Confident first steps onto the property ladder

James Foster and Jodie Hearmon have taken a confident first step onto the property ladder at The Parks, George Wimpey's sought-after development in Bracknell Forest, Berkshire.

Growing up locally had one big drawback for 27-year-old James and his fiancée Jodie (24), who wanted to remain close to family and friends, but faced high second-hand property prices which reflect the popularity of the area.

"Our main reason for choosing Bracknell was that I have lived here for 15 years and have a daughter who lives with her mum, in nearby Wokingham," explains James.

"Jodie and I were both living with our parents, and started gauging prices and locations for a home together last summer. I know The Parks quite well through my work supplying drylining products to the building trade, and so we chatted with the Sales Executive and he said we might qualify for the First-Time Buyer initiative they offered.

"We were accepted and were amazed that we could afford a three-bedroom home!

"This means when my four-year-old daughter, Keira, comes to stay at weekends she has her own new bedroom decorated in a pink Disney princess theme."

Through the First-Time Buyer initiative, James and Jodie received a Government loan for just under 10% of the purchase price of their house. Interest-free for the first three years, they will pay only up to 3% for the lifetime of the loan.

"I had heard about other schemes for first-time buyers," explains James, "but these were based on part rent, part ownership. It didn't take us long to decide that the scheme at The Parks would be our best option, and as a result we got a really good deal on our house.

"We have been extremely lucky and there is no way we would have been able to afford a place like this without the first-time buyer scheme. House prices in this area are very expensive compared with other places in the country and it can seem near on impossible to get on the housing ladder, but George Wimpey has helped us stay in a location we love."

The couple also received free flooring and appliances in their new fitted kitchen, and have a sizeable garden in which Keira can play safely.

As an alternative to its assistance for first-time buyers, George Wimpey offers a wide range of incentives for those with a property to sell through its Easymover scheme.

Customers can currently choose from one and two-bedroom ‘Crescent' apartments at The Parks starting from £149,995, and three and four-bedroom homes available from just £289,995. Using the First-Time Buyer initiative, the three-bedroom ‘Bishop' home is available from just £164,998.

The ‘Bishop' features a spacious kitchen/dining room with French doors to the rear garden and a cloakroom and integral garage off the entrance hallway.

Upstairs, the landing leads to a living room which benefits from an attractive balcony to the rear, a third bedroom/study and a main bathroom. Two double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite and a Juliet-style balcony, can be found on the top floor.

Like all new homes at The Parks, the ‘Bishop' is finished to a high standard specification, including central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.

Bracknell is a modern and vibrant town, with a pedestrianised shopping centre and a choice of cafes, bars and restaurants. A £750m regeneration of the town centre is also underway, creating new leisure facilities, transport links and healthcare services. Homes are within easy reach of the centre and a choice of supermarkets.

Local schools have an excellent reputation, with pupils attaining results higher than the national average.

For commuters, the railway station is less than half a mile from the development, offering regular services to London Waterloo in 60 minutes, and Reading in just 20 minutes. The M3 and M4 are a few minutes away by road.

Further information on homes and incentives at The Parks is available by visiting the Sales Information Centre, located off Halifax Road, Bracknell Forest, Bracknell, and open every day from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Alternatively, log on to Georgewimpey.co.uk for more details.