Newlyweds settle in to their first home at The Pinnacle in Stoke

First-time buyers Lee and Sarah Mockridge are loving life as homeowners, after swapping their rented two-bedroom apartment at The Pinnacle, George Wimpey’s popular development in Stoke-on-Trent, for a brand new three-bedroom house of their own.

The couple, who were friends from the age of 11, felt they had already found the right location in their hometown when they moved into their rented apartment. But with their wedding day set for summer 2009, Lee and Sarah, both 23, were keen to step onto the property ladder.

“We went for a stroll and decided to drop in at The Pinnacle Sales Centre,” explains Lee, who works for employment law and health and safety specialists, MHL Support in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

“We had thought we would have to save more of a deposit for a first home, but George Wimpey was able to offer us a scheme to help us put down the deposit we needed straight away, through an interest-free loan.

“It meant that rather than buying an apartment, we could afford a three-bedroom home which is very spacious inside, plus we had money left over to add a few extras, including Porcelanosa floor tiles in the kitchen and hall, as well as some brilliant lighting to help make our new house ‘home’.

“Sarah now works for The Dove Service, a local charity offering bereavement support, but she has worked in retail for Top Shop before, and has always had a real eye for style!”

As well as adding the finishing touches to their ready-made, low-maintenance new home, Lee and Sarah have enjoyed being able to invite friends around to their own place, and have already held several barbecues in their new garden.

“Whenever people come round they are surprised about how much home we got for our money,” adds Lee. “They say it’s like the Tardis when you get inside!

“We’re thrilled with our new home and the service we received from the sales staff and the site manager, Gary. They have been fantastic and helped to make buying a first home easy for us.”

First-time buyers can still receive a helping hand if they choose a home at The Pinnacle – George Wimpey is able to match their deposit up to 10% of the purchase price of selected new houses, providing the chance to secure a property while the market is favourable, and with a lower rate mortgage.

Similar to the home Lee and Sarah chose is the three-bedroom ‘Conway’ design, available at The Pinnacle now from just £142,950.

This ideal first-time purchase comprises a large reception room with French doors to the garden, a spacious kitchen/dining room that’s ideal for family meals or entertaining, and a downstairs cloakroom off the entrance hallway.

Upstairs, the landing leads to a master bedroom, which in addition to an en-suite benefits from built-in wardrobes, two further well-proportioned bedrooms and a family bathroom.

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

Boasting an excellent location within easy reach of the Peak District, The Pinnacle enjoys stunning views and is a must-see for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Nearby Stoke-on-Trent has a rich history that grew from the pottery industry, and today is a vibrant city offering great shopping and leisure opportunities.

Closer still, a choice of shops selling everyday items are within walking distance of the development, while the area boasts seven primary schools within a mile of the homes, as well as two secondary schools. The highly regarded Keele University is less than 10 miles away, while Alton Towers, Festival Park and Trentham Gardens offer plenty of opportunities for family days out.

Commuters will appreciate that the development is a 10-minute drive from the M6, and that Greater Manchester, the Midlands and North Wales are all within easy reach.

To find out more about the range of offers available for first-time buyers and those with a home to sell, visit the Sales Centre, located off Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent, and open Thursday to Monday between 11am and 5pm, or log on to georgewimpey.co.uk for more details.