Buyer finds dream home in Lincolnshire after five years of saving

A LINCOLNSHIRE store manager bought his first home as a single buyer after five years of saving, thanks to help from a government-funded scheme.

Paul Cartwright says he came across the offer he couldn’t refuse at one of Chestnut Homes’ First Homes Discovery Days. Having saved the entire deposit himself, Paul was able to secure his dream home at Chestnut Homes’ Kings Manor development in Coningsby using the new government First Homes scheme.

The First Homes scheme was launched to help first-time buyers get on the property ladder, allowing buyers to own 100% of their home but only pay 70%. The discount will apply to the home forever, meaning that generations of new buyers and the community will continue to benefit every time the property is sold. However, when selling, the home must be sold to another first-time buyer at 30% less than the market value at the time of sale. 

To be eligible for the scheme, buyers must meet criteria set by the local authority and be part of a household where the total income is no more than £80,000.

The government’s English Housing Survey found that in 2021/22, 29% of first-time buyers were one-person households, compared to 39% being couples.

Paul, originally from Lincolnshire, said: “I’ve been wanting to buy a home for over five years now but with paying rent on a property at the same time and being a single buyer, I never thought it would be possible.

“I first heard of the scheme at one of Chestnut Homes’ open days and I knew I wanted to live in Lincolnshire, and it just so happened that the Kings Manor development offered the scheme. 

“It’s always scary buying your first home, especially when you’re going through the process independently, but the team provided endless support throughout, putting me in contact with financial advisors and local solicitors. From putting down the reservation fee to choosing fixtures and fittings, the service was second to none.”

Kings Manor, close to the Lincolnshire Wolds, comprises 305 two, three, and four-bedroom homes in the historic village of Coningsby, with prices starting from £131,565.

Paul continued: “It’s taken a lot of hard work and time to get to this position, but I am so happy to be settled into my new home. I hope my story shows that it is possible to get on the property ladder without help or a second income.”

Helene Key, sales manager at Chestnut Homes, said: “As one of the first housebuilders in Lincolnshire to offer the First Homes scheme, it’s rewarding to know that we helped Paul with his dream to own his first home. The scheme is an ideal way for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder using government support. And, for single occupants like Paul, it’s amazing to show people that it’s possible to buy a home independently.

“Kings Manor is a great location for people wanting the peace and quiet of a rural village, but also with great access to local amenities and wider Lincolnshire. There’s a great community at the development, and it’s lovely to hear Paul has been settling in and getting to know his neighbours.”

The First Homes Scheme is available at all Chestnut Homes developments in Lincolnshire on selected properties.