New affordable homes launched in Gravesend

Housebuilder Countryside Properties has launched a selection of new affordable homes in at its Horizon One development in Gravesend, Kent.

All new homes at the scheme are available under the FirstBuy initiative, an equity loan scheme designed to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder.

FirstBuy means that eligible first time buyers can purchase 100% of their new property for 80% of the purchase price and they only need a deposit of 5% with a 75% mortgage.

The development features a range of affordable family houses and apartments, with FirstBuy prices starting from £79,960 for a one-bedroom apartment, while house prices start from £128,400 for a house with two-bedrooms and £140,000 for three-bedrooms.

Ian Hepworth, sales and marketing director for Countryside Properties, said: "FirstBuy is working very well at Horizon and making home buying highly affordable for those looking to step onto the ladder. Recent figures have shown that the average deposit for a house is 21%, for which it would take first time buyers an expected eight years to save [according to research by Nationwide].

"At Horizon the deposit is just 5% and with FirstBuy customers only need to arrange a 75% mortgage. We are doing everything we can to assist buyers to realise their home buying aspirations."

The developer hopes that the development will appeal to a range of homebuyers, including those looking to find a property within easy commutable distance to London. Horizon is situated close to the centre of Gravesend and commuting takes just 23 minutes by train into central London.