Deposit Unlock helps couple onto the property ladder
A couple who have been eagerly waiting for homes to be released in Wichelstowe have become the first buyers to reserve at the new Orchards Rise development.
Florence (31) and Christian (40) have rented a two-bedroom terraced property in Swindon for the past five years, around a ten-minute walk away from the site. They’ve been keen to put down roots specifically at Wichelstowe, which is close to many of their friends and family, given the wealth of amenities on the doorstep, along with the nearby canal and endless open space.
Rather than move into a smaller property, they’ve been saving for a few years to raise a deposit for a three-bedroom home, should their family expand in the future. Commenting, Florence, who works in IT management, said: “We became aware of Orchards Rise a few months ago, having noticed the ‘coming soon’ signs when we drove past, and we knew it’s where we wanted to buy our first home together.
“Saving for a deposit while renting has been hard. Not only has it held us back from being able to own our own home, but we haven’t been able to think about starting a family while we’ve been living in a rental property.
“We couldn’t believe our luck when we found out the home we wanted was available with the Deposit Unlock scheme as it meant we only needed to put down five per cent. Had we have needed to raise ten per cent which we thought was the ‘norm’, this would’ve put our property search on hold for at least another couple of years.”
Civil servant, Christian, added: “We both work from home a lot so we’re looking forward to having more space so we can separate our work and private lives. We’ll also have a driveway and garage which will be a real luxury after being without either for so long! We have an electric vehicle and we currently have to trail the charger along the road and through our letter box so it’ll be much more convenient being able to charge it on our own drive!
“We’ve been waiting a long time to find ‘the one’ – somewhere we can see ourselves living for the next ten to 15 years – and we feel incredibly fortunate to have found what I’m sure will be our long-term family home.”
Louise Ware, sales director at Barratt David Wilson Homes South West, said: “We are so pleased to have helped Florence and Christian secure their first home together. The Deposit Unlock scheme has been lifechanging for so many buyers like them as it can mean the difference between having to wait while they save or buy much quicker. I know how excited they are to move in, which is why we involved them in the build of their new home, and I wish them both many happy years at Orchards Rise.”
Florence concluded: “My sister has recently reserved at Wichel Fields so it’s great going through the journey with her. I can’t wait until we’ve both moved in so we can enjoy this fantastic new community together.”
Deposit Unlock is a new scheme devised in collaboration with lenders and the home building industry which enables first time buyers and existing homeowners to purchase a new-build home with a five per cent deposit.
The Wichelstowe development is being built by Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes in partnership with Swindon Borough Council which will deliver 3,000 new homes over the next 20 years, along with new schools and community facilities. The 250-hectare site on the southern edge of Swindon will include extensive open spaces, nature conservation areas, playing pitches and allotments.
Orchards Rise is a development of two, three, four and five bedroom homes. As part of this neighbourhood residents can enjoy 12km of new nature trails, play areas, 200 acres of open space and walks along the Wilts and Berks canal. Homes are within a 15-minute walk of M&S and Waitrose, PureGym and The Hall and Woodhouse restaurant. There’s also a range of schools for children of all ages within easy reach.
Junction 16 of the M4 and Swindon train station are both within a ten-minute drive, providing easy access to Bristol and London. Show homes are expected to launch in December.
Three bedroom homes at Orchards Rise are currently priced from £350,000 and four bedroom homes are currently priced from £395,000. Via a new interactive site map, prospective buyers now have the opportunity to take a virtual tour around the development to get a feel for what it would be like to live at Orchards Rise. Visit: https://siteplan.uk/DWH/Orchards-Rise/