Jump on the housing ladder in Altrincham

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 in South Manchester 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 Stamford Brook, in Altrincham.

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 Stamford Brook, which is emerging as one of the most important developments in the region today.

The flagship venture, in association with the National Trust, demonstrates how large developments can offer more sustainable living.

All of the new homes offer everything that the modern resident needs and have a "normal" exterior yet are designed to be ultra-efficient in their use of energy, water and building materials.

So first-time buyers can be safe in the knowledge that their new home won't cost them the earth.

These properties include a wide range of stylish and modern apartments just perfect for young professionals and couples, looking for a change of scenery. Prices start from just £152,000 for a two-bedroom design and there are properties in the striking Dunham House complex from £169,950.

The latter feature an open plan living area and kitchen fitted with an oven, hob and cooker hood, plus integrated fridge freezer and free-standing washer-dryer. All apartments in Dunham House also feature an en-suite bathroom to master bedroom.

With easy access to Manchester city centre via road or public transport and to the motorway network, this development is a commuter's dream.

And those looking for a quieter life will be attracted by the green space and wildlife corridors that make Stamford Brook so unique.

Sinderland Brook, which runs through Stamford Brook, has been the subject of the largest river restoration project of its kind in England, while the development will also include wildlife corridors and community woodland will be regenerated to encourage wildlife and enhance the existing environment.

To find out how you can get onto the property ladder at Stamford Brook log on to Redrow.co.uk.