Homebuyers helped to purchase first Andover property

First-time buyers Alicia Shotter and Chris Casson became homeowners much sooner than they expected thanks to FirstBuy at Taylor Wimpey's The Romans at Augusta Park development of new homes for sale in Andover, Hampshire.

When Alicia Shotter and Chris Casson began looking for their first home together, they feared it would take years to find a property for sale in Andover that was within their price range.

By throwing money away on expensive rental accommodation, the would-be Hampshire property-seekers found it a real struggle to save the hefty deposit they thought it would take to secure their first home.

So, when an online search revealed they could access stylish Taylor Wimpey properties with just a 5% deposit under the FirstBuy scheme, Alicia and Chris couldn't wait to visit the leading housebuilder's The Romans at Augusta Park development of apartments and houses for sale in Andover.

"We'd been living in rental accommodation for two years and it just seemed like a waste of money - we were paying more than a mortgage would have cost and not getting anything in return," says Alicia (26), a Senior Learning Support Worker, reflecting on their search for new homes in Andover.

"So we moved in with my parents while saving for a deposit. We thought it would take ages, but then we heard about FirstBuy."

The couple visited The Romans at Augusta Park to view one of the apartments for sale in Andover at the development, but discovered that thanks to the excellent Government-backed FirstBuy incentive they could actually afford a stunning three-bedroom house.

"We started looking in October and we will be in our new home by the end of January, it's funny to think just a couple of months ago it looked like we would be living with my parents for years!" says Alicia.

"The move just wouldn't have happened without FirstBuy," adds Chris (23). "We've secured a lovely three-bedroom property with a garage and a garden. The development is really nice, we like all of the different houses and we already have some friends living at The Romans at Augusta Park, so we can't wait to settle in!

"Throughout the process, the Sales Team at the development have been wonderful. It's been reassuring for us to know there are professionals available who are willing to answer all of our questions. As first-time buyers, this is all new to us, so we've really valued their advice."

Under FirstBuy, selected new Taylor Wimpey homes at The Romans at Augusta Park can be accessed by eligible first-time buyers for 80% of the full price, including a 75% mortgage and a 5% deposit, subject to status.

FirstBuy works through a joint loan of 20% from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Taylor Wimpey. The loan is repayable at the end of the 25-year mortgage term or when the property is sold. To be eligible, purchasers must be first-time buyers and their total household earnings should be less than £60,000.

The stylish three-bedroom 'Hadrian' semi-detached property at Plot 470, priced at £194,995, is available with an 80% FirstBuy price of £155,996 - including a 5% deposit of just £9,750!

This stunning townhouse features a contemporary fitted kitchen, a spacious lounge opening through French doors to the private rear garden, and a handy guest cloakroom completing the ground floor layout.

Upstairs, the first-floor landing leads to two well-proportioned bedrooms and a main bathroom, while the en-suite master bedroom enjoys appealing seclusion on the top floor. Outside, the property benefits from two allocated parking spaces.

Alternatively, two-bedroom coach house-style apartments are available at The Romans at Augusta Park from just £160,000, while four-bedroom houses are priced from £274,995.

All new homes at The Romans at Augusta Park are completed to a high standard specification, including central heating, double glazing and fitted kitchen with integrated oven, hob and hood.

The development enjoys a prime position to the north of Andover town centre. 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.

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

Andover town centre is just over a mile from The Romans at Augusta Park, and home to the Chantry Centre for shopping, a cinema and a theatre, a leisure centre with pool, plus a choice of gyms.

Commuters will appreciate that Andover railway station is also just a short distance from the development and provides regular services to Salisbury, Basingstoke and London Waterloo, while the M3 and M4 are each within a 20-mile radius.

To find out more about FirstBuy at The Romans at Augusta Park, first-time buyers should visit the Sales Information Centre, located off Icknield Way, Andover, and open seven days a week between 10am and 5pm.

See Also: Property News (6705), Taylor Wimpey (1853), The Romans at Augusta Park (16), Andover (23), Hampshire (16)