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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I bought £245k first-home using £13k free cash from little-known scheme – six steps you need to take
Jack reveals his six steps to getting on the ladder below HOME RUN I bought £245k first-home using £13k free cash from little-known scheme – six steps you need to take Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FIRST-TIME buyer Jack Heath got the keys to his first home at the age of 23 - thanks to getting £13,000 in free cash from a little-known scheme. The chef bought his two-bedroom apartment for £244,995 in Hythe, Kent, in October 2024. 4 Jack Heath bought his first home aged just 23 Credit: Jack Heath 4 The chef bought his two-bedroom apartment for £244,995 in Hythe, Kent, in October 2024 Credit: Jack Heath 4 Jack used the Deposit Unlock Scheme offered by housebuilder Barratt Homes Credit: Jack Heath 4 Jack Heath pictured on the balcony of his two-bed apartment Credit: Jack Heath 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 homes 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.'
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I bought £245k first-home using £13k free cash from little-known scheme – six steps you need to take
FIRST-TIME buyer Jack Heath got the keys to his first home at the age of 23 - thanks to getting £13,000 in free cash from a little-known scheme. The chef bought his two-bedroom apartment for £244,995 in Hythe, Kent, in October 2024. 4 4 4 4 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.'
BBC News
10-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Councillors would have rejected 137-home development near Selby
Councillors have said they would have rejected plans for a new housing estate on the edge of a North Yorkshire village if the decision had been up to Homes wants to build 137 new properties on land to the north of Hull Road, in Hemingbrough, near after North Yorkshire Council made no decision on the plans, the scheme was referred to the National Planning Inspectorate on the grounds of this week, members of the authority's Selby Ainsty area planning committee voted unanimously that they would have refused the application had they been given the opportunity. They took the decision after hearing the scheme was not supported by the local parish council and other community Tomlinson, speaking on behalf of Hemingbrough Parish Council, said the site had never previously been identified for housing because it would mean people having to cross the busy A63."We have always strongly objected to the development on the north side of the A63," she said. "We feel it would unnecessarily split the village."The development also included plans for a new community centre, which the councillor said would be "absolutely detrimental to the existing facilities within the community".However, Ian Reynolds, advisor to the Hall for Hemingbrough Group which supported the proposal, said it would deliver "huge benefits to the local community as well as much-needed housing".The initial plans were for 142 properties but the application was later revised to 137, of which 20% would be classed as affordable, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.A report by planning officer Linda Drake noted that the development would be beyond the development limits of Hemingbrough and within the open scheme has proved controversial in the village, with more than two hundred objections submitted by critics, compared to 28 in favour. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Wrexham planning meeting halted after two-and-a-half minutes
A meeting to decide the fate of plans for hundreds of homes was cut short after just two-and-a-half minutes when 10 committee members failed to show council's planning committee met on Monday to discuss whether it intended to oppose an appeal for a rejected proposal for 600 homes south of Holt absences meant not enough members were present to legally debate the matter, creating the possibility the plans could go to appeal without councillors' objections on chairman Mike Morris said it was "highly unusual" for so many members to be absent as they normally took their responsibilities seriously. The Conservative councillor warned it could open the door to a successful appeal by the developers, Barratt Homes and Bloor original refusal, in 2020, was followed by an appeal lodged to the Planning Inspectorate, which is yet to be original application was one of those at the heart of Wrexham's legal battle over its Local Development Plan (LDP) and the proposed plot was part of wider plans for a 1,680-home "super-village" in the said the land was included in the LDP in April 2024 and deemed suitable for development, but the High Court later ruled the LDP was no longer adopted.A deadline was then set by the Planning Inspectorate (now Pedw) of 30 September to hear the Holt Road planning committee will need to meet to formally decide whether it intends to oppose the development or not before the appeal to avoid it becoming a straight contest between residents who object to the scheme and the developers. This article was written by a trusted journalist and then edited for length and style with the help of AI, before being checked again by a BBC Journalist. It's part of a pilot.
Metro
07-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Confused by house-buying jargon? 10 key terms about property explained
If you're a first-time buyer looking to get on the ladder, going through the motions of actually purchasing a home can feel seriously daunting. First, you've got the mammoth task of deciding where it is you want to lay down your roots, and then you'll need to decide on your property what about the jargon that comes with buying a home? If you've spent years renting, you'll be very familiar with the terms 'deposit,' 'contract,' and crucially, 'landlord,' but purchasing your own four walls will come with new terminology. You're not alone in feeling confused, as a new study has found that 56% of Brits feel intimidated by complex house-buying jargon. What's more, 86% of respondents were unfamiliar with the words 'housing survey,' while 77% struggled to understand the meaning of a 'survey contingency.' Another 75% struggled with 'memorandum of sale' – and honestly? We get it, these are phrases you might only hear a few times in your life if you don't work in the industry. So, with that in mind, Barratt Homes has demystified some of the most common words associated with house-buying. You can access completely fee-free mortgage advice with London & Country (L&C) Mortgages, a partner of Metro. Customers benefit from: – Award winning service from the UK's leading mortgage broker – Expert advisors on hand 7 days a week – Access to 1000s of mortgage deals from across the market Unlike many mortgage brokers, L&C won't charge you a fee for their advice. Find out how much you could borrow online Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most Buy to Let mortgages. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. A housing survey is what happens when the lender (AKA, a banks or building society) conducts a valuation survey to estimate the property's value. Buyers might also arrange an independent house survey to check for structural issues, which can include things like cracks, damp, or even subsidence. 86% of respondents were unfamiliar with the term 'property searches,' which is essentially the process of a solicitor conducting searches to check for local plans or issues. These might include the Land Registry (the government department that recognises the ownership of both land and property), local authority, environmental and draining searches, as well as things like flood risk and mining searches. This is a clause that allows the buyer to renegotiate or even withdraw their offer if serious issues are identified in the survey, which 77% of respondents were confused by. 75% of house-buying Brits were also confused by the concept of a memorandum of sale, which is the document issued when an offer is accepted that confirms the details of the purchase. It's necessary when a property makes the transition from being under offer to being sold, subject to contract. You could almost think of it like a property receipt of sorts. This one feels a little bit simpler, and essentially refers to the process lenders use to detail the amount you need to borrow versus the deposit you can afford to put down. The higher your deposit, the lower the loan to value ratio (also known as LTV) will be, as well as the interest rate. To put it into perspective, if your new home costs £250,000 and you have a 10% deposit amounting to £25,000, your LTV will be 90%. We're getting into slightly more understandable territory now, as 57% of respondents were confused by the term conveyancing. This refers to the legal process of transferring home ownership from the current owner or homebuilder to the new buyer. It's generally considered good practice to hire a conveyancing solicitor as soon as you've made an offer on a house, as this can help speed up the process. A rating system showing how energy efficient a property is. Most new homes in the UK achieve a B rating or above, which means that buyers can take advantage of green mortgage deals that offer discounted rates for energy-efficient homes. Just over half (51%) of Brits are baffled by this term, which simply refers to a conditional offer from a mortgage lender that outlines how much they might lend you. There are a few different options when it comes to mortgages, including fixed rates, variable rates, and tracker mortgages (which follow the Bank of England's base rate). This is a term that's used later down the line after an offer has been submitted, and this indicates that while the seller has accepted the offer, the contractual process hasn't yet been completed. Last but not least, the property chain refers to the series of property transactions that rely on one another to be completed. More Trending The more parties that are involved, the more complex and fragile the transaction can become. So, if you're already a homeowner and you've had an offer on your current house from someone who is also already on the ladder, the sale of your home will depend on your buyers' sale going through, as well as the situation of the people you're looking to buy from next. View More » Complicated, right? Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: What I Own: We bought our £260,350 London home through a government saving scheme MORE: The 'underrated' neighbourhood Londoners are flocking to for £20,000 discounts MORE: 5 simple ways to add £100,000 to your home before valuation
