A big help to buy property

Backed by Blackpool Council, the partnership with Plumlife – part of Great Places Housing Group – means people can rent affordable housing while they save up for a deposit to enable them to eventually buy their own home.

A development on Talbot Road is offering 38 one and two-bedroom apartments under the umbrella of the Rent To HomeBuy scheme.

Among the first to move in were Kelliemarie Mason, 21, and her boyfriend of five years, Joe Diviney, 25.

Kelliemarie, who works as a credit controller, was living with her grandmother, while Joe, a retail assistant, was living with his mum who lives next door to the development.

The couple were keen to get a place of their own, and as soon as they saw the development under construction, they identified it as a possible first home together.

Kelliemarie said: “We watched our home being built, almost brick by brick, from Joe’s bedroom window. Then the banners went up, and we saw the apartments were available for rent and sale – within our budget.

“As soon as the show home was opened we were first through the door. We looked round, chatted to Plumlife about the options and decided to go for the Rent To HomeBuy scheme. It was easy to apply, and we found the whole process really straightforward and hassle-free.”

The couple are now settled into a two bedroomed, second floor apartment on Talbot Road where they pay £550 per month, which includes the service charge.

Rent To HomeBuy is a “try before you buy” scheme which offers eligible people discounted rent for up to five years while they save for a deposit. Rents start from £450 a month, and there is no obligation to buy at the end of the rental term.

Kelliemarie added: “This scheme was perfect for us, as it will give us a chance to save up for a deposit to buy – which we definitely plan to do as soon as we can afford to. We absolutely love our apartment – it’s really gorgeous, quiet and ultra warm.

“I’ve lived in an older property in the past – and it was always freezing. This apartment is always toasty, and costs very little to heat.”

For further information contact Plumlife on 0161 447 5050 or log on to www.plumlife.co.uk.