There's a first for everything

First time buyers Graham Ward and his fiancée Nikki Wise couldn't believe it when their search for a one bedroom starter home ended up in the purchase of a two bedroom apartment.

The couple didn't think that they would be able to afford anything more than a small, one bedroom studio apartment. So when they found out they could purchase a spacious two bedroom apartment with en-suite bathroom at Fairview New Homes' The Mill development in South Darenth, they jumped at the chance and scored a double first.

Graham, a teacher from Orpington, explains: "We had no idea we'd be able to afford such a substantial two bedroom home. Our search in the local area had proved fruitless until we stumbled across the Fairview New Homes website, and saw that there was a new development in an area close to where we both worked."

It was only when the couple visited the development's marketing suite that they found out about Flying Start, a scheme which enabled them to buy their new home for just 75 per cent of the cost, and a scheme which means two bedroom apartments at the development start from just £144,746.

"With Flying Start we will own 100 per cent of our new home, but we will only have to get a mortgage for 75 per cent of the price," Graham explains. "We didn't even have to put down a deposit or pay stamp duty either. We don't have to worry about the remaining 25 per cent until we sell the property, or until we've been here ten years, which is perfect for us. We are going to put the savings that we are making towards our wedding, which we hope will take place in the next couple of years. "

The couple were the first people to reserve at the development - a scheme which comprises a selection of newly built and converted apartments, houses and duplexes laid out within the boundaries of a former paper mill - and made their reservation off-plan. By reserving at such an early stage they could pick the post which best suited their requirements. They were also the winners of a £50 tombola as they reserved at an open weekend at the site.

Graham says: "We saw the plans for our apartment and were attracted to the spacious layout and the large living area. Because we reserved off-plan, all we have seen so far is the shell of our new home! There were no internal walls in place, but we could see where they were going to be and it gave us an idea of what we would put, and where we would put it. We can't wait until we move in."

The Mill is well placed and offers purchasers like Graham and Nikki the best of both worlds. Surrounded by countryside, the development is also in easy reach of London and Bluewater shopping centre.

For more information, log on to fairview.co.uk.