FirstBuy to the rescue for Birstall family
A young family who admit they’ve been throwing money away by renting and yet have found saving for a deposit hard, have now been able to take their first step onto the property ladder thanks to Persimmon Homes and the Government-backed FirstBuy shared equity scheme.
Ashley Brucki, his wife Claire and their 11 month old son Stefan, are settling into a stunning three-bedroom house they could once only have dreamed of, at Persimmon’s popular Saxon Gate development in Birstall.
The couple had been renting a property over the last few years and were keen to buy their first home together and continue to bring up Stefan in the area, close to their families.
Ashley, who works for a vehicle breakdown recovery business, says: “We knew we were just throwing away around £500 a month on rent but we simply couldn’t get enough money together to buy the kind of property we wanted.
“We’d looked at various schemes designed to help people like us get onto the property ladder but nothing had come to fruition and we were starting to feel it was never going to happen.”
But then the couple heard about the new Government-funded shared equity scheme which offers eligible applicants an equity loan of up to 20 per cent of the purchase price of a property. Buyers then gain a mortgage for the remaining amount.
The scheme is particularly aimed at helping first time buyers onto the property ladder and is available on selected plots at Saxon Gate in Hallam Fields Road.
Ashley added: “When we realised FirstBuy was available at Saxon Gate we decided to go along and find out more. The sales and independent mortgage advisers were exceptionally helpful and were able to answer all the queries we had.
“We have family members in this area so we were keen to stay local and he thought the development would be ideal for us.
“It is well located for us both in terms of getting to work as Claire works at Leicester Royal Infirmary, not a million miles away, and I’m close to the motorway network which is just perfect for me as I have to go all over the place. There are also good schools in the area which will be great for Stefan when he’s a bit older.
“We were really pleased when we found out we could take advantage of the FirstBuy scheme and afford a lovely property which is ideal for a growing family.”
Ashley and Claire snapped up an attractive Surrey house design, which boasts three bedrooms, plus en-suite to the master bedroom and a family bathroom on the first floor and a good sized living room, kitchen/dining area and cloakroom on the ground floor.
Saxon Gate in Hallam Fields Road comprises a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes. The development offers a well connected and exciting new community, with the town featuring an eclectic mix of both entertainment and shopping facilities. There is also a good range of local shops and schools and excellent leisure facilities close by.
Tucked away in the popular area of Birstall, Saxon Gate is within ease of reach of Leicester and is ideal for commuters as junction 21a of the M1 is only a mile away. The nearby beautiful surroundings of Watersmead Country Park offer breathtaking scenery; cycle paths and watersport activities can also be enjoyed. Leicester’s National Space Centre is only a short drive away and local amenities are plentiful. Prices at Saxon Gate start from £159,995 for a three bedroom home.
For further information on properties available at Persimmon Homes North Midlands’ Saxon Gate development together with details of FirstBuy, visit persimmonhomes.com.
