An easier way on to the property ladder in Manchester

With many first time buyers struggling to overcome the hurdles of saving a deposit and securing a mortgage, Charlie Joseph (24) has proven herself the exception to the rule thanks to a new government scheme offered by Taylor Wimpey at its Macintosh Mills development in Manchester.

Charlie was living in rented accommodation in Withington but dreamed of owning a home closer to the city centre - a dream that Taylor Wimpey helped come true with its HomeBuy Direct scheme*.

Government-funded, the scheme provides a low cost loan to those with a five per cent deposit and joint household income of less than £60,000. Anyone purchasing using the scheme owns 100% of their home from day one but needs to pay only 70% of the price now, using the low interest equity loan to fund the remaining price of the property.

Charlie said: “With the current credit crunch making saving a large deposit hard and being a first time buyer, I had always thought I would never be able to afford a home of my own let alone a new build. However, with HomeBuy Direct I am now the proud owner of a stunning two bedroom apartment just five minutes’ walk from Manchester city centre.”

Charlie bought her apartment at Macintosh Mills with her brother, Johnny, and thanks to the property’s clever design maximising the available living space, both are comfortably accommodated. Their new home comprises an open plan reception room with integrated kitchen, two generous bedrooms, one with its own en-suite shower room, and a modern bathroom.

Charlie continued: “I fell in love with the apartment as soon as I saw it because of its contemporary style and historical charm. Johnny and I enjoy all the modern comforts you’d expect in a new build property but our apartment, which is part of the old mill, also incorporates some of the original features such as exposed brickwork and wrought iron columns. Macintosh Mills is in a regeneration area of Manchester so the investment potential is fantastic too, meaning our apartment is the best financial move either of us has ever made.”

A refurbishment of the former Charles Macintosh rubber factory buildings, Macintosh Mills is a fine example of modern urban regeneration offering over 700 apartments, penthouses, live-work units and commercial spaces. However, with Taylor Wimpey’s HomeBuy Direct scheme available on a range of properties at the development, Macintosh Mills’ style and location needn’t come at too high a price, as Charlie found out.

“I was really surprised to discover that it was only going to cost me £10 a month more to purchase a brand new property at Macintosh Mills, using HomeBuy Direct, than it was to continue paying rent. The scheme enabled Johnny and I to move into a stylish apartment even though we didn’t have the large deposit normally required. That deposit, in the current climate, would have been a real struggle to save so I’m delighted that I knew about the HomeBuy Direct scheme offered by Taylor Wimpey.

“Our move was so hassle free, which is exactly what first time buyers want. My advice to first time buyers worrying about getting onto the property ladder is to visit Macintosh Mills and talk to Taylor Wimpey’s professional sales advisors to see how, by using HomeBuy Direct, they can help you make the move into a dream home of your own.”

Macintosh Mills is a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments suitable for a range of purchasers from first time buyers, like Charlie, to professional couples and downsizers seeking a low maintenance property. Starting from only £138,000 the apartments offer contemporary living space combined with genuine 19th century characteristics. All homes are within walking distance of the bars, restaurants and shops of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.

For further information on the properties available at Macintosh Mills and to find out more about Taylor Wimpey’s HomeBuy Direct scheme visit the marketing suite off Cambridge Street, open from Thursday to Monday between 11.00am and 6.00pm, and 11.00am until 5.00pm on Saturday and Sunday. Alternatively, log on to taylorwimpey.co.uk and enter the postcode M1 5GF in the quick search box.

* Available on selected properties only. Terms and conditions apply.