‘We never thought it would be possible’

Taylor Wimpey helps new parents clare and craig on to property ladder with their ideal family home.

With a baby on the way, parents-to-be Clare Spencer and Craig Martindale dreamed of swapping their small rented flat for a larger home of their own.

But after being told they would need a deposit of at least £30,000 to take their first step on to the property ladder, the young couple feared it might take several years of saving before their dream could become a reality.

Fortunately, they found out about HomeBuy Direct at Taylor Wimpey’s The Romans at Augusta Park development in Andover. Available now on selected properties at developments across the region, this incredible initiative allows first-time buyers to secure 100% of their home for just 70% of the purchase price – with no need for a hefty deposit.

Not only did the scheme allow Clare and Craig to invest in their first home together, it gave them enough financial flexibility to choose a larger house than they thought they would be able to afford.

Now the proud parents are settling into their brand new three-bedroom ‘Crofton’ house at The Romans with their baby son, Rudi.

Travel agent Clare (30) says: “The idea of owning our first home seemed a long way off until we discovered HomeBuy Direct. Looking back, we never would have thought it possible to be living in our own place so soon, but Taylor Wimpey helped it to happen without us having to save a big deposit. Our dream has come true much quicker than we ever thought it would.”

The semi-detached ‘Crofton’ that Clare and 27-year-old lift engineer Craig chose is ideal for their needs, and benefits from a spacious lounge opening through French doors to the private rear garden, a large kitchen/dining room, a guest cloakroom, an en-suite master bedroom, a main bathroom and two further well-proportioned bedrooms, plus a garage and additional parking space outside.

Available from only £195,995, the ‘Crofton’ is just one of a wide selection of three and four-bedroom homes now on sale at The Romans at Augusta Park, with prices ranging from as little as £188,995 to £299,995.

By reserving their home before it was built, Clare and Craig took advantage of the many benefits of purchasing off-plan. They received a guaranteed price for the property on reservation and were also able to choose from a range of stylish interior Options, including kitchen units and appliances, carpets and flooring, to ensure it was completed to their personal specifications before they moved in.

And thanks to the attentiveness of Taylor Wimpey staff at the site, the couple’s move was free from hassle from start to finish.

“Everyone at Taylor Wimpey was absolutely fantastic – they were always keen to help us in any way possible and nothing was too much trouble,” Clare adds.

“Considering what people tell you about moving house being one of the most stressful things you’ll ever do, it was a totally stress-free experience – something we both really appreciated with a baby on the way.”

Although properties available under the HomeBuy Direct scheme are now sold out at The Romans at Augusta Park, the initiative is still available on a limited number of homes at Taylor Wimpey developments across the West London region.

Under the initiative, which is jointly funded by the housebuilder and the Homes and Communities Agency, qualifying first-time buyers need only find a 5% deposit and Taylor Wimpey will help arrange a mortgage covering 65% of the purchase price.

The remaining 30% equity comes in the form of a great-value loan which is interest-free for the first five years and low-interest for up to 20 years thereafter.

A range of time and money-saving schemes is on offer to customers at The Romans at Augusta Park, including help with deposits and legal fees for first-time buyers and assistance with finding a buyer for those with a property to sell. Incentives can be tailored to customers’ individual requirements and are subject to availability, with further information available from the Sales Executive.

The Romans at Augusta Park enjoys a prime position to the north of Andover town centre, bordering the beautiful Hampshire countryside.

A new primary school, community centre, sports hall and playing fields are to be constructed alongside the homes, as well as employment areas which may include new local shops and leisure amenities.

The development area is also home to mature trees, which are being incorporated into the landscape to form small parks and green spaces dotted between the homes.

A range of existing shops, including a supermarket, is within easy reach of the development, a choice of primary schools are located within half a mile, while a good choice of secondary and further education can be found in Andover.

Andover town centre is a five-minute drive from The Romans at Augusta Park, and home to the Chantry Centre for shopping, a cinema and a theatre, a leisure centre with pool and classes and activities for adults and children, and a choice of gyms.

Commuters will appreciate Andover railway station is also a five-minute drive from the development and provides regular services to Salisbury, Basingstoke and London Waterloo, while the M3 and M4 can be reached in 25 minutes.

See Also: Property News (6711), Taylor Wimpey (1863), Augusta Park (10), HomeBuy Direct (62)