Alex figures out how to get a head start in Chelmsford

Accountants are well qualified to judge a great financial deal, so when 28-year old accountant Alex Heffer heard how much he could save on an apartment at The Tower, Barratt Eastern Counties' superb apartment development in the heart of Chelmsford, he jumped at the offer.

Alex's one-bedroom apartment at The Tower was originally priced at £170,000, but he ended up paying only £144,500 under Barratt's Head Start scheme, which allows first-time buyers to buy a property for just 85 per cent of the price.

"A 15 per cent reduction is a fantastic deal that makes an enormous difference to being able to afford a home and I didn't want to miss out," comments Alex. The remaining 15 per cent comes as an interest-free loan which Alex doesn't have to repay for ten years, or until he sells his apartment.

It took just two weeks from reserving to completing the sale and Alex was able to move in to his fifth-floor apartment immediately.

The Tower's great central location, next to Chelmsford railway station and an easy walk from the town centre, was a major factor in Alex's decision to buy. He had previously been sharing a flat with a work colleague in Chelmsford and wanted to stay living close to his workplace. "My company is just a five-minute walk from The Tower - it doesn't get much more convenient than that," comments Alex. To add to the convenience, there is a good range of shops within the development, including a Tesco Express.

The style of The Tower also appealed to Alex. The smart contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments are housed in an architecturally striking eleven-storey building, Alex's apartment has been designed to ensure the space is used very effectively and combines the living, dining and kitchen areas into a large open-plan living space Like all apartments in The Tower, it opens on to a balcony with views across Chelmsford. "It's very well laid out and presented - my friends are really impressed," comments Alex.

The Tower has many of the extras associated with a London development, including a well-equipped gym exclusively for residents, a concierge service and private car park. "It's great to have the security of a car park, but I rarely have to use my car because I walk everywhere," says Alex. If he needs to travel into London, the train station is next door and it takes just 30 minutes to reach London Liverpool Street.

There are two one-bedroom apartments remaining at The Tower, from £179,995; two-bedroom apartments start from £239,995. Many of the homes are ready for immediate occupation.

In addition to the Head Start offer for first-time buyers, Barratt has a wide range of incentives that can be tailored to individual buyers. These include payment of the five per cent deposit or payment of Stamp Duty and legal fees, or even a mortgage subsidy.

For more information, log on to Barratthomes.co.uk.