First-time buyer Tia Hurd feels ready to face the world on her own after securing a new house in Stowupland under the Home Reach initiative.
Thanks to the part-buy part-rent scheme, the 24-year-old has been able to move into a two-bedroom Hardwick property at Linden Homes’ Oak Farm Meadow development.
Tia, a HR assistant at a technology firm, saved up for three years while living with her parents and now feels as though she has been afforded a new sense of freedom.
She said: “It’s such a nice feeling to have my own space, be independent and be able to do the things I want to do. I feel like I’m truly ready to face the world on my own!”
Tia was able to purchase 64 per cent of the property, via a deposit and mortgage, and pay monthly rent on the remaining 36 per cent. She moved into her new semi-detached home at the end of December.
With Home Reach, eligible purchasers can buy a share of up to 75 per cent of a home and pay a low monthly rent on the remaining portion to leading part-buy part-rent provider heylo.
Tia commented: “I’ve always wanted my own place, but houses aren’t cheap. When I found out about Home Reach and realised I would qualify for the scheme, I started looking for developments that offered the initiative.
“It is such a great programme for getting yourself onto the housing ladder and I found it so helpful for securing my own place. Renting outright didn’t appeal to me as the monthly payments would have been more expensive than what I pay now, and I wouldn’t even get to call the house my own!
“Buying a house is a complex process but Nikki, the sales consultant from Linden Homes, was incredible and really helped me get to grips with the whole thing ?" I can’t fault the customer service at all!”
After looking at over 25 different houses in and around Suffolk, Tia came across Oak Farm Meadow at the end of July last year and was won over by its location.
Tia said: “I started seriously looking for a house last March but didn’t end up reserving until mid-August, as I wanted to find the perfect place.
“Oak Farm Meadow instantly won me over with its peaceful location and lovely green surroundings. It’s also close to Ipswich, Bury and Colchester, and still only a 25-minute drive from my parents.
“There are also great transport links to London, which will be ideal when I return to office working as my firm has an office based there as well as in Ipswich.
“I’m still exploring the local area but so far I’ve enjoyed visiting the local pub, the Crown at Stowupland, and have found my new favourite place for pancakes, Petite Pancakes.”
The new two-bedroom Hardwick house has also been a perfect fit for first-time buyer Tia.
She commented: “I originally thought I would buy somewhere and do it up, but I soon realised I wouldn’t really have the time with full-time work.
“I’m really glad I bought new as it was such a fun experience to watch the house being built and I love that fact I’ve been able to make it just how I want it ?" even down to picking my own flooring, tiles and cupboards.
“I love every part of the house and the fact that I can look out my window to a view of beautiful green surroundings, but my favourite room is probably the open-plan kitchen. The spare room has also made for a great office while I’m working from home as my desk fits perfectly!
“As soon as my garden is turfed, my two cockapoos ?" Oakley and Olive ?" will be able to come and live in the house with me, which I’m so excited for. The local area is great for walks and I just know they’re going to love it.”
As more residents continue to move into Oak Farm Meadow, Tia is looking forward to meeting her new neighbours.
She said: “I’ve already met some of the other residents at a recent pizza and prosecco night held by the sales team, which was lovely. I’m excited to continue meeting more of my neighbours in the coming months!”
Linden Homes, part of Vistry Group, is building a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes at Oak Farm Meadow, with three and four-bedroom designs currently available. A three-bedroom Eveleigh A house type is currently available to purchase under the Home Reach Scheme, priced from £152,498 for a 50 per cent share.
For more information, call the sales team at Oak Farm Meadow on 01449 424637.
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Contact: Press.Office@vistrygroup.co.uk
