Why rent when you can buy in Edinburgh and Falkirk

Buying your own home can offer freedom, a sense of achievement and the chance to capitalise on your investment. And with a new survey from Abbey revealing purchasing still remains cheaper than renting for most UK consumers, that dream move could be well within reach.

Half-year findings from Abbey's Rent v Buy Index show that across the UK, buying is £10,500 cheaper than renting, on average, over 25 years.

So for those looking to take advantage of the benefits buying can afford, the impressive properties at Redrow Homes' Lockkeepers Wynd and Optima developments in Falkirk and Edinburgh would be ideal.

Situated on Etna Road, by the canalside, close to Falkirk town centre and within easy commuting distance of both Edinburgh and Glasgow, Lockkeepers Wynd offers a thoroughly convenient location - not to mention a range of reasonably priced, modern homes.
Among the properties competitively priced for a quick sale is one particular two-bedroom apartment at a special offer price of £109,995, taking it well below the stamp duty threshold and making it potentially a sound investment for first time buyers and downsizers.

Offering a stylish design and contemporary interior, the home is within walking distance of the town centre, as well as offering easy access to the M8 and M9 motorways. Also, being brand new, it is energy efficient and easy to maintain.

Features include a spacious lounge with bay windows and sliding doors to the kitchen creating a truly flexible living space. Wardrobes are included as standard to the master bedroom.

Also ideal for those looking to reap the benefits buying can afford are the properties at Redrow Homes' Optima development off Ferry Road in Edinburgh.

Perfect for first-time buyers, Optima comprises a range of two-bedroom apartments, currently priced from £158,995.

Diana Newton, sales director for Redrow Homes (Scotland) said: "The spacious and stylish apartments at Optima are ideal for people taking their first step onto the property ladder. And with two bedrooms, they are perfect for couples or friends to share."

The properties here feature an open plan living/dining area and a fitted kitchen, complete with a stainless steel oven, hob and cooker hood, while selected bedrooms have fitted wardrobes.

There is also access to landscaped gardens, whilst each apartment has a parking space and the apartment buildings feature video entry security systems.

And to make life easier for prospective buyers, Redrow is offering a fantastic package of incentives on selected plots at Optima, including 5% deposit paid or £600 per month towards the mortgage payments for the first year.

Diana added: "As the Abbey research shows, buying is still potentially a sensible choice as opposed to renting, because purchasers can build up equity in a property they can call their own and are not wasting what is effectively ‘dead money' in rent each month.

"To make it easier for people our network of financial advisers and other property professionals can help potential purchasers work out what they can afford to buy and the most appropriate mortgage product to make it happen."

To find out how you can get onto the property ladder in Edinburgh, log onto Redrow.co.uk.