Couple find dream home at Viridium with a little Help to Buy

Based on the amount they had saved for a deposit, first time buyers Sean Briggs and Veneta Stanton-Wharmby were looking at a maximum house price of around £220,000, which in the Surrey town of Camberley was not stretching far. On discovering the Help to Buy scheme at Viridium by Hodson Developments, the couple realised they could actually really afford to buy their dream first home.

By using Help to Buy, it meant that as well as only requiring a 5% deposit upfront, with the 20% equity loan from the government, they could also gain access to lower interest rates available with a 75% loan to value mortgage. As a result the couple were able to extend their budget by nearly £100,000 and buy a stylish new two–bedroom apartment complete with 30ft long glass balcony at Viridium. What’s more is that the couple will now only have to pay just over ten pounds more in monthly mortgage payments than they were paying previously in their rented property.

Aircraft engineer Sean says: “Thanks to Help to Buy suddenly we have been able to buy an amazing property that was previously out of our price range. As soon as we saw this particular apartment Viridium we knew we loved it, but it wasn’t until we did the sums with Help to Buy, that we realised we could actually afford to buy it. We only needed to pay a 5% deposit and as the government is providing us with a 20% equity loan, we were able to secure a mortgage with an interest rate of 2.2% – meaning really affordable monthly repayments. We can’t quite believe that we have managed to buy our first home here.”

Previously having thought they were going to have to buy a property that required a lot of work, given their budget, they are thrilled to move into ready-made home. Their brand new apartment not only requires no work, it also comes with a sophisticated new kitchen with top of the range appliances and specification included in the price, stylish bathrooms, ensuite and even luxury carpet throughout.

Body Shop Store Manager Veneta adds: “The prospect of having to do up a run down property was not what I had wanted at all but with the budget we had it felt like that was our only option. So when we found out we could get everything we wanted at Viridium with Help to Buy – and no need for any DIY – we wasted no time in paying a holding deposit to secure the property. The fact that it comes kitted out with all modern appliances is also a great help – meaning that we don’t have any more to pay out before moving in. I can quite honestly say it’s our dream first home and I can’t imagine anything I would want to change about it.”

Viridium is a contemporary new development located just off London Road in Camberley. A popular choice with those using the Help to Buy scheme, many homebuyers are enjoying the fact that they can purchase a high quality home in a sought after location with the 5% deposit equity loan scheme. Not just a first time buyer scheme, Help to Buy is open to any homebuyer looking to buy a new home under the value of £600,000.

Christie Alaimo, Sales Director for Hodson Developments comments: “Help to Buy is a super equity loan scheme that is helping many people move onto or up the property ladder. Combining a low deposit requirement with access to more affordable interest rates, it helps make moving home a reality and has been very popular at Viridium. What’s more is that the equity loan is interest free for five years and can even be paid back when the property is sold. Everyone’s a winner.”

Sean and Veneta purchased their ideal home at Viridium, a very spacious two-bedroom apartment with an impressive balcony stretching the entire length of the property. Providing the ideal living space, the twenty-something couple are looking forward to showing off their new home to their friends and family.

Veneta adds: “It’s just so nice and I can’t wait to for everyone to come and visit and we even have a great spare bedroom for anyone to stay. I had been so depressed about the whole housebuying situation but everything changed the moment we found Viridium and now I can’t stop smiling.”

Ideally situated for Sean’s work, Viridium is located just 15 miles from Heathrow for and is also a short walk from the town centre for Veneta. Camberley is also well located for access to London via Ascot by train, the M3 and the extended road network beyond.