Housebuilders providing great selection of new starter homes in north Kent

Kent enjoys high-speed rail links to London, Paris and Brussels, and good commuter services from all major towns, with prices far below that in the capital. New starter homes in Kent are ideal for young couples, and smaller properties can also suit those reaching retirement and looking to downsize and release capital from their larger family home and have more time and money with which to enjoy their retirement. With prices from under £100,000, many housebuilders and developers offer assisted mortgage and ownership schemes, with deposits as low as 4% in some cases, helping to make their new homes in Kent really affordable.

Taylor Wimpey is offering a choice of new starter homes at The Bridge in Dartford. Set in spacious surroundings, with a lake and mature trees, The Bridge offers 15 styles of new homes and is just half an hour by road or rail from central London, with the Bluewater shopping centre and Dartford's busy town centre just minutes away. Dartford is perfect for commuters and young professionals starting out. Plot 216 is a one-bedroom apartment offering open-plan living area, modern fitted bathroom and kitchen and fitted wardrobes, with plenty of additional storage space. The apartment has allocated parking and is priced at £94,550.

Also in Dartford, and close to some of the best schools in the area, Crest Nicholson is offering new homes at its Hardy's Gate development. The two-bedroom ‘Sandown' style new house is available with the FirstBuy scheme from £183,600. Set over two floors, this starter home is ideal for a first family home. A large living/dining area opens to a private rear garden, and the property boasts a fully fitted kitchen with fitted fridge-freezer and a well-appointed cloakroom. Upstairs, the master bedroom benefits from fitted wardrobes, and there is a further bedroom, modern bathroom with bath and separate shower, and a large airing cupboard on the landing. This property benefits from full double glazing and gas central heating.

Further east along the A2, with good commuter links to London, lies Abbey Place, Minster-on-Sea. Set in the countryside of the Isle of Sheppey, near to award- winning beaches and the town of Sheerness, two-bedroom starter homes by Bovis Homes are available under the FirstBuy scheme at Abbey Place. At just £107,950 is the ‘Asquith' two-bedroom apartment. This new home is the perfect first-time buy, offering a choice of fitted kitchens with integrated appliances. The price also includes fitted wardrobes to the main bedroom and plenty of useful storage space throughout.

Whitstable continues to be the destination seaside town for those moving to Kent, with good road and rail links to Canterbury and London, in an area rich is history and amenities. Swale Park is a stunning development of new apartments and houses on the outskirts of town, ideal for the first-time buyer. The development is around 20 minutes' walk from the sea. Award- winning Weston Homes is offering a range of new apartments from £130,950 and three-bedroom homes from £216,000. Plot 57 is a mid-terraced two-bedroom house priced at £188,500. This ideal new starter home offers good-sized rooms and a single garage. A cloakroom and fitted kitchen lie off the main hallway, with a large lounge/dining area to the rear. Patio doors lead out to the rear gardens. Upstairs, both bedrooms offer spacious accommodation with fitted storage space, and there is a well-appointed modern family bathroom.