Help to Buy accelerated the homebuying process for a couple of first time buyers as they secured their lockdown sanctuary in Red Lodge.

Unaware of the upcoming events at the time, Francesca (24) and Jordan (26) can now look back on a wise decision to use the moving scheme to acquire a home of their own at Barratt Homes' Hunter's Chase development. 

The couple, a Personal Assistant in Cambridge and an Engineer in Ely, were renting for a year before moving in with Francesca's parents to save up for their own home, whilst also cutting back on takeaways and social gatherings. 

Francesca said: “Help to Buy was a huge benefit for us as we were able to purchase a bigger home first time, and it's been nice to have a lot of space to ourselves over the last few months.

“We wanted a new build property so everything was already perfect and as we wanted it, and whilst social distancing we've had time to personalise our home with nice pictures and new curtains.”

Jordan's passion for gardening has also thrived during lockdown, introducing raised flower beds, hanging baskets and decking with a swinging chair to the garden to provide an outdoor space to enjoy the sunshine.

In using Help to Buy, they were able to purchase a four bedroom detached Alderney style home and, whilst a flooring package was included, used the savings to upgrade their kitchen with granite worktops as part of Barratt Homes' Choices range.

Francesca continued: “We love the kitchen and it's great for entertaining. The house has a really good social format and we've had family and friends over since the social distancing measures have eased, both in the living spaces and the garden.

“Moving in at the end of January meant it was a bit cooler, but we've found our home to be well insulated.” 

Not only did Francesca and Jordan make the most of lockdown inside the house, they also discovered the perks of the community at Hunter's Chase and its surrounding areas.

“Everyone was outside clapping for the NHS which was lovely, and we had social distanced street parties with our neighbours, sat at the end of our drives,” Francesca added.

“Jordan and I have also explored the nice footpaths around Red Lodge, which have helped maintain our daily exercise whilst walking our cockapoo puppy, Lulu.” 

The couple highlighted the essential amenities close by as a contributing factor to their move, most notably the shops and the schools for when they begin their family planning. 

Annette Hurst, Sales Director at Barratt Homes Eastern Counties, said: “We're pleased to hear Francesca and Jordan are enjoying their new home at our Hunter's Chase community.

“It's also refreshing to learn how the Help to Buy scheme enabled them to secure a home of their own and make the most of a challenging situation over the last few months.”

There is currently a selection of three bedroom properties available at Hunter's Chase with prices starting from £314,995, and the Help to Buy scheme is available on selected homes.

For further information, call the Barratt Homes sales team on 033 3355 8488 to book a phone appointment or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/suffolk/h760001-hunter's-chase/.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. For further information about Barratt Homes please contact Emily Howett or Mark Sheppard on 0116 247 1777 or emily@unsworthsugden.co.uk or mark@unsworthsugden.co.uk

2. Barratt Homes is part of Barratt Developments PLC, a FTSE100 company

3. Barratt was awarded a maximum five star rating for the 11th consecutive year in the 2020 Home Builders Federation Customer Satisfaction Survey

4. Site managers working for Barratt Group won 92 awards for quality workmanship in the 2020 NHBC Pride in the Job Awards. Barratt has won more Pride in the Job awards than any other housebuilder for the last 16 years