Young couple find affordable new home in Bradford

Whilst many young couples have resigned to living with their parents for many years to come due, to the mammoth task of saving enough for a large deposit, 21 year old, Joe Leetham and girlfriend Laura Newall have just moved in to their own home.

The switched on couple realised that for what they could pay in rent they could actually be paying to a mortgage.

Bradford born Joe, a care assistant and nursery nurse Laura, were living with Laura’s parents and thought now was the right time to set up home together. Joe explained: “We were in the process of saving for a deposit but thought, to get our own place, the only real option was renting. We were viewing rental properties when we came across Miller Homes’ Valley Gardens development.

“We actually went into the sales centre for directions and Sue (Miller’s sales adviser) mentioned Homebuy Direct. It was something that we had never heard of and was a little unsure if it was something available to us. After a straightforward explanation by Sue we were amazed to find out it was exactly for people like us, trying to get on the property ladder.”

Joe and Laura went through the application process with Sue and were pleased to receive their approval letter not long afterward.

Sue Hutchinson, Miller Homes’ sales adviser said: “Homebuy Direct is a fantastic initiative designed with people like Joe and Laura in mind. It is something that everyone looking to buy a property for the first time or re-entering the market should know about – it can really be a lifeline for house hunters.”

HomeBuy Direct, the shared equity scheme designed to help first-time buyers, renters and those living at home to move into affordable home ownership, is available on a select number of new build properties. Buyers are offered an equity loan of up to 30 per cent of the purchase price, co-funded by The Government and Miller Homes. Any household earning £60,000 or less who could not afford to buy a suitable property on the open market is eligible to apply for the scheme.

Joe continued: “We felt a little nervous at first, we thought it was a big commitment but when you look at how much it cost to rent and what our mortgage payments are now, it’s absolutely amazing, we have our own home for less than what it would cost to rent someone else’s.”

Joe and Laura are now enjoying their own two bedroom apartment at Valley Gardens. The development has a select number of similar properties that are also available under Homebuy Direct.

Sue continued: “Homebuy Direct does make buying a home more affordable for example the price of a two bedroom apartment under the scheme is from just £48,996.50. Although I would urge anyone interested to visit me at the development soon, as we have 13 remaining properties available on Homebuy Direct ready to move in to now.”

The apartments at Valley Gardens comprise spacious open plan living areas, a good size kitchen and have two large bedrooms. The master bedroom boasts convenient en-suite facilities and fitted wardrobes. The properties are ready-made homes with carpeting throughout.

To purchase a similar property to Joe and Laura’s two bedroom apartment, visit Valley Gardens any time between 10.30am and 5.30pm Friday to Monday. Valley Gardens is situated on Rhodesway, and has convenient transport links to both Bradford city centre and nearby countryside.

To find more about Miller’s Homebuy Direct properties visit millerhomes.co.uk/homebuy. For general information on Homebuy Direct visit direct.gov.uk.