I bought £245k first-home using £13k free cash from little-known scheme – six steps you need to take
The chef bought his two-bedroom apartment for £244,995 in Hythe, Kent, in October 2024.
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He used the Deposit Unlock Scheme by housebuilder Barratt Homes, which contributed 5% (£13,000) to his deposit.
Jack told The Sun: 'I've wanted my own place for as long as I can remember, but I didn't want to rent as I think it's dead money - and I don't want to line a landlord's pockets.
'However, I was a bit concerned about how I'd buy a place on my own because all you ever hear is that it's impossible.'
'It was when I was scrolling on Facebook on a Sunday night in September last year that I saw the apartment in Hythe which was part of the Deposit Unlock Scheme.
'I'd already been saving hard for a deposit and after doing some quick sums in my head, I realised that I had enough money and I couldn't believe that I might actually be able to buy my first home sooner than I had realised.
'I bought my apartment within 24 hours and moved in four weeks later.'
The Barratt Homes scheme enables first-time buyers and existing homeowners in England, Wales and Scotland to buy select new-build homes with a 5% deposit.
To apply for the scheme, you can follow some simple steps. Begin by searching online for the range of brand-new home s
Once you've found one you like, get in touch with a Sales Adviser who will put you in contact with a New Homes Mortgage Adviser who will help you arrange your mortgage using Deposit Unlock.
It provides customers with competitively priced mortgage products up to £750,000.
5 things to check before applying for a mortgage
Using Deposit Unlock means that you are limited to mortgage lenders who have joined the Deposit Unlock Scheme.
Deposit Unlock can't be used in conjunction with any other schemes.
To boost his deposit, Jack also contributed £16,400 of his own savings which he'd put aside over a period of eight months.
While he was saving, Jack worked solidly for eight months - six or seven days a week on two different cheffing contracts.
Until he moved into his place, he lived with his mum while he worked two jobs in Folkestone and Dungeness.
He saved half of his wages each month, which was £2,400 and used the remainder of his salary to pay his bills which included rent to his mum (£200), phone bill, car insurance and spending money.
Jack set up a savings account and as soon as he was paid, he put half of his salary into it and didn't touch it.
He said: 'I set myself a strict budget each month, and the first thing I did was put away my savings, then paid my bills.
'Anything that was left over was for me to enjoy - but if I blew it all in the first couple of weeks, then I didn't go out.
'It meant that there were quite a few nights where I sat on the sofa on my own.
'My focus had to be the long-term goal of buying my first home, rather than the short-term goal of going out every single weekend.
'It was tough at times, especially if I thought I was missing out on something special, but I'm so happy that I am already on the property ladder.
He continues: 'It is possible to buy as long as people are willing to make sacrifices - but I also realise I was lucky that I was able to live with my mum while saving.
'My friends and family are really chuffed for me, although initially they were concerned that it might not be affordable.
'Once they realised it was and I was so determined, they left me to it.
'While I was saving I also restricted the amount of money I spent on things like new clothes or food out which was tough as I like to spend."
Jack's six steps to get on the housing ladder
It's a big deal to buy your first home, but don't stress about it while it's going through, Jack explains. Take it step by step and trust the people around you.
Look around for deals and incentives as there are more available than you might think.
Just do it: the younger the better, before you've got kids and other commitments!
Be prepared to make sacrifices, but keep your eye on your goal and it will be worth it.
Don't let anyone else detract you from your goal. When I was saving, I had to miss out on a lot of nights out with my mates but I was determined that I wouldn't ever dip into my savings pot.
Set up a standing order so that your money goes into your savings the moment you get paid.
Reduce your costs as much as possible. If it means moving back in with your parents in the short term while you're saving, do it!
Jack got a 30-year mortgage at a fixed rate of 4.79% and has found the monthly repayments of £1,089 are more than manageable.
He continued: 'I love where I live, it's so peaceful and I can do what I like and come and go when I like, it's the best feeling ever.
'My mum pops round fairly regularly which is nice.'
Jack already has his eye on his next property.
He explained: 'I really like living here and love the look of the three-bedroom houses on the estate, so I think one of those will be my next purchase.
'I believe that anybody can do it, as long as you're prepared to make sacrifices and work hard for what you want.
'My family were not in the position to pay for my deposit so it was down to me to graft for it, but it can be done if you set your mind to it - if I can do it, anybody can.
'Working seven days a week for eight months was pretty hard going, but it was worth it.
'When I was knackered, and facing the prospect of yet another long shift, I just kept thinking about walking into my own place and closing my front door.
'I've reduced my hours slightly now, and I'm working five days - but if I have to increase them again in order to save for my next home, then I will.
'I don't have any issues with working for what I want.'
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