Member Article

Martin kicks off on the property ladder thanks to Help To Buy

A sports development officer and part-time football coach with Newcastle United has scored a home win and moved into his first property at Orchard Meadows in Stanley thanks to the Help to Buy scheme.

Martin Hall, 23 years old, has snapped up a brand new 2-bedroom Lincoln at the Dunelm Homes development in Kip Hill. Orchard Meadows is situated on the outskirts of Stanley and being only a stone’s throw away from Martin’s work, friends and family, it was his first choice of location. However, like many people looking to get on the property ladder for the first time, he could put forward a large enough deposit to secure one of the stylish properties.

But thanks to a conversation with his younger sister who had recently purchased her own new property through the Help to Buy scheme, Martin realised that his dream home in his preferred location was well within reach.

Help to Buy is the Government backed scheme which enables first time buyers and existing home owners to purchase a new Dunelm Home with just a 5% deposit.

Martin Hall said: “Being from the area, I was very aware of Orchard Meadows and when the time came to look for my own first home it was the development that I put at the top of my list. Location was a key priority in my decision making however, like many first time buyers I wasn’t sure if I could save up a big enough deposit and secure the mortgage I needed to make my dream a reality. Help to Buy was just what I needed to help me take my first steps on the property ladder; because of the scheme I have been able to buy a higher specification property which perfectly suits my needs in the best location.”

Martin, who works as a sports development officer and with youngsters and adults in his part time role as football coach with the Newcastle United Foundation, paid £119,995 for the 2-bedroom Lincoln former showhome which came complete with all the specially selected contemporary furniture he needed to set up his first home. Similar properties are available at Langley Gardens in nearby Langley Moor, where a 2 bedroom Ely starts from just £104,995.

He added: “Being able to move into the showhome was a real bonus as it was tastefully decorated throughout and each room was fully furnished so all I had to do was unpack my clothes and move straight in. Without the Help to Buy scheme and the assistance of Dunelm Homes I don’t think I would have been able to get on the property ladder with such a stylish and spacious first home.”

Orchard Meadows is located on the outskirts of Stanley with a range of local shops and leisure facilities close by. Excellent transport links offer easy access throughout the region making it a popular choice with first time buyers, young couples and families alike. For further information on the range of properties available please visit www.dunelmhomes.co.uk or contact 07970 95436 to visit the sales office which is open between 10am and 5pm Thursday to Monday.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Colin Willetts .