First-time buyer gets in The Zone with Barratt

First-time buyers in Bristol can secure the home of their dreams at The Zone, Barratt’s award-winning development in the city centre, where shared equity deals are making new homes more affordable.

Emily Simons (27) purchased a two-bedroom apartment through a government first-time buyer initiative scheme, which allowed her to secure a mortgage for a percentage of the full purchase price.

“After graduating from university last year, I lived in Bath and commuted to Bristol for my job as an assistant manager in retail,” said Emily. “I used to pass The Zone every day on my way to work, but never thought I could afford to live there.

“Eventually, my curiosity got the better of me and I visited the site. I couldn’t believe it when the negotiators told me about the government initiative and it was great when my mortgage application was approved.

“The Barratt sales team was fantastic throughout, contacting me at every stage of the buying process so that I knew exactly what was going on,” Emily continued. “Buying my first home was actually very easy.

“My new apartment is fantastic,” Emily continued. “It has two double bedrooms and an en-suite and the balcony leading off from the lounge overlooks a lovely courtyard area.

“There’s a wonderful roof terrace, which is great for socialising with the other residents, and a fantastic gym and I’ve made lots of new friends.

“The development is in a great location – it’s only a short walk to work and I’m close to the station and buses at Temple Meads. I’ve sold my car as I don’t really need it now, so I’m saving money as well – I love it here,” she concluded.

The Zone, which scooped a Daily Telegraph ‘Your New Home’ award for the country’s best city centre development is close to Cabot Circus.

Current availability includes a selection of one-bedroom apartments priced from £144,995 and buyers can currently take advantage of the government’s HomeBuy Direct shared equity scheme which is available on selected properties.

This major new initiative allows first-time buyers, key workers and others with housing needs to buy a brand new home for as little as 70 per cent of the purchase price. The other 30 per cent is funded by a joint equity loan from Barratt and Home2own, a government-approved agency.

To qualify for HomeBuy Direct, eligible households will be earning less than £60,000 and would not normally be able to afford to buy a suitable property on the open market. Buyers can redeem the loan in instalments or repay it when they sell the property.

For further details on The Zone and HomeBuy Direct, log onto barratthomes.co.uk.