Find your dream new home in Kent with Taylor Wimpey

Kent, in south-east England, is within easy striking distance of London, yet offers a more tranquil way of life for those who prefer to settle down outside of the capital. Taylor Wimpey has a superb selection of new developments in Kent, including new apartments and new houses for sale in semi-rural and town centre locations, with something for most budgets.

A fresh phase of contemporary homes has just been released in Dartford at The Bridge, following on from the previous successful phase. Set in a peaceful spot on the edge of Dartford with views across the Thames, The Bridge is close to local amenities and open spaces, and is only 16 miles from central London. There are excellent public transport links including Fastrack buses to Dartford, Greenhithe, Gravesend and Ebbsfleet International railway stations, all with regular services to London Bridge and Victoria.

Dartford Borough Council and Taylor Wimpey's shared equity scheme is available on some plots, helping eligible first-time buyers to secure their new home for 75% of the full purchase price, including a deposit as low as five per cent. The remaining 25% is in the form of a 25-year equity loan, repayable at the property's market value. Under the scheme, a two-bedroom house costs from £141,375, a three-bedroom townhouse from £154,313, or a four-bedroom house from £183,375 (based on 75% of full purchase price).

With all these perks, the new two-, three- and four-bedroom homes at The Bridge are expected to sell quickly, offering something for a wide range of house-hunters. "By registering now, purchasers will be able to take their pick of the plots as they become available - and by reserving off-plan at an early stage they can ensure their new property in Dartford is completed to their personal specifications," says Jason Stokes, Taylor Wimpey's Regional Sales and Marketing Director.

Over in leafy Chislehurst, a suburban settlement forming part of the London Borough of Bromley, selected contemporary apartments at Kings Quarter will be available from March with a new Government-backed 95% Mortgage Scheme. This makes house buying more affordable for first-time buyers and existing homeowners, with two-bedroom apartments costing as little as £249,995. Nestled next to woodland yet within easy reach of central London, the stylish apartments are proving popular. Chislehurst has a good variety of trendy cafés, bars and shops and there's a choice of local schools nearby. Commuters benefit from excellent road links, and Elmstead Woods railway station is half a mile away, offering regular services to Charing Cross, London Bridge and London Cannon Street, while Bromley has trains to London Victoria, Blackfriars and Ashford International.

There are dozens of other new Taylor Wimpey housing developments in Kent, including Iconia in Bromley, where one to three-bedroom apartments cost £166,995 to £256,995, with some available through the FirstBuy shared equity scheme. Bridgefield offers contemporary new homes from £166,500 to £269,995 in the historic town of Ashford, which was voted the fourth best place to live in the UK a few years ago. And for those with a larger budget, Holmewood Gardens has an attractive location on the edge of the desirable town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, with family homes from £469,995.

Selected homes at Kings Quarter in Chislehurst will be available with a new 95% mortgage product from March 2012, making them more affordable to creditworthy purchasers who have already saved a five per cent deposit