Jump on the housing ladder in Wirral - with help from Redrow

Fri, May 30th 2008, 12:15

According to the Abbey, two-thirds of first time buyers have shelved plans to climb on the property ladder this year – but the help, advice and incentives available from Redrow could get them back on track.

The award-winning house builder has identified three easy steps to getting on the property ladder, as part of its ‘re:assure from Redrow’ offering - and they could be the key to them owning their first home at Woodlands Grange in Bromborough, Wirral.

Redrow’s group marketing director Simon Bennett says: “The whole ethos of ‘re:assure’ is to make home ownership as easy as possible from the moment of first enquiry right through until after our customers have moved in. This is more important than ever for first time buyers, for whom buying their first home is an exciting time - but it can be difficult to get going at first.”

To help, Redrow has broken the process down into three easy stages.
“Firstly, identify where your first home will be,” adds Simon. “We have many homes that are perfect for first time buyers, whether buying alone, as one half of a couple or with friends. Being brand new, they’re low maintenance and economical to run – and there’s none of the costly renovations or repairs associated with buying an older home.”

The next step is to make it happen; and there are many different options now available to first time buyers to make it easier for them to get onto the property ladder.

Simon continues: “For those who can’t quite get there on their own, ‘mortgaging with a mate’ is a popular solution. An increasing number of young people are clubbing together with friends to buy their first home. We’re geared up to handle this type of enquiry and the financial advisers we work with can identify suitable mortgage products.

“Getting help from parents is another stepping stone to home ownership. Parents can act as a guarantor, come in on the mortgage, or simply help out with the costs of moving. And at Redrow we may be able to match whatever your parents are contributing – up to 5% of the purchase price - on selected plots.

“Through our independent financial advisors we can offer as many as 8,000 mortgage products and help to ensure you're getting the right one. We can also help you understand how different types of mortgages work.”

The third and final step is to remove the obstacles they might meet as a first time buyer, arriving at the right solution to overcome them. For example, Redrow being able to pay a 5% deposit on their behalf could give buying a new home the edge over a second hand property for those first time buyers without savings, since the main lenders have withdrawn 100% mortgage products.

Other support Redrow may be able to offer includes paying £500 per month towards the mortgage for up to two years; covering additional expenditure like stamp duty or legal fees; or providing carpets and furniture for that first home.

“It’s all about being flexible and treating each first time buyer as the individual they are, with their own set of individual needs,” adds Simon. “Hopefully this way we’ll see an end to those headlines about dwindling numbers of first time buyers and, instead, a flurry of young people enjoying their newly gained independence.”

Those looking to take the first step onto the ladder will find the perfect pad at Woodlands Grange in Bromborough, where a selection of two-bedroom apartments, some with double parking spaces, are on offer priced from £129,950.

Elaine Mounsey, area sales manager for Redrow Homes (North West), says: “We see the struggle that first time buyers face when they want to take a step onto the property ladder and so we aim to help them as much as possible.

“At Woodlands Grange there is plenty of choice for those looking to take the plunge and we have a range of stylish apartments, perfect for those starting out.”

The Avon apartment is well suited to first-time buyers. Although designs differ, the property typically offers an open-plan living/dining/ kitchen area, along with two bedrooms – one with en-suite shower room – and the main bathroom.

Woodlands Grange is situated off New Chester Road in Bromborough, just a stone’s throw away from Port Sunlight, and all the properties have been designed to complement the 19th century garden village.

Elaine added: “All of the homes at Woodlands Grange feature a mix of appropriate elevational treatments, such as tile hangings, render and Tudor-style boarding very much in keeping with the picturesque village.

“Homehunters can enjoy the best of both worlds with a modern low-maintenance new home, with plenty of ‘old world’ character.”

The development opens out into a square, creating a focal point at the entrance, which will eventually lead to a long tree-lined avenue. The properties are arranged in small crescents and there are wrought iron railings around the apartments. Several areas of open space will be incorporated and there is open woodland to the rear, offering the opportunity for a leisurely stroll.

It is ideally located for the M53 giving easy access to the motorway network and there are good rail links to Liverpool from nearby Spital and Port Sunlight stations, making it ideal for commuters.

To find out more about how Redrow can help you to get onto the property ladder at Woodlands Grange visit the development daily from 10am to 5.30pm, call 0845 676 0375 or log onto www.redrow.co.uk/view/75.