Freedom for first time buyers at Lock 38 in Cliffe Vale

For a first time buyer, stepping onto the property ladder is the pinnacle of independence, and should be an exciting rather than frightening experience. For Natalie Hewitt, the First Time Buyer Initiative at Countryside Properties' Lock 38 development in Cliffe Vale eased any potential first-timer worries, making home buying more affordable at a time when we're all trying to tighten our belts.

In pursuit of freedom, first time buyer, Natalie (24), decided the time was right to fly the nest and move away from her family home in Leek. After shopping around to find the right deal, Natalie was pleasantly surprised that, despite her price limit, she found the perfect place to call home at Lock 38 on Shelton New Road in Cliffe Vale.

Natalie commented: "I loved living with my family but I felt the time had come for me to stand on my own two feet. I knew that having a mortgage would be a huge responsibility but with the first time buyer initiative at Lock 38, buying my first home has been much less daunting. I'm not sure I would have been able to purchase such a lovely apartment if it hadn't been for Countryside Properties making home buying easier and more affordable for people like me."

English Partnerships' First Time Buyer Initiative (FTBI) sees Countryside Properties collaborate with the national regeneration agency to give first time buyers a helping hand onto the property ladder at Lock 38. Apartments are available from just £51,750 as a minimum 50% contribution towards the full purchase price of the property, with English Partnerships contributing the remaining percentage by way of direct payment to Countryside Properties.

Natalie continued: "I was longing for the independence of owning a property of my own and when my hunt led me to Lock 38, I was immediately impressed with the layout and build of the development. As an architectural assistant I like to think I have an eye for quality and attention to detail. The apartments are very contemporary, just what I was looking for."

Set alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal, Countryside Properties' aspirational Lock 38 development comprises a range of stylish one and two bedroom apartments, offering home buyers the peace and tranquillity of water-side living with an attractive price tag.

Countryside Properties' regional sales director, Martin Leggett, commented: "At Countryside Properties we are committed to building quality homes with an emphasis on affordability, and to us that means making stylish new homes accessible to all. With the FTBI, those who would not otherwise be able to afford to, can purchase their dream home without having to scrimp and save, leaving them with the freedom to enjoy life in their new home."

Prices for a one bedroom apartment start from just £51,750 when purchased through the FTBI. For more information, log on to lock38.co.uk.