A lack of mortgage funding, high property prices and the rising cost of living has hit first-time buyers harder than most of us over the last few years, however there is good news amidst the on-going economic uncertainty; new figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) reveal that mortgage approvals for first-time buyers in August 2011 rose by 5% from the previous month*. This, along with some new mortgage products specifically targeted at first-time buyers, is likely to encourage younger buyers to realise their dream of owning their own home.
Annette Cole, Sales & Marketing Director for Crest Nicholson Eastern, said: “It’s great to see positive news at last for first-time buyers. The figures from the CML, along with some of the new 90% mortgages, should demonstrate to people that owning their own home is still a realistic proposition. For anyone that does have a deposit of at least 10% now is a good time to buy a property, as low interest rates mean that monthly mortgage repayments are often cheaper than monthly rent payments.
“We know from our own experience that the challenging market is not deterring most first-time buyers as we continue to receive high volumes of enquiries and there continues to be a real determination amongst many to own their own home. Crest Nicholson offers a range of incentives to help buyers at our developments and we’ve helped countless first-time buyers get a foothold on the property ladder when they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford to buy. Anyone wanting more information can visit the sales and marketing suite at our Ingress Park, Avante, Liberty Park and Hardy’s Gate developments in Kent and talk to our expert sales advisors for more information and to find out about the properties and incentives available.”
Papermill Walk is the latest phase of homes to be released for sale at Ingress Park in Greenhithe and offers properties to suit all types of homebuyer, such as one and two-bedroom apartments and coach houses, two and three-bedroom cottages and three and four-bedroom houses in a range of styles. This phase will be the last small neighbourhood offering houses at Ingress Park and the design of this phase has been carefully created to offer a community way of life, including some desirable detached homes which are highly sought after in the area. Many of the properties on offer have a balcony or terrace for residents to enjoy the views of either the river or the grounds of Ingress Park.
The last few properties remaining at The Pier at Ingress Park include a two bedroom apartment, as well as two and three bedroom penthouse apartments with their own roof terraces offering spectacular views across the Thames towards the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at Dartford.
One, two and three-bedroom apartments, one-bedroom coach houses and three and four-bedroom houses are currently available at Ingress Park. Prices start from £162,500. For further information or to arrange a viewing please call the Sales & Marketing Suite on 0870 752 4370 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/ingresspark.
Just two houses remain for sale at Avante in Maidstone. Due to the spacious open-plan layout, the popular three-bedroom ‘Amber’ house design is ideal for young families and professionals. The living space is arranged across two floors, with an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area on the ground floor. The central roof lantern floods the space with daylight and also provides natural ventilation and improves solar gain. The first floor is home to the three double bedrooms and a family bathroom.
The final Amber houses are priced at £199,500. For further information please contact the sales and marketing suite on 0870 755 9830 or visit www.crestnicholson.com.
Currently available at Liberty Park in Wainscott are a selection of one and two-bedroom apartments, stylish coach houses and two, three and four bedroom houses. Externally, properties blend traditional design elements, such as weatherboarding and hanging tiles, with features including dormer windows and varied roof elevations to create a development that suits the Kent vernacular. Homes are situated on pretty tree-lined boulevards, surrounded by landscaped open space.
Apartment prices start from £122,500 with prices for two, three and four-bedroom houses starting from £147,500. For further information please contact Crest Nicholson on 0870 752 4382 or visit www.crestnicholson.com/LibertyPark
Hardy’s Gate in Dartford is an attractive development consisting of two-bedroom coach houses, two and three-bedroom cottages and four-bedroom detached family houses. Perfectly placed for access to the town centre, residents benefit from two shopping centres and a bustling high street. The impressive Bluewater shopping centre is nearby which, in addition to shops, also offers restaurants, bars and a cinema. The development is also within the catchment area for the top schools in Dartford and adjacent to the sought-after Dartford Grammar School for Girls, making it an aspirational area for families to move to.
Two, three and four-bedroom homes are available at Hardy’s Gate with prices starting from £229,500. For further information, please contact the sales and marketing suite on 0870 757 8188 or visit www.crestnicholson.com.