A 'Doune' deal for first-time buyers in Scotland

First-time buyers in Doune are being given a step-up onto the property ladder from Miller Homes at its Doune Riggs development. Here an exclusive shared equity scheme and a range of two and three bedroom terraced homes are proving to be a winning combination.

Situated off Station Wynd in the village of Doune, Doune Riggs is in a prime position, surrounded by countryside. The development is also located just 10 minutes from the M9, providing an ideal base for travel to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Prices at Doune Riggs start from just £149,000 for a two bedroom mid terrace Argaty; however eligible purchasers who take advantage of Miller Homes’ very own MiWay* initiative can secure one of these properties with a mortgage from just £111,750.

MiWay makes homeownership more affordable for today’s would-be buyers, as it means they simply need to arrange their own finance for 75 per cent of the purchase price, with Miller Homes providing a loan of up to 25 per cent. Exclusively available through Miller Homes, the initiative still gives buyers 100 per cent ownership of their property from day one.

Anne Marie Britton, Miller Homes’ regional sales director for Scotland East, said: “Doune Riggs is becoming increasingly popular with first-time buyers, and anecdotal evidence suggests that this key purchaser group is attracted by the availability of MiWay* on selected plots at the development together with the choice of new homes which are ideal for those taking their first steps onto the property ladder. Affordability can be a real issue for buyers in a challenging market and with Miller Homes reducing the mortgage amount needed, and thereby reducing the monthly outgoings of homeowners, purchasing a new home instantly becomes a much more achievable prospect for many.”

A range of unique house types have been designed by Miller Homes specifically for Doune Riggs. The two-bedroom Argaty mid terrace and three-bedroom Kilbryde mid terrace are among the house styles which are proving to be a must-see for first time buyers looking for a perfect rural retreat with the Miller Homes stamp of quality.

The two-bedroom terraced Argaty comes complete with a parking space and is ideal for new homeowners. On the ground floor, the hallway leads to a beautiful kitchen, a downstairs cloakroom, and a lounge which runs along the width of the property and is flooded with natural light from French doors to the rear garden. Upstairs there is a bathroom and two bedrooms which both have fitted wardrobes.

For homebuyers looking for a four bedroom family home, there is plenty of choice on offer on Doune Riggs. The selection of impressive four-bedroom properties starts from just £190,000 for the Deanston End – or from £142,500 for those who use the MiWay scheme. Alternatively, those who have an existing property to sell but want to move now can take advantage of MiSwap – Miller Homes’ very own home exchange scheme.

MiSwap enables buyers to swap their current property for one of Miller Homes’ selected plots, regardless of whether they are downsizing or upsizing, and even if there is no difference between the values of the two. This marks a radical departure from traditional part exchange schemes which usually require a homeowner to purchase a property worth at least 30 per cent more than their existing home to qualify.

Anne Marie continued: “The appeal of living in a bustling village with an active community, which is less than 35 miles away from Glasgow and approximately 40 miles from Edinburgh, is evidently becoming stronger as this popular development continues to become established as a desirable new residential address. What’s more, Miller Homes has an award-winning team in place at Doune Riggs to support homebuyers no matter what stage of the property ladder they are at, so the message is to come and talk to us about your requirements and be part of the success story.”