First buyers get keys to new homes with Help to Buy
Dave Hesson, managing director of Morris Homes, reviews the popularity of Help to Buy.
We knew that Help to Buy would be a huge boost for those looking to get onto or move up the property ladder, but we have been overwhelmed with the response from those who never expected to be in a position to buy so soon.
Recent figures from the housing minister, Mark Prisk, show that nearly 9,000 people have reserved a home through Help to Buy, the Government initiative to help people get onto or move up the property ladder.
The scheme launched on the 1st April, and at Morris we’ve experienced overwhelming demand with more than a third of all of our homes currently being sold with Help to Buy.
The scheme is particularly popular with first-time buyers who previously thought that they’d have to wait years to save a deposit, but are thrilled to find themselves in a position to buy.
The process is incredibly simple, and our first buyers have been able to move into their brand new homes within weeks.
To help buyers to understand how it all works we have recently launched both a guide and a video to explain the Help to Buy process on our website. You can also find out more information on Rightmove’s Help to Buy page.
James and Joanne’s story
James Toon, 21, and Joanne Fitton, 29, from Warrington were inspired to start looking for their first home early in April after Help to Buy was announced.
James’ parents suggested Edgewater Park, close to the centre of Warrington, and they fell in love with a three-bedroom, semi-detached Didsbury home and they were able to move in within six weeks.
James said:
“Before the scheme was announced we hadn’t even been thinking about buying because we simply didn’t have a large deposit saved up. The Help to Buy scheme meant buying was suddenly very affordable and it was easy to understand.
“Giselle the sales adviser has been an absolute God-send as she has patiently guided us throughout the process and helped us negotiate with our mortgage provider.”
James and Joanne have also taken advantage of Morris’ furniture package which means they moved in with everything already in place – from sofas, wardrobes and TVs, to pots, pans and cutlery.
James added:
“Buying your home can be a stressful process, however Morris really did make the move easier.”
To find out more about Morris Homes at Edgewater Park click here.
