Cheshire upsizers turn to Help to Buy

With house prices in the North West set to rise, ‘upsizers’ in Cheshire are utilising Help to Buy as they look to climb the property ladder.

Often misunderstood as a scheme just for first-time buyers, new figures from housebuilder Redrow show that increasingly existing homeowners are taking advantage of the scheme to move to a more spacious property.

At the developer’s Lancaster Place venture in Widnes a third of all purchases of large family homes have now been made through Help to Buy since the initiative was launched in April.

Now, as a new phase of four and five-bedroom properties is released at the 128-home development, Redrow expects the number of purchasers using the scheme to increase further.

Anita Williams, sales director for Redrow Homes (NW), explains: “One of the best things about Help to Buy is its versatility. When the scheme was first launched eight months ago, many existing homeowners assumed that it was only available to first time buyers.

“Now that time has passed, and people learn more about Help to Buy, existing homeowners are beginning to take advantage too. As we release this new collection of large family homes, we expect even more people to use Help to Buy at Lancaster Place over the next few months.”

Taken from Redrow’s award-winning Heritage Collection, the houses at Lancaster Place marry traditional architecture with contemporary, high-specification interiors.

The Marlborough, one of the development’s largest properties, is a prime example of this design philosophy. Set for launch in 2014, the executive home will offer five bedrooms, two with en-suite, an integral garage and an open-plan kitchen and dining area.

Meanwhile on the outside, the property boasts large bay windows, stunning gardens and an Arts and Crafts-style brick and render finish.

It is architecture that also complements the development’s setting, with the homes bordered by open fields.

Situated on the northern and easterly fringes of Widnes, the development is within easy reach of Liverpool, Warrington and Manchester via road and rail.

Residents can also take advantage of an outstanding local high schools and some excellent primary schools and nurseries just a short distance away.

Meanwhile, Widnes Golf Course and St Michaels Jubilee are right on the developments doorstep and there are some fantastic shops and restaurants in close proximity.

Potential purchasers can visit the development on Lunts Heath Road from 10am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday, and from 11am to 5.30pm on Monday.

Alternatively, home buyers can visit redrow.co.uk/Lancaster.