First timers find affordable homes at Orchard Leaze

First-time buyers looking for an affordable home will be spoilt for choice at Barratt's Orchard Leaze development in Stroud, where a number of incentives are being offered to people who want to own their first property.

"Our Falkirk apartments are incredibly popular and, with prices starting from £130,995, they are well below the stamp duty threshold of £175,000," reports Andrea Pilgrim, Barratt sales director.

"Also, we have some excellent packages designed to make our apartments accessible to first-time buyers. These include 5 per cent deposit paid or our Head Start scheme, available on selected plots.

"Under the Head Start scheme, first-time buyers secure a mortgage for 85 per cent of the total property price and Barratt finances the remaining 15 per cent for up to 10 years. It's a great incentive for people who want to get a foot on the property ladder," she added.

The Falkirk apartment offers a spacious open-plan living/dining area, separate fitted kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms and a parking space. Just four apartments in this style are still for sale.

Current availability also includes a Norton-style apartment, priced from £139,995, and a Milton-style apartment, priced from £144,995. These two-bedroom homes include an en-suite to the master bedroom, an open-plan living/dining area and separate fitted kitchen.

Orchard Leaze enjoys a prime location just a mile from the centre of Stroud, with its bars, restaurants, shops and weekly farmers' market. The town is surrounded by the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Commuters are well served by the M5 motorway, just six miles away, and Stroud train station, which offers regular services to London, Bristol and Birmingham.

For further details, log on to Barratthomes.co.uk.