Store manager gets a foot on the property ladder

Store manager Anthony Garnham didn’t think he could afford to own a home outright, but leading house-builder George Wimpey has helped him to put down a substantial deposit on a brand new apartment close to Derby.

Now the 35-year-old, who works for The Co-op, is busy choosing his carpets, kitchen units and appliances and bathroom tiles, which will be fitted at his new two-bedroom home at the Q development in Chester Green, ready for him to move in November.

“It was purely by chance that I found out about the assistance George Wimpey offers first-time buyers to make owning a first home more affordable,” says Anthony.

“I had been all ready to take up a shared equity scheme offered on a property at a different development, but it would have meant I only owned a stake in my first home. Then I popped along to Q just to be nosey and found out I could own a new two-bedroom apartment outright, with George Wimpey helping me with my deposit.”

Anthony put down part of his deposit when he exchanged contracts, and will pay the rest when he moves in, with George Wimpey also contributing a substantial share to ensure he had access to a good mortgage.

He received a free mortgage broker service and the legal arrangements for his move were made by the house-builder’s recommended solicitors, which has helped ensure the process has been smooth and hassle free.

“Everything has been surprisingly easy,” says Anthony. “I worked as a pub manager up and down the country for several years, and so hadn’t needed to own a home – I lived above the pubs.

“But when I changed career I needed a place of my own. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to move back in with my parents in Mickleover near Derby until my apartment is ready, and in fact this has worked out very well because it gives me a chance to save the rest of the deposit I’ll need to pay in November.

“Now I’m looking forward to moving in. Chester Green is in a great location for getting into the centre of Derby and has easy links to the surrounding areas.

“The financial incentives, combined with the design of my apartment and its location meant that although I had looked at other new developments, buying my first home at Q was a done deal.”

In addition to receiving help with his deposit and the purchasing process, Anthony took advantage of the good property prices currently available at Q.

The two-bedroom ‘Cyan’ apartment design, for example, is currently available from only £91,995, the ‘Teal’ apartment design starts at just £96,995, and the ‘Jade’ is only £109,995. Four-bedroom houses at the development are priced from £194,995.

Anthony’s choice, the ‘Cyan’ design, is characterised by a spacious lounge with double doors to a beautiful kitchen designed to maximise the proportions of this contemporary living space.

A separate entrance hallway leads to two bedrooms and a family bathroom. The property also benefits from built-in storage closets.

Like all new homes at the development, the ‘Cyan’ enjoys a high standard specification including gas central heating, double glazing and a fitted kitchen with built-in oven, hob and hood.

Q enjoys a stunning location at Chester Green, overlooking Darley Park and the River Derwent, and yet less than one mile from the vibrant centre of Derby.

Over the next few years Derby will undergo a visionary transformation, including a £340 million investment in the retail heart of the city, £100 million in improving public open spaces, and with huge developments in the pipeline for the commercial, cultural, leisure and tourist sectors throughout the area.

The area already boasts extensive shopping opportunities in addition to many and varied recreational facilities including cinemas, theatres, museums and art galleries, restaurants catering for every taste and trendy bars.

Commuters will appreciate that Q is just a short drive from the A52 and A38 and within easy reach of the M1 north and south.

Further information is available by visiting the Sales Centre, located off Alfreton Road, Chester Green, and open Thursday to Monday from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Further information is also available online at Georgewimpey.co.uk.