A head start on the property ladder in Manchester

Barratt Manchester's Head Start scheme is proving a hit with first time buyers and key workers. By giving buyers the chance to buy 100 per cent of a property for only 85 per cent of the price, those who thought they might not be able to afford a brand new home are being pleasantly surprised.

The remaining 15 per cent only becomes payable further down the line - when the property is sold, transferred or after 10 years, whichever comes first and is calculated on the value of the property at that time.

And that means that the apartment now available at Pennington Park in Leigh which is on the market at £117,200 could actually be owned for just under £100,000.

"It's a great deal," says sales negotiator Deborah. "For that the buyer gets a two bedroom property with fully-fitted kitchen, lounge and bathroom at a really great price. The property is ready to move into now and it's a lot of home for under £100,000."

Other properties also available to move into now, but not available under Head Start, are the four double-bedroomed Windermeres at £266,650. Deals may be available for those able to complete the sale by the end of June.

The sales office at the development off Holden Road, Leigh is usually open seven days a week, 11am-6pm or visit Barratthomes.co.uk.