A helping hand to purchase new homes in Telford

The Government-backed FirstBuy scheme provides the ideal opportunity for Shropshire property-seekers to leave renting behind at Taylor Wimpey's The Cloisters development of new homes for sale in Telford - as first-time buyer Claire Parish discovered.

When Claire Parish decided to move back to her hometown and purchase a new property in Telford after four years in London, it was to escape the capital's soaring cost of living and to stand a chance of finally becoming a homeowner.

The 34-year-old nurse was sick of lining the pockets of landlords by stumping up expensive rents for ordinary accommodation, and wanted to put her hard-earned wages towards purchasing a Telford property.

Returning to the Midlands gave Claire fresh hope of stepping on the property ladder - and hope soon turned into reality after she found out about the fantastic FirstBuy scheme at Taylor Wimpey's popular The Cloisters development of apartments and houses for sale in Telford.

"London's a really pricey place to live, so I had to stay in rented accommodation, which felt like I was always moving from one house to the next," says Claire, reflecting on her move to the Taylor Wimpey Telford development. "At the time, it seemed like I would never be able to afford my own property.

"But then I got a job in my home town and moved in with my parents so I could save some money. Soon after I found out that FirstBuy was available at The Cloisters and could help me to buy a home with just a 5% deposit.

"Because I'm single, my situation is considered even more of a risk by many mortgage providers, so the FirstBuy scheme was exactly what I needed."

FirstBuy allows qualifying first-time buyers to secure selected new homes at The Cloisters for just 80% of their full price, including a 5% deposit, subject to status.

"My parents have always lived in new-build homes and I really wanted a house rather than an apartment, if I could afford it," adds Claire.

"Fortunately, Taylor Wimpey had the perfect place for me. I picked a beautiful two-bedroom design with a light and airy living room and a really nice kitchen. And because I bought it off-plan, I was able to choose all the little details and finishing touches to my individual taste.

"As a first-time buyer, I thought purchasing a home would be a nerve-wracking experience, but the Sales Executive at The Cloisters helped make sure it was a simple and straightforward process.

"Now that I'm living in my brand new home, I'm so happy. After so many years in rented accommodation, it's such a relief to finally have somewhere permanent of my own to live."

There's a superb selection of properties currently on sale at The Cloisters, including three-bedroom houses priced from just £194,995 and four-bedroom homes from only £199,995, with selected plots available under the FirstBuy scheme.

FirstBuy works through a joint loan of 20% from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Taylor Wimpey, which 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 Cloisters is located near the affluent neighbourhood of Priorslee and forms part of the wider new community of Redhill Park, a 40-acre site boasting its very own ecology park with ponds, footpaths and bridleways.

Watersports, fishing, wildlife-watching and relaxing walks can all be enjoyed at Priorslee Lake, while this charming area benefits from two well-regarded primary schools, a range of local shops, a pharmacy and a medical centre.

The Cloisters is also close to the popular neighbourhoods of Donnington and Donnington Wood, where a range of local shops and amenities can be found, including a choice of four supermarkets. Popular with walkers and for family days out, Wrockwardine Wood, with its lake and leafy trails, is also nearby.

Telford town centre has an excellent infrastructure worthy of any big city, with superb shopping, leisure, entertainment and education facilities, including more than 150 stores, plus cafes, bars and restaurants at Telford's shopping centre, as well as Oakengate Theatre, Telford Ice Rink, Telford Ski Centre and a multi-screen cinema.

For commuters, The Cloisters is within easy reach of the A5, and lies two miles from Junction 4 of the M54 for Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury and for quick links to the M6 and M6 Toll to Staffordshire and Birmingham. Regular direct rail services operate from three stations in the town to Wolverhampton, Shrewsbury and Birmingham New Street.

First-time buyers can find out more about stepping on the property ladder at The Cloisters by visiting the Sales Centre, located off Redhill Way, Telford, TF2 9GT, open Thursday to Monday from 11am to 5pm.

See Also: Property News (8681), Taylor Wimpey (2487), The Cloisters (11), Telford (59)