MP Maria Miller has heard first-hand how the government-backed Help to Buy scheme is helping her constituents get their first foot on the property ladder.
The Basingstoke MP was a guest of Charles Church on Friday, at its Sherborne Fields development in the town, where she met a scientist who used the scheme to move from a cramped one bedroom property into a beautiful new home.
Natasha Bayliss and her husband Marc moved to Basingstoke to be between Natasha’s work in London and Marc’s in Salisbury. They bought a small property as a stop-gap before finding their dream home at Sherborne Fields.
Natasha, 33, said: “We wouldn’t have been able to move without Help to Buy. The Charles Church sales advisor put us in touch with a mortgage advisor and he helped us a lot. Using the scheme really didn’t make the purchase any more stressful.
“We’ve been in for five weeks and we’re really pleased. The house is lovely.”
Under the Help to Buy scheme, customers need as little as a five per cent deposit to secure a 75 per cent mortgage while the Government supplies up to 20 per cent of the purchase price in the form of an equity loan, which is interest free and repayment free for the first five years.
Following her visit to Sherborne Fields Maria Miller said: “Affordability is a huge issue for people trying to purchase a home.
“Having to find a five per cent deposit rather than up to 25 per cent, means more people who are able to afford a mortgage can own their own homes, and enjoy the security and peace of mind that brings.”
Sales director, Elaine Stratford, commented: “Help to Buy has not only helped buyers, but has also been a boost to the industry with the creation of jobs, not only on site but throughout the supply chain.
“As a group we have created jobs by appointing skilled trades and trade apprentices as well as trainee sales advisors. During her visit Maria Miller was able to meet our newest member of staff, trainee sales advisor Natasha Fertnig, who is a fantastic example of someone who is taking the opportunity to embark on a property career. “
Sherborne Fields is a development of two bedroom apartments and two, three and four bedroom homes on Aldermaston Road offering a vibrant new community just outside the market town of Basingstoke, ideal for commuters and families alike.
Situated close to convenient transport links, Basingstoke Railway station is less than three miles away offering journey times into London in under an hour while the M3 provides quick and easy links into London, the south east and the south coast is just minutes away.
Using the Help to Buy scheme houses at Sherborne Fields are currently available with a deposit of £13,498.
Phase two of the development has now been released with three and four bedroom homes available. Visit www.charleschurch.com for more information or visit the Sherborne Fields show home on Aldermaston Road, RG24 9XF.