First time buyer saves money swapping rent for a mortgage

When first-time homebuyer Ben Dale took the decision to swap his monthly rent for a mortgage, the last thing he expected was to save money.

That was until he looked through his local newspaper and spotted George Wimpey’s stunning Peninsula development in Dovercourt, Essex – and struck a great deal which leaves him better off as the proud owner of his dream home.

Customs officer Ben (30) was so impressed by the modern design of the two-bedroom ‘Ardleigh’ townhouse that he secured one for himself before the foundations had even been laid.

He is now settling in at his new home after watching with eager anticipation as it took shape – and he rates his purchase as one of the best decisions he has ever made.

“Like most people, I have been looking to get on the property ladder for some time but I just couldn’t afford it with prices the way they were,” explains Ben.

“But then I saw in the paper that the Peninsula development was being built right where I wanted to move to, and George Wimpey offered me an absolutely brilliant deal.

“I never expected it, but it’s actually working out cheaper than what I was paying in rent where I used to live. I also know my money’s not being wasted because it’s going towards something that will eventually be mine.”

After visiting the showhome at Peninsula, Ben was immediately won over by the fresh, contemporary feel of the properties available.

He fell in love with the ‘Ardleigh’ thanks to its eye-catching white weatherboarding and the striking centrepiece front window, with two spacious bedrooms making it ideally sized for a first-time buyer.

Add to that the convenient location of the development – just a short walk from town centre shops, pubs, restaurants, and leisure facilities and only a few minutes’ stroll from Dovercourt railway station, which provides links to central London – and everything was in place.

By securing his property before it was built, Ben joined a growing number of buyers who are choosing to purchase their homes off-plan.

Not only does this give customers the advantage of reserving their purchase at today’s low prices, but it also allows them to create the perfect personalised interiors which transform a house into a home.

Ben chose his carpets, flooring and kitchen worktops and cupboards – and says George Wimpey gave him phenomenal value for money.

“I’m not one for DIY so the idea of having everything ready for me when I moved in was really appealing,” he says.

“My dad and I shopped around for other carpets and flooring, but George Wimpey did me a really good deal for half the price of any others we could find.

“I came to look at my new home week by week as it was going up, and it was great to watch it take shape from the foundations to the final touches.

“The finished build and the quality of the installation are fantastic – I can’t fault it at all.”

For home-buyers like Ben, there are plenty more great deals to be had at Peninsula, with four-bedroom houses now available from only £164,995 – some £70,000 less than the average for a similar-sized home in the local area.

The magnificent four-bedroom ‘Salisbury’, for example, features a spacious living/dining room, a kitchen with breakfast area and a guest cloakroom off the entrance hallway.

Upstairs, the landing leads to two well-proportioned bedrooms and a main bathroom, while the master bedroom with en-suite and a further bedroom can be found on the top floor.

All new homes at Peninsula benefit from allocated parking or a garage, and enjoy a high-standard specification including central heating, double glazing, Porcelanosa ceramic wall tiles and a fitted Symphony kitchen with build-in oven, hob and hood.

To find out more about the great homes available at the development, visit the Marketing Suite located off Main Road, Dovercourt, and open from 10am to 5pm, Thursday to Sunday, and 1.30pm to 5pm on Mondays.

Alternatively, find out more at Georgewimpey.co.uk.