According to Zoopla, after London, Surrey is one of the most expensive counties in the country to buy a property. So when newly-weds Sofia and Tom Brzostowski (26,27) decided to get onto the property ladder, even with several years-worth of savings behind them, they were struggling to raise a big enough deposit required to buy even the smallest of properties in the sought-after area. It wasn’t until they came across the government-backed Help to Buy scheme that the couple discovered that they were able to buy a brand new two-bedroom apartment at Viridium by Hodson Developments in Camberley with just a 5% deposit.

Help to Buy is the government-backed homebuying scheme that allows anyone buying a new home to do so with just a 5 % deposit. Homebuyers receive a 20% interest free equity loan which together with the deposit, allows them to gain access to much more affordable 75% mortgage interest rates. The scheme which is available on all new homes under the value of £600,000 has been very popular since its launch two years ago, helping thousands of buyers get on or move up the property ladder.

Sofia says: “We couldn’t quite believe it at first to be honest; Help to Buy looked too good to be true. Before we came across the scheme we didn’t think that we were even going to be able to stretch to a half decent one bedroom property in Surrey – everywhere just seems so expensive. However, we went to visit the Viridium development in Camberley and were shown how Help to Buy worked and were thrilled when we realised what we could get for our money. We fell in love with a beautiful two bedroom apartment on the top floor of the development and thanks to the 5% deposit requirement, we have been able to buy a much bigger home than we previously would have been able to.”

The recently married couple had been renting a compact one bedroom flat in Guildford where they were spending £850 a month in rent. Now, with Help to Buy Sofia and Tom are about to move into a spacious two bedroom apartment at Viridium where they expect to pay a monthly mortgage of just £820, offering them a small monthly saving.

Tom says: “The fact that we will now be paying less for our mortgage than we were previously paying in rent is madness. Not only is our new apartment bigger than the one we were renting but it is money that we are investing in our future and not throwing away. This way we can repay the loan with the money we would have saved towards a deposit – or just pay it back when we sell the property. We can’t believe how lucky we have been!”

Buying a top floor two bedroom apartment at the exclusive Viridium development right at the heart of Camberley, the couple are delighted with their new property. Offering superb views across Camberley and Surrey countryside, Sofia and Thomas hope that this will now be home for at least the next five years.

Sofia adds: “It’s so exciting – we just love our new apartment and can’t wait to move in. It has such a great layout with ensuite bathroom to the main bedroom and a lovely balcony to enjoy the far-reaching views.”

Located on Frimley Road, Viridium is an exclusive gated development by award-winning housebuilder, Hodson Developments. Set over three buildings with both countryside and town views Viridium comprises an outstanding collection of one, two and tree bedroom apartments, garden apartments and penthouses within private landscaped gardens. The development also provides private off-road over and underground parking for its residents.

Christie Alaimo, Sales Director for Hodson Developments comments: “Due to its lower deposit requirement and access to more affordable mortgage rates, Help to Buy doesn’t just help first time buyers like Sofia and Thomas, it helps anyone looking to buy a home for less upfront cost. The scheme has been a very popular way to buy a home at our Viridium development in Camberley, allowing homebuyers to buy a bigger property in this sought-after Surrey location.”

Ideally situated for Sofia to travel to work by train in both Guildford and London from nearby Camberley stations, Thomas will travel to Woking by car. Camberley is also well located for access to London, the M3 and the road network beyond with Heathrow just 16 miles away.

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.