But the three first time buyers are united in other ways too – with each of them previously worrying about when they’d ever be able to get onto the property ladder, let alone afford such a quality new-build home.
“It went from being a definite no, to a maybe, and then…I can do this,” said Nathan, a 29-year-old chef from Rotherham.
"But I didn’t ever think I’d have a house of this quality for my first home. My aim was to get onto the property ladder before I was 30, and I actually managed it at 28 which feels like a huge achievement. And I’m really happy.”
The difference for the three new homeowners was the government’s new First Homes scheme which is available on selected properties at Poppy Fields on the edge of Rotherham, and allows people who fit a specific criteria to purchase a brand-new home for at least 30% below the market value.
Subject to Rotherham Council’s First Homes criteria, the properties are available to first time buyers who currently live or have lived in the Rotherham Borough area within the last three years or are members of the armed forces.
They must have a household income of less than £80K and be in need of a mortgage for at least 50% of the purchase price. “It was a massive help,” said Holly, 25, a buyer for supermarket group Aldi.
“I wanted independence and my own home but I didn’t think it would be possible so soon. When Poppy Fields came along it was the perfect home in the perfect place, and perfect timing. I started the new year in my own new home and I couldn’t be happier. I can’t fully believe it yet and I am very proud.”
All three have bought a Tavy style terraced home at Cherry Court at Poppy Fields, which boasts an open plan lounge with a kitchen and dining area, and a separate cloakroom downstairs, with two good-sized bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs.
“I’d been thinking about getting my own home for a couple of years, and the First Home scheme made a huge difference,” said Nathan.
“I am a hotel chef, I lived 10 minutes away from the development and go to the gym five minutes away so it was ideal.”
As well as liking the area, Poppy Fields is located between Ravenfield and Bramley, he adds: “I loved the quality of the build of Redrow homes; it was brilliant compared with other developments I’d looked at. And the homes have character unlike others that looked like boxes. I added wardrobes and two single ovens instead of a double oven from Redrow’s My Redrow tool. There are no surprises, no maintenance and they’re so energy efficient. Redrow were brilliant throughout. I lost my dad in the middle of the buying process but their understanding was excellent. It was a very difficult time, and they accepted things needed to slow down. They didn’t rush me and me and my wellbeing came before the sale. That meant a lot.”
Holly was working hard to save for a home of her own but thought it could be a while before she managed it prior to the First Homes scheme: “It was a massive help. I was living at home having previously moved out for university and a year studying abroad. I love my mum and dad and get on well with them, but it’s a big change coming back to the family home. It’s hard. It was a semi-detached four-bedroom house, but I only had my bedroom that was mine, now it’s all mine.
“I love the open space of the Tavy and this is a good size and high standard of home – certainly all I want and need now. And my first home buying experience was great thanks to Redrow which was important to me. It was smooth from start to finish, and nothing was too much bother. If I had any questions Redrow got back to me straight away. Being from Rotherham, I know and like the area and I feel safe here. I love it, and it’s nice to know my neighbours are in the same position I am, so we talk a lot.”
Poppy Fields’ third First Homes buyer is 31-year-old secondary school teacher Callum Shaw who is delighted to have finally bought his first home after renting.
“I didn’t want to keep renting, its dead money, and now I am paying around the same for a mortgage for a house that’s actually mine. It’s more stable too. I’d had issues with the landlord of my old flat who kept upping the rent for something that wasn’t worth it so I had to leave, and that’s a worry.
“I was back at mum and dad’s for a year and a half before I moved to Poppy Fields in November and, while I needed my own space, I didn’t think I had a chance of moving in here until I discovered the First Homes scheme. I had looked at a few doer uppers, but you can spend thousands on an old property and that can spiral – and the ones I could afford were being sought after by families downsizing.
“Buying new made sense, being able to budget with no hidden costs, no maintenance, and the guarantees of a new-build. The scheme meant I could afford a nice property in a nice area, so the value of the house will only go up. And, because the scheme discount stays with the home it’s good to know that when I do sell, I will pass on the opportunity to someone in the same position I was.”
Callum added: “I feel lucky, like I’ve really dropped on with my Redrow home and finally being on the property ladder. My sister says it’s a proper boy’s home though, so I need to get a few knick-knacks and some pictures on the wall. But I love it, and it’s a great foundation on which to build my future.”
To find out more about the First Homes scheme and Poppy Fields, visit our website or call the sales team on
