Latimer, the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, is extending a helping hand to first-time buyers in Tonbridge, Kent, with its new collection of outstanding homes at Latimer at Barden Croft. Set to launch imminently, the two- and three-bedroom houses will be available with shared ownership, providing the perfect option for first-time buyers ready to get onto the property ladder in a sought-after rural location.  Surrounded by the Kent countryside with a stunning lake and 165 acre country park on the doorstep, Latimer at Barden Croft purchasers can reserve a home with as little as a 5% deposit, placing homeownership within reach for aspiring homeowners in the South East.
 
Designed to cater to a wide range of family needs, these homes are thoughtfully designed for all. Open-plan layouts provide space for all the family to enjoy spending time together, whilst sumptuous bedrooms offer private spaces for each member of the family to relax in at the end of every day. This reflects Latimer's commitment to designing high-quality homes and spaces that help foster a sense of community, building a sense of inclusion, safety and happiness into the very fabric of the development. All Latimer homes are also future-facing, maximising fresh air and green spaces, protecting natural assets and minimising environmental impact. 

Sam Truman, Regional Sales Manager at Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, comments: “From the position of the site to the design of the individual houses, Latimer at Barden Croft has a huge amount to offer first-time buyers looking for an affordable route to owning a superb new home. Like all Latimer properties, the houses here are built to the highest modern standards, delivering quality, kerb appeal and family-friendly design. We are excited to be launching this lovely new community with shared ownership, supporting local families to own their first home in the charming town of Tonbridge.”

The historic market town of Tonbridge and the surrounding area certainly has plenty to offer residents. The area is full of fresh air and green spaces, in keeping with Kent's status at the 'garden of England', including the beautiful Barden Lake, Haysden Country Park and River Medway, which are all close to Barden Croft. Haysden Country Park is a haven for nature lovers, with 65-hectares of diverse habitats, including woodlands, meadows and wetlands. The proximity of the Medway is also a bonus, with the river providing opportunities for everything from peaceful walks and leisurely boat trips to kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. The picturesque Dene Park and Penshurst Place are also nearby, while the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just a short drive away, offering breathtaking views, historic landmarks and plentiful chances for outdoor adventuring. 
 
Latimer at Barden Croft is also just a short distance from Tonbridge town centre, where residents have access to a variety of shopping options. In addition to vibrant local farmers' markets, supermarkets include Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Aldi, providing all the essentials for daily life. Tonbridge is also home to many independent shops, restaurants and cozy cafes, providing extensive variety on the doorstep for families at Latimer at Barden Croft. 
 
Families with school-aged children are well served by the position of the new homes, with the prestigious independent Tonbridge School nearby, along with two grammar schools. Within an easy stroll of Latimer at Barden Croft are the Good-rated Sussex Road Community Primary School and Leigh Academy Tonbridge and the Outstanding-rated Judd School for pupils aged 11-18. 
 
For commuters, Latimer at Barden Croft provides excellent transport connections. The homes are just one mile from Tonbridge station, which provides direct services to London Bridge in as little as 34 minutes and to London Victoria in just 37 minutes. St Pancras International can be reached in 54 minutes, providing access by train to several cities in Europe. For drivers, the nearby M25 opens up easy access to London and beyond. 
 
First-time buyers don't always have it easy. New research by mortgage adviser Alexander Hall shows that the average rate for a first-time buyer mortgage has jumped from 4.38% a year ago to 4.57% currently. And that's not all. Alexander Hall's data also shows that, of the 436,839 properties currently listed for sale in Britain, just 34% have an asking price at, or below, the average first-time buyer price.
 
Yet Latimer at Barden Croft offers a lifeline for first-time buyers in the current market. Those that buy a home here can enjoy not only stunning natural surroundings, but also high-quality homes, all made significantly more affordable with shared ownership. The scheme means the buyer can purchase an initial share in the property, then grow their share over time, in increments that suit their financial circumstances. A subsidised rent is payable to Latimer for the remaining share, which decreases proportionally as the buyer increases their share of ownership. Key to the affordability is the fact that the buyer only needs a deposit based on the value of the initial share they purchase.
 
Prices at Latimer at Barden Croft start from £41,000 for a 10% share of a two bedroom house. To find out more, visit https://www.latimerhomes.com/new-build-homes/kent/tonbridge/barden-croft or call 0300 100 0309.

-ENDS-

For press information contact Alice McCutcheon or Gemma Moyle at The Oracle Group
on 020 8394 2821 or email alicemc@oraclepr.co.uk / gemma@oraclepr.co.uk

About Latimer

As the development arm of Clarion Housing Group, Latimer is dedicated to building homes for all tenures and reinvesting any surplus back into the organization to support its social mission. The goal is to create sustainable, high-quality communities where people can thrive.

The surplus from Latimer developments is reinvested into Clarion Housing Group to build more affordable homes, improve, and maintain existing social homes, and support communities.  
 
We are leading the transition to net zero carbon homes by 2050, generating over £3 billion of social value along the way and investing in our residents with jobs, skills, and training opportunities. We're putting sustainability front and centre to ensure everything we build, own, and do is making a difference for our people and our planet.