Exclusive living is in reach for first time buyers

Home ownership is no longer just a dream for one young couple who have now bought their first property together at Taylor Wimpey Midlands’ stunning Highfield Gardens development in Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Sara and Bobby

Sara and Bobby

Sara Martin is returning to the West Midlands to be with her boyfriend Bobby Hare, who currently lives at home in Wolverhampton. The couple decided they didn’t want to rent and had been house hunting for their own place for a number of months. Thanks to the Government-backed 80% FirstBuy scheme, which is available on selected apartments at Highfield Gardens, their aspiration of buying a spacious new home in a desirable location will soon become a reality.

Bobby explains: “We wanted to find somewhere special for our first home. But we initially thought we’d have to compromise either on the size of property we bought or the area.

“Thankfully Sara’s mum had heard about FirstBuy and it was great to learn that the scheme was available on the homes at Highfield Gardens. It’s meant we’ve been able to buy a larger apartment in a great location – we can’t believe our luck!”

FirstBuy – subject to terms and conditions on selected plots – works through a joint loan of 20% from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Taylor Wimpey, which means that eligible purchasers only need to pay a 5% deposit and obtain a 75% loan-to-value mortgage. The loan is repayable at the end of the mortgage term or when the property is sold. To be eligible, purchasers must be first time buyers and the total household earning should be less than £60,000.

Bobby continues: “The sales executives at Highfield Gardens were really helpful, they talked us through the whole home buying process and how FirstBuy works, it was so straightforward. We discussed the initial deposit required and what our monthly mortgage payments are likely to be, so it’s really helped us budget our finances.”

Bobby and Sara’s two bedroom apartment is due to be completed in December and the couple are already planning their new life together in one of Birmingham’s most exclusive suburbs.

Sara adds: “As we’re both originally from the region we know Edgbaston really well and we still can’t believe we’ll be living there in our very own home. Plus having an extra bedroom is a real bonus as we can use it as a guest room when friends stay over.”

Anne Wallace, regional sales director for Taylor Wimpey Midlands, comments: “We’re delighted that home ownership is soon to be a reality for Bobby and Sara. FirstBuy is an excellent way to ensure buying your first home is more affordable and therefore achievable. I’d encourage anyone interested to visit our Highfield Gardens development to find out more.”

Currently available at the development is a selection of spacious one and two bedroom apartments, with prices starting from £154,995, or from as little as £123,996 through FirstBuy. This means just a £7,750 deposit is required to buy.

Highfield Gardens, set just behind Highfield Road, is appealing a wide range of purchasers including first time buyers and young professionals. Although located in leafy Edgbaston, the development is just a short distance from Birmingham’s thriving city centre, making it a very attractive place to call home.

To find out more about Highfield Gardens, Taylor Wimpey recommends booking a one to one appointment with the sales executive at the Hagley Road sales office. To make an appointment call 0845 072 6210. The sales office is open 10am to 5pm Friday to Wednesday, and 12pm to 7pm on Thursday. Alternatively visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/highfieldgardens