Barratt helps Norwich couple purchase first home

Grant and Ellie Linsey, aged 28 and 24 respectively, are delighted to have bought their first home at Ringland Park, Barratt Eastern Counties’ popular development in the village of Queen’s Hills near Norwich. They had been renting a flat on the outskirts of the city and thought it would be a good time to buy, but never imagined that they would be able to afford a stylish new two-bedroom home.

Ellie says: “We heard about Ringland Park when Barratt sent us an email inviting us to a special day for first time buyers. We went to have a look and thought the homes and the setting were perfect for us. When we decided to buy, Barratt couldn’t have made it easier. We are still surprised at how much property our money could buy.”

Their two-bedroom terraced house at Ringland Park originally cost £152,000, but Barratt reduced the price to £145,000 and paid their five per cent deposit to help them buy. Grant comments: “We were so grateful to Barratt. Everyone was very helpful and kind and there was never any pressure. On top of everything else, they included carpets and a fridge/freezer in the price. We thought it was a fantastic deal.”

The help didn’t stop there, as Ellie explains: “Barratt put us in touch with their recommended financial advisor and solicitor, and helped us sort out the mortgage. All we had to do was answer a few questions over the phone and sign the papers. They did everything for us, it was brilliant.”

Grant and Ellie were bowled over by the tranquil setting of their new home, which is surrounded by vast expanses of beautiful parkland. Peace and quiet is very important to the couple. Grant, who is a support worker and often works night shifts, especially appreciates the peacefulness of Ringland Park so that he can sleep undisturbed during the day.

Ellie works in a care home for the elderly and, like Grant, is based in the centre of Norwich. Driving into Norwich takes only 15 minutes and there’s the option of taking the bus service that runs from Queen’s Hills into the town centre every 15 minutes. Train travel is equally convenient: from Norwich Station there are regular services to Ipswich in 40 minutes and to London’s Liverpool Street in around two hours. For holidays abroad, Norwich International Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

Ellie is learning to drive, but finds that everything she needs is within easy reach, including a local supermarket close to Queen’s Hills.

Grant and Ellie enjoy the warm community atmosphere at Ringland Park, which has attracted many families. Queen’s Hills is developing into a delightful village and has plans for village shops, a community hall, children’s play area, recreational area and football pitches, which will be a bonus for Grant who plays football three times a week. If they decide to start a family, the new Queen’s Hills Primary and Nursery School, which opened last September, will be very convenient.

A new phase of three, four and five-bedroom houses, in a wide range of styles, will be released at Ringland Park on 28th March, starting from £179,995. Under the Government’s new HomeBuy Direct scheme, first-time buyers and people who have owned a home in the past but are now unable to do so, can buy one of these homes for just 70 per cent of the price. The remaining 30 per cent is an equity loan that is funded jointly by Barratt and the Government. No rent is payable on the loan and there is no need for a deposit either.

In addition to HomeBuy Direct, Barratt has a wide range of incentives that can be tailored to suit homebuyers’ individual circumstances, including Part Exchange and Stamp Duty Paid.

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