Orbit First Step offers perfect solution to Ivor's housing dilemma » Housing » 24dash.com

It’s not just first time buyers and young people who need help purchasing a new home in a difficult housing market; sometimes a change in personal circumstances can bring about a need to move. But if you don’t have a large deposit or are unable to take out a large enough mortgage, where do you turn?

When, at the age of 67, Ivor Smith had to sell his home following the breakdown of his marriage, he knew he would have difficulties finding a lender that would offer him a conventional mortgage and he didn’t want to rent. Orbit First Step offered the perfect solution.

Part of the Orbit Group, the housing association was holding an open day at Trinity Gate, their development of apartments and houses in Duston, Northamptonshire and Ivor decided to go along to find out more about the homes available and the New Build HomeBuy scheme that enables people to part-buy part-rent the properties.

“The sale of my previous home left me with insufficient equity to buy another property outright,” said Ivor. “So I went to the open event to see if Orbit First Step could help and I was delighted to discover that I was eligible to purchase one of their two-bedroom houses.

“Their sales advisor Kerry Dawson talked me through the process and I spoke to an independent financial advisor and solicitor on the day. Within a month, I had completed the purchase and have recently moved into my new home – I’m really happy.”

While most people take out a mortgage to cover their share, Ivor was able to purchase his share in the property with the money from the sale of his former home and pays a subsidised rent on the remaining share.

“It was an ideal solution for me, particularly as I also loved the location and the house itself which is quite spacious and big enough for me to have my grandchildren to stay. It’s quite close to the town centre and supermarkets as well but more importantly for me, I’m living mid-way between my son and daughter and their respective families, which is just what I wanted.”

He added: “The whole process was really smooth and stress free and I’d recommend to anyone struggling to buy a home, whatever their circumstances, to get in touch with Orbit First Step – it was certainly a good move for me!”

Built by Bellway Homes, the properties start from £35,000 for a 25 per cent share. Each one includes a bathroom with shower; a fitted kitchen with oven, hob and canopy; and full gas central heating. The houses have allocated parking/gated car park, while the apartment includes a garage.

Orbit First Step’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Karen Coleman said: “It can be really frustrating for people who still aspire to owning their own home when, for one reason or another, they discover they can’t afford to buy a property.

"However, buying through the New Build Home Buy scheme can offer a viable way to help them get onto the property ladder, or back onto it as in Ivor’s case.

"We’re pleased that he’s settled into his new home and that we were able to help him to do this and we’d love to have the opportunity to talk to anyone else who is looking to buy a new home. We may be able to help you too.”

If you would like further information on any of the properties available at Trinity Gate, or any other properties available through Orbit First Step in the Northamptonshire region – properties are currently available at Corby, Desborough, Kettering and Rushden - please call 08458 50 20 50 or visit www.orbitfirststep.org.uk.