Leading British kitchen and interior design studio, Brandt Design, has been commissioned to design and install a selection of contemporary kitchens for leading property management company, Peabody at The Scene, Amersham Vale: a landmark development in New Cross, South London in partnership with residential developer, Sherrygreen Homes. Situated in Amersham
A collection of outstanding new homes is coming soon to Binfield giving off-plan buyers the chance to get in early and have their pick of these high specification properties. Located on a leafy lane at the edge of the village, Tilehurst Green is a traditionally styled development from premium housebuilder
Recent recipient of the Housing Design Award ‘Building with Nature’ 2021 for its Knights Park development in Cambridge, Hill Group, has committed its support to tackle climate change ahead of the upcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. COP26 will focus on the global commitments
Bellway is close to completing work on a development of 243 homes on the site of a former hospital in Colchester. The developer built 96 homes as part of the first phase of regeneration at Kingswood Heath, on land off Boxted Road which previously sat within the grounds of Severalls
National equipment hire and services provider Speedy has been selected to light up the perimeter of the COP26 climate summit with a sustainable lighting system that will save an estimated 6,200 litres of diesel and 16 tonnes of CO2e. Speedy’s National Support Centre located in Glasgow is providing a total
A new survey from rental platform LettingaProperty.com has revealed how hugely important green issues have become to the UK’s renters who are willing to pay more for greener homes. A staggering 98% of respondents said that they would prefer a property that was optimised to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs
Homebuyers eager to make one of London’s coolest neighbourhoods their home should head to award-winning housebuilder Hill’s development, Fish Island Village in the vibrant canal-side surroundings of Hackney Wick. A landmark development of stylish new homes in partnership with London housing association Peabody, Fish Island Village forms an integral part
hgh Consulting, the London-based planning and development advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Nick Belsten, former Director of WSP Indigo, to its executive board. Having played a leading role in the growth of the Indigo Planning business from 2014 until its acquisition by WSP in 2019, Nick is a qualified
A showhome is set to be unveiled this month at a new development on a former school site in Forest Hill. Bellway London Partnerships will be opening the doors to a showhome at Dacres Wood Court – a 59-apartment development on the former home of Our Lady and St Philip
Vistry East Midlands has teamed up with a new mortgage provider to give house-hunters in the region a helping hand onto the property ladder. The housebuilder, part of the Vistry Group which comprises Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Vistry Partnerships, has joined forces with Generation Home to make home ownership
Leading British kitchen and interior design studio, Brandt Design, has been commissioned to design and install a selection of contemporary kitchens for leading property management company, Peabody at The Scene, Amersham Vale: a landmark development in New Cross, South London in partnership with residential developer, Sherrygreen Homes. Situated in Amersham Vale, this landmark development of 120 apartments, houses and duplexes with select homes available through the ‘Help to Buy’ scheme, are within a short stroll of Deptford high street, Market Yard and nearby New Cross and Deptford rail stations. The Scene in SE14, is a man-made urban village that transitions into Victorian terraces and newly landscaped Charlottenburg Park. The team at Brandt Design, is very proud to play its part in transforming this vibrant part of London in collaboration with PRP Architects and BDP Landscape Architects. “We believe in the democracy of design and feel that everyone should be able to enjoy a kitchen, which is efficient, beautifully designed and made ergonomically,” says Julia Steadman, Commercial Director at Brandt Design. “The Scene is a superb addition to our project portfolio, alongside other premium housing developments in Milton Keynes, Birmingham and high specification work across the luxury residential market. The growing appreciation for person-centred design means there is an expectation to pay close attention to the finer details and provide maximum utility to the end-user in order to ensure the UK property market remains buoyant, with variety and creativity at all levels,” adds Julia. Residents at The Scene in Amersham Vale will all benefit from contemporary handleless kitchens specially curated from the Brandt Urban Collection, with contemporary Putty Concrete Pearl Grey slab doors for the ultimate in industrial-style. Inspired by the suburban colours of the city, this high-performance furniture range is complemented by Silestone stone-effect worktops and upstands in Snow White alongside Amtico White Ash wood-effect flooring, which captures the essence of today’s popular mixed materials trend. All kitchen appliances are by Bosch, from the integrated oven, built-in microwave and electric hob to the well-hidden dishwasher and built-in fridge-freezer. Waste and recycling bins are also cleverly integrated within the kitchen for a hygienic and tidy work space, free from clutter. Freestanding Bosh washer/dryers are located in the hallway, to maximise available cupboard space and minimise the noise pollution in this open plan kitchen living environment: for extra convenience, recessed LED downlights illuminate the worktops for optimum lighting when preparing and cooking food. “We are delighted to be able to put our stamp on such an upcoming development in South London, using our experience to create stylish and practical kitchens for future residents. Choosing a new home is a big decision and so the provision of the ‘right kitchen’ can make a huge difference to quality of life, which is why we opted for a made-to-measure modern design to reflect the dynamic look and feel of The Scene in Amersham Vale,” concludes Scott Davis, Director, Brandt Design.
A collection of outstanding new homes is coming soon to Binfield giving off-plan buyers the chance to get in early and have their pick of these high specification properties. Located on a leafy lane at the edge of the village, Tilehurst Green is a traditionally styled development from premium housebuilder Burrington Estates, its first in the Home Counties. Early purchasers will not only be able to personalise their finishes but may even have the option to select their own ground floor layout giving greater flexibility to suit individual lifestyles. The collection of homes at Tilehurst Green include a range of two, three and four bedroom houses with good sized gardens that will appeal to a wide mix of buyers. Situated on Tilehurst Lane, one of the prime addresses in Binfield, the development has an attractive country feel with central village green, set against a backdrop of mature trees, yet in walking distance of everything the thriving village of Binfield has to offer. Burrington Estates is known for its collection of homes of distinction across the south west of England, with a long-standing track record of delivering sought after developments in excellent locations. Tilehurst Green presents the exciting first opportunity to purchase one of its properties in the Home Counties, with the development launching for sale in November to those who want to take the opportunity to purchase off-plan, along with the opening of the new show home in Spring 2022. The first homes will be ready to move into next spring. Designed to blend with the local village style and complement the surrounding countryside, the architecture at Tilehurst Green is traditionally inspired using materials including heritage brick, chalk flint and black weatherboarding. Contrasting with the timeless exteriors, the contemporary interior specification showcases the latest in high quality design including the energy saving features and premium fixtures and fittings. Off-plan purchasers will have a choice of finishes and, on certain plots, there is also the option to decide whether the ground floor accommodation is open-plan or has a separate room to use as a home office or snug. “We are delighted to announce the launch of Tilehurst Green offering buyers the first opportunity to secure a brand new home in this fantastic leafy location in Binfield. We believe Burrington properties are a cut above the rest with our quality specification that comes as standard and our emphasis on attention to detail and craftsmanship. We know that good quality, traditionally-styled homes are popular in this area and so we expect demand to be strong, but those that get in early and buy off-plan have the advantage of being able to personalise their home and make it exactly as they want it,” said John Scott, Sales and Marketing Director at Burrington Estates. Highlights of Burrington Estates’ carefully chosen specification include; a choice of Shaker or contemporary Scandinavian style kitchen units; and statement Laufen sanitaryware. Kitchen and dining areas incorporate bi-fold doors to create spaces filled with natural light and offering seamless indoor / outdoor living. On select plots, buyers at an early stage of construction can choose the configuration of their ground floor with the option to include a wall to create a separate space for home working or a family room, or leave it all open plan as a large living/dining area. Burrington Estates is offering this choice, subject to stage of build, to reflect the evolving ways we use our homes, with more people remote working than ever before, and the increasing importance of creating spaces that work for all members of the family. All properties at Tilehurst Green will also benefit from numerous green credentials, including air source heat pumps installed to generate renewable heat and cut the cost of energy bills. Electric car charging points are also offered to all driveways, alongside energy efficient underfloor heating which not only contributes to reducing energy bills, but also provides a minimalist look for modern living. Binfield is a hub for families with its green open spaces, local amenities and excellent schools, including the King’s Academy Binfield, the first all-through school in Bracknell Forest. Residents of Tilehurst Green will be conveniently located within walking distance of Binfield’s shops, cafes and country pubs. Attractive village living is combined with the convenience of Bracknell town centre less than three miles away. Thanks to regeneration in recent years, Bracknell offers a wide range of shopping and leisure facilities including the Lexicon shopping centre, Waitrose and many other high street shops, as well as direct trains to London Waterloo in around an hour.
Recent recipient of the Housing Design Award ‘Building with Nature’ 2021 for its Knights Park development in Cambridge, Hill Group, has committed its support to tackle climate change ahead of the upcoming 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. COP26 will focus on the global commitments of nations to reducing carbon emissions and reversing ecological and biodiversity decline. As a leading privately-owned housebuilder, Hill recognises that it has a part to play in helping the UK meet its commitments by building low carbon, resilient and safe homes constructed sustainably and designed to ensure buyers consume fewer resources and enjoy a closeness to nature that helps to create sustainable communities and promote the wellbeing of residents. Hill has committed to achieving net-zero carbon in its Scope 1 and 2 business operations by 2030 and net-zero operational carbon in the homes they build by 2030, twenty years ahead of the UK’s broad 2050 net-zero carbon target. Additionally, Hill has committed to achieving Biodiversity Net Gain on all its future land-led developments. Hill has already modelled a range of house types and apartment layouts to interrogate CO2 reduction performance standards required for delivering future homes, proving its worth for the Housing Design Award. This will see the phasing out of fossil fuels, with electricity becoming the primary low-carbon energy source powering air source heat pumps. Photovoltaics and battery storage are likely to be part of the optimal solution too. Hill’s solutions will include improved building fabric performance, reduced embodied carbon of materials, increased off-site manufacture, increased air-tightness, better thermal bridging and supply chain deliverability. In addition, increased reliance on electricity as the primary energy source, and increased need for electricity for car charging points, is already causing Hill to look at grid capacity and planning additional sub-stations into development layouts. “At Hill, we are always keen to be at the forefront of any industry changes, and we already have live projects at design and early construction stage featuring a range of house and apartment types which will meet the expected Future Homes Standard and deliver ‘net-zero ready’ homes several years ahead of the anticipated regulatory timescale,” said Brendan Ritchie, Head of Sustainability at Hill Group. “But our solutions must ensure that homes remain affordable to run. We must avoid fuel poverty as an unintended consequence of the drive towards zero carbon homes. We have lots to do to be ‘Future Homes’ and zero-carbon ‘ready’ as a sector. However, at Hill, we are confident that our pioneering approach alongside the national background of continual de-carbonisation of the electricity grid will help us find optimal solutions.” Awarded the 2021 Housing Design Award in September 2021 for ‘Building with Nature’, Knights Park in Cambridge has set the standard for sustainable living. Located in the newly created urban extension of Eddington, Knight’s Park places resident wellbeing, sustainability and ecology at the forefront of the design. It uses innovative, seamlessly integrated construction methods to minimise environmental impact and is based around a neighbourhood principle for ‘living lightly’. The new houses include a wide range of sustainable features from high performing robust insulation and triple glazing to photovoltaic panels and mechanical ventilation in addition to heat recovery systems. Overall, it has been designed and constructed to Level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The energy centre in Eddington delivers heat and hot water to residents, with significant system efficiencies reducing C02 and energy wastage. In addition, the development-wide rainwater harvesting and sustainable urban drainage system is currently the largest in the UK and recycles rainwater through natural drainage features before filtering it and returning it to Hill’s new homes for use in washing machines and flushing toilets. An underground refuse storage system negates the need for unsightly wheelie bins and promotes recycling, and the development was designed to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, with interconnecting foot and cycle paths linking to the nearby City centre. Car parking is tucked away from sight in underground areas, creating a largely car-free environment at street level. Swales and verges create havens for wildlife and insects to flourish. Ecology, biodiversity, and enjoyment of plentiful open green spaces deliver a proximity to nature, a key characteristic of the development.
Bellway is close to completing work on a development of 243 homes on the site of a former hospital in Colchester. The developer built 96 homes as part of the first phase of regeneration at Kingswood Heath, on land off Boxted Road which previously sat within the grounds of Severalls Hospital. A further 128 homes being built by Bellway at Forest View, off Whitmore Drive, have been sold and construction work is nearing completion. “Kingswood Heath is an important development for Colchester. Bellway has played a part in planning and delivering high-quality homes in a setting which has been sensitively designed. After starting work in 2016 and following consistently strong sales, we are now nearing the end of the development,” said Jenny Walker, Sales Director for Bellway Essex. “The homes we have built range from apartments and coach houses through to townhouses and larger detached houses. There are 209 homes already occupied and the remaining residents will move into this new community over the coming months. “Bellway remains committed to building homes, creating jobs and encouraging the local economy to thrive in Colchester. We have recently started work on a new development, Hollytree Walk, off Bromley Way and the first homes are available to purchase.” Hollytree Walk will be a development of 145 homes that will provide two, three and four-bedroom houses. Prices currently start from £289,995.
National equipment hire and services provider Speedy has been selected to light up the perimeter of the COP26 climate summit with a sustainable lighting system that will save an estimated 6,200 litres of diesel and 16 tonnes of CO2e. Speedy’s National Support Centre located in Glasgow is providing a total of 400 linear lights which will run for two miles around the security perimeter of the venue. The bespoke solution developed by Speedy specifically for the event is made up of LED lighting towers and low energy beam control lighting heads. They are highly efficient, offering up to 200 lumens, or light energy, for each watt of power consumed. The lighting system, which will be in place for five weeks, will prevent noise pollution and fumes that would be produced if the lighting was powered by diesel. Speedy’s low carbon lighting system is also used on a number of other major infrastructure projects where sustainability is central including HS2 and national core renewal rail projects. “As such a historic and significant climate event, COP26 needed a supplier with the technology to deliver a low carbon solution to lighting, minimising the impact on the environment. COP26 will set out the gold standard for green events, so everything that goes into its infrastructure and management needs to be sustainable,” said Daryl Doherty, rail director at Speedy. “Speedy is a leading supplier of low and zero emission lighting, which is helping contractors in the events, construction and rail sectors to slash emissions. Being selected as the delivery partner to light up COP26 recognises our track record in delivering sustainable solutions across major UK projects, and offers us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how our innovative low carbon lighting technology can play an important role in delivering a carbon-zero project.” The contract win follows Speedy’s £6.3m investment in low-carbon lighting to help construction, infrastructure engineering and events contractors to reduce carbon emissions through electric-only operation. The business also recently partnered with Generac to develop and bring the industry’s first plug-in hybrid outdoor lighting tower, the Speedy V20 ECO Hybrid to the market. The Glasgow-based event is the most significant climate change conference since 2017, bringing together world leaders, government representatives, negotiators and businesses to tackle the climate crisis. COP26 will be a carbon-neutral conference, certified by the International Standard for Sustainable Events (ISO20121). It has a comprehensive Carbon Management Plan and will demonstrate leadership within the field of sustainable event management. For more information, visit: https://www.speedyservices.com/
A new survey from rental platform LettingaProperty.com has revealed how hugely important green issues have become to the UK’s renters who are willing to pay more for greener homes. A staggering 98% of respondents said that they would prefer a property that was optimised to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy costs and minimise environmental impact. Not only that, but tenants are prepared to pay more to rent in line with their principles. Over half of those surveyed (53%) were prepared to pay more for a greener property. Of those who were happy to stump up for sustainability, 52% would willingly pay 10% more rent, while 33% would accept a 5% rent increase. 8% of renters even said they would be willing to weather a rent increase of 20% if it meant they could rent a greener home. “We’ve heard a lot recently about the cost to landlords of making their properties greener, from replacing gas boilers with heat pumps to installing insulation. This survey has revealed that tenants are prepared to play their part too, with over half of renters happy to pay more for greener homes. It is overwhelmingly clear that tenants are demanding greener choices than the rental sector currently offers,” said Jonathan Daines, Founder and CEO, LettingaProperty.com. The vast majority of renters (85%) were happy to consider a ‘green lease’ as part of the solution to level up the rental sector’s sustainability credentials. Green leases include clauses designed to ensure the tenant and landlord work together to improve the home’s energy efficiency, while reducing costs and environmental impact. Tenants already expect their rental homes to deliver on a number of fronts when it comes to sustainability. 95% of renters expect their property to have double glazing and 92% expect it to have loft or wall insulation. 92% expect recycling bins as standard, while 73% expect LED lightbulbs. In terms of technology, 56% of renters expect smart meters and 38% expect smart thermostats. 50% of renters, meanwhile, expect dual flush toilets, while 26% expect solar panels and ground source heating.
Homebuyers eager to make one of London’s coolest neighbourhoods their home should head to award-winning housebuilder Hill’s development, Fish Island Village in the vibrant canal-side surroundings of Hackney Wick. A landmark development of stylish new homes in partnership with London housing association Peabody, Fish Island Village forms an integral part of a thriving new creative hub combined with unique spaces to live, work and socialise and since its birth has become a truly inspirational place to call home. Set to deliver the final collection of apartments next month, those keen to step on the ladder here should act now to avoid missing out on the final opportunity to be part of one of the capital’s most exciting new destinations. Comprising a superb selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, this final phase of homes will provide residents with access to a private rooftop garden with seating areas, as well as new commercial space. Occupying a prime Zone 2 location, homebuyers at Fish Island Village will have a huge variety of amenities at their disposal, both within the development and within easy walking distance. Residents will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness suite, a dedicated concierge service and secure cycle storage. Scattered courtyards offer breakout zones for social interaction and play, while a new public square provides a great space to sit, unwind and watch the world go by. The attractive canal side setting connects to a neat network of footpaths and cycleways that lead residents to a unique and spirited choice of cool bars, restaurants, shops and outdoor venues that cater for every imaginable ambiance. “Fish Island Village has been a tremendous success and we are extremely proud to have been part of bringing such a special collection of homes to London’s homebuyers. The final collection of apartments will mark the end of an era for Hill; however, we will leave a sustainable legacy and community behind that we hope will continue to thrive and flourish for many years to come. Homebuyers who are considering making Fish Island Village the place to start their homeownership journey should register their interest as soon as possible – we expect strong demand for these homes and urge prospective purchasers to book their viewing to avoid disappointment,” said Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director. Each of the spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments have been thoughtfully created and feature the usual high-quality specification and attention to detail found in a Hill home. Designed to combine community and convenience, many will enjoy views over the Hertford Union Canal, as well as the more private courtyard setting of Wanbeck Yard. A number of properties benefit from being within our Capitol Collection which provides the highest level of specification, and also have the added bonus of winter gardens, allowing owners to enjoy the outside whatever the weather. All residents will have access to a communal rooftop garden – a serene space ideal for relaxing, catching up with friends or even somewhere for keen gardeners to grow their own produce too. For those who relish time out, without having to leave the city, this particular spot offers stunning cityscape views across London’s iconic skyline – perfect for a morning coffee before work or somewhere to end the day watching the sun disappear over the capital. Residents can take a short 13-minute walk across to Here East where there is a host of shops, cafes, bars and even a spa to indulge in. The development is also just a fifteen-minute walk from the lively hub of Stratford where a haven of shopping and leisure venues await residents at Westfield Stratford City. Closer to home there is plenty to keep residents occupied. Popular dog café Barkney Wick is great place for furry friends and residents alike to relax with a coffee, London’s funky floating venues – The Milk Float and Barge East serve up a tasty treat or Number 90 is ideal for drinks with friends – with much more to explore. Commuters at Fish Island Village are taken care of. Hackney Wick station is a short 10-minute walk away and provides straightforward transport links to nearby Stratford, Kings Cross and Liverpool Street. From Stratford Station residents can reach North Greenwich, Canary Wharf and London Bridge in under 20 minutes. Stratford Olympic Village is a short walk and provides a whole host of activities and outside space to keep even the most active residents occupied.
hgh Consulting, the London-based planning and development advisory firm, has announced the appointment of Nick Belsten, former Director of WSP Indigo, to its executive board. Having played a leading role in the growth of the Indigo Planning business from 2014 until its acquisition by WSP in 2019, Nick is a qualified Chartered Surveyor who has advised on a number of significant recent central London projects. “I’m delighted to be joining hgh at a time when the firm is forging ahead. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to continue developing the hgh business and advising clients on significant projects and in delivering successful outcomes,” commented Nick Belsten on his appointment. Mongst those projects, we can include Argent’s mixed use regeneration of King’s Cross Central and Google’s HQ, the regeneration of the former News International site at Wapping, the Francis Crick Institute, the UK Centre for Dementia Research and Institute of Neurology. “This is an ideal time to welcome Nick to the team. His wide-ranging experience and working approach is a good fit with that of hgh’s at this point in our growth. He brings a wealth of expertise that not only enhances our talented team, but also boosts our extensive insight into major regeneration schemes and urban development,” said Patrick Grincell, Managing Director of hgh Consulting. hgh Consulting became an Employee Owned Trust in October 2021. The firm also has Steve Quartermain CBE, former Chief Planner, and Lord Matthew Taylor as key advisors. hgh Consulting is an independent specialist consultancy that guides clients through the complex UK planning system with a strong track record of success. Our team of experts are hand-picked for their experience across high profile and challenging projects, balancing legislative, planning and commercial objectives. As a trusted partner, hgh proactively advises clients, both domestic and international, with a hands-on, agile approach to diverse areas of planning and development.
A showhome is set to be unveiled this month at a new development on a former school site in Forest Hill. Bellway London Partnerships will be opening the doors to a showhome at Dacres Wood Court – a 59-apartment development on the former home of Our Lady and St Philip Neri Infant School – on Saturday 6 November. The homes, off Mayow Road, will be one, two and three-bedroom apartments, 20 of which will be provided as affordable housing for local people through rent or shared ownership. “Viewing the showhome at Dacres Wood Court will provide the perfect opportunity for buyers to visualise what it would be like to live in one of these brand-new apartments. This will be the first time visitors have the chance to look inside a completed home and we expect there to be a lot of interest in doing so. Sales are already going well and we anticipate that high level of demand to continue. The showhome, which is the first property to be completed on site, is a perfect example of the quality apartments on offer at Dacres Wood Court,” said Amie Triphook-Cole, Head of Sales for Bellway London Partnerships. The show apartment features an open plan living space off an entrance hall, with two bedrooms – one of which includes a suggested home-working zone, and a family bathroom. “The open-plan kitchen has integrated appliances and flows seamlessly into the dining and living area, which leads onto a terrace. All apartments will have a private outdoor space, giving buyers the option to work outside if the weather is kind or just to enjoy relaxing in the fresh air. All the homes within this development are below the London Help to Buy price cap and are proving to be extremely popular with first time-buyers. Work continues to progress well and we hope to see our first completions later this year, when we’ll welcome the first residents onto the development,” added Amie. London Help to Buy enables first-time buyers to secure a new-build home in the capital with a five per cent deposit and a 55 per cent mortgage. The remaining 40 per cent is provided in the form of a Government-backed equity loan, which is interest free for the first five years. The scheme, which runs until 2023, is now only available to first-time buyers and on homes under the regional price cap – which for London is £600,000. There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments currently on sale at Dacres Wood Court, with prices starting from £354,495.
Vistry East Midlands has teamed up with a new mortgage provider to give house-hunters in the region a helping hand onto the property ladder. The housebuilder, part of the Vistry Group which comprises Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Vistry Partnerships, has joined forces with Generation Home to make home ownership more accessible to young first-time buyers. Established in October last year, Generation Home offers a range of mortgage products with unique features which enable buyers to enlist the support of friends and relatives to boost their deposit or increase the amount they can borrow. Thanks to the partnership between Vistry East Midlands and the lender, people looking to buy a house at Linden Homes and Bovis Homes developments in the region will now be able to use a Generation Home mortgage to do so. “House prices in the UK increased by 13.2 per cent in the year to June, the highest annual growth since 2004. While this is good news for homeowners and a clear sign of the strength of the housing market, it does create challenges for those seeking to get onto the property ladder,” said Nic Chapman, sales and marketing director for Vistry East Midlands. “The Government’s Help to Buy scheme has played a pivotal role in making home ownership more affordable and accessible for first-time buyers, and many of our customers have benefited from using the scheme since it was introduced in 2013. Generation Home offers an excellent alternative for those who would struggle to secure the mortgage they need without assistance from friends or family. “First-time buyers are the lifeblood of the housing market, and we are keen to support initiatives which will help more people realise their dream of owning their own home. Making these products available now will also allow our customers to purchase their home much quicker.” Help to Buy is a Government-backed initiative that enables first-time buyers to put down a smaller deposit of just five per cent alongside a 75 per cent mortgage. This is supported by a 20 per cent equity loan from the Government, which is interest free for the first five years. Generation Home provides an alternative range of options to make getting onto the property ladder more affordable. With the Deposit Booster option, buyers can add a friend or relative onto the mortgage application to increase their household income and therefore enable them to borrow more. The Income Booster option means that buyers can receive a boost on their initial deposit from a friend or family member, who will then own a share of the property equal to their contribution.
