Birmingham couple prove now is the time to buy a new home

Whilst recent reports about lending and the availability of credit may have unnerved some people, it seems first time buyers in Birmingham are as keen as ever. One particular couple, Polish-born Natalia Wisniewska and fiancé Dariusz Morawski, have been able to put a stop to renting to become fully-fledged property owners as a direct result of Persimmon's Helping Hand shared equity scheme.

After realising that their rental costs were equal to that of mortgage repayments, Natalia, who is studying Hospitality and Leisure Management, and Dariusz, a chef, had no hesitation in taking their first exciting step on the property ladder.

Natalia explains: "We had been renting an apartment at Persimmon's Mitchell's Brook development at Cape Hill Village in Smethwick, Birmingham but just didn't think we would be able to afford to buy a home of our own. However, we got talking to the sales adviser at the development who told us Persimmon was offering its Helping Hand shared equity scheme and explained that we were probably paying as much in rent as mortgage payments so it made perfect sense to step onto the property ladder."

With Persimmon's Helping Hand shared equity scheme, Natalia and Dariusz now own 100 per cent of their property, yet have only paid for 75 per cent of the value to get them on the ladder. The remaining 25 per cent can now be deferred for up to ten years.

Ideal for those on lower incomes, and for the growing number of people wanting to buy on their own, Persimmon's Helping Hand scheme is a perfect option for many buyers as it means they are able to buy a home without having the cost of the whole mortgage, with no fees or monthly rental to pay on the remaining percentage*.

Dariusz continues: "Having rented at Mitchell's Brook for some time, we were familiar with the neighbourhood and were keen to stay in the area so as soon as we learned that buying wouldn't be as expensive as we initially thought, we jumped at the opportunity to become property owners! What's more, with Persimmon's Helping Hand scheme, we now have the best part of ten years to pay back the remaining 25 per cent until we feel more financially secure."

Anita Williams, sales and marketing director for Persimmon's West Midlands region, concludes: "Contrary to reports, as Natalia and Dariusz's story goes to show, now can be a really good time for young buyers who are keen to step onto the property ladder to take advantage of a great range of deals."

Mitchell's Brook is situated on the site of the Old Cape Hill Brewery where up to 600 properties are being built. A stunning range of showhomes are open to view at the development, where people can experienced for themselves the quality, style and value on offer. With the offer of Helping Hand shared equity, homes at Mitchell's Brook are priced from an amazing £86,950.

For further information on the range of properties available at Mitchell's Brook, or for details on Persimmon's Helping Hand shared equity scheme, log on to Persimmonhomes.com.

*Terms and conditions apply