First-time-buyers purchase forever home with Help to Buy

Husband and wife Stephen and Cheryl Ford, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, had been looking to buy their own home for a couple of years, but never found ‘the one’, until they came across The Avenue on Wigan Road.

Located close to their three bedroom semi-detached rented house, the couple watched the development under construction and visited the show home as soon as it opened.

After years of looking where either the location or house itself was not quite right, Cheryl and Stephen were instantly attracted to the Oakwood house type at The Avenue. 

As first-time-buyers and with it being a four bedroom detached home, the pair didn’t think that they would ever be able to afford it, however once Help to Buy was explained to them, they were thrilled to learn that they could in fact purchase their dream home.

Cheryl, aged 30, says: “We had heard of Help to Buy before but didn’t think that it could help us, until the Bellway sales advisor at The Avenue explained the scheme and its benefits in detail.  It became apparent that we had been badly and inaccurately advised over the years, so it was great to finally understand the scheme and actually take advantage of it to purchase the Oakwood. 

“Buying a four bedroom detached home as first-time-buyers is a great feeling.  We had the 5% deposit and using the Government’s interest free equity loan, we were able to secure a five-year fixed rate mortgage for the remaining amount.  We finally own our own home and the monthly mortgage payments are less than what we paid every month in rent, which is just fantastic.”

With a range of three and four bedroom homes available, The Avenue is a popular development with first-time-buyers and families alike, as well as those looking to downsize.

The Oakwood, priced from £254,995, is one of the largest properties at the development.  The ground floor features an open-plan kitchen and dining area with French doors that lead into the rear garden, a practical utility room, wc and a spacious living room with double doors that can open up to extend the open-plan living environment.  

Upstairs, there are three double bedrooms and one single bedroom, and the main bathroom.  Adding a touch of luxury is the en suite shower room to the master bedroom.  Completing this property is the integral single garage, accessed directly from the hall, and off-road parking.

Cheryl adds: “We have settled in so well and just love our new home.  The open-plan kitchen and dining area is a great space for everyday living and it’s nice to have a separate lounge to relax and unwind in.  With four bedrooms we have plenty of space upstairs too!”

The Avenue is conveniently located just four miles from Wigan and only two miles from junction 25 of the M6 motorway, and the development enjoys excellent everyday amenities. 

For further information please contact Bellway on 01942 665064 (open Monday and Friday from 10am until 5pm, Thursday from 10am until 7pm and weekends from 11am until 5pm) or visit www.bellway.co.uk.