a ‘house value drop/negative equity’ and more than a quarter (26%) worry they won’t be able to match their deposit saving rate to the rate of house price rises, recent research has shown.
Linden Homes (part of Vistry Group) sales director Steve Woomble said: “With a large percentage of customers being first time buyers, we recognise some of the hurdles they may face throughout their house buying journey and our teams do their utmost to make sure the process is as smooth as possible for these and all our purchasers.
“This ranges from helping them to secure the best mortgage deals through the experts we use, to incentives to help to curb the cost of moving – often leading to the customer being able to buy more property for their money.”
One of the most popular schemes is Help to Buy*, a government-backed equity loan incentive. This is available to first time buyers who are spending up to £228,100 on a new home across the Yorkshire developments - and up to £261,900 at developments in Lincolnshire.
Through the incentive, customers require a minimum five per cent deposit. The government will lend buyers up to 20 per cent of the value of their property through an equity loan, which can be repaid at any time, or on the sale of their home. Buyers will only need to secure up to a 75 per cent mortgage from a bank or building society.
And there are other tips and tasks to consider when thinking about securing a mortgage and getting onto the housing ladder in 2022.
Get as organised as possible prior to applying for a mortgage. Documents that lenders usually ask for include passport, proof of deposit, proof of residence, bank statements and pay slips from the last three months, latest P60.
Ensuring that you are registered on the electoral roll will increase your credit score.
Understand your costs. If buying a new home, your developer will be able to advise you on stamp duty or any management costs which may apply to your new home. They will also be able to advise you about the benefits of government schemes, like the popular Help to Buy incentive.
Steve added: “Our teams understand that for some buyers, first time or otherwise, the experience can be daunting, and that there are big questions that need answering. However, buying a new house or your first home doesn’t have to be complicated. Being prepared will undoubtedly help, and Linden Homes is here – along with our financial experts - to offer all the assistance we can. First time buyers should never be afraid to ask questions.”
For more details on new homes available in your area or to arrange to speak to a member of the team visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk/yorkshire
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Contact: Cetti Long, Media Matters, 01733 371363; cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk
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.
