Council Scheme Helps Couple Buy New Home

Tanya and Steven Thornley have bought a three-bedroom property at College Hill Park, a development of new properties from Persimmon Homes.

The couple took advantage of High Peak Borough Council’s affordable homes scheme, which enables local people to buy a house at a discounted market price – a saving that is passed on if they later sell the property.

Tanya says: “We were living in a house on the other side of town, very similar to the one we have bought, but we were renting. We found out about the scheme following a random remark by Steven that led me to check the Persimmon website where we saw an advert for the DTM scheme. We looked into it a little more and were excited to realise that we might be eligible.”

To qualify, buyers need to live, work, or have a family connection within the Buxton area and be a first-time buyer aged between 23 and 40.

Tanya adds: “It was a really easy process. We had an initial meeting with Persimmon sales advisor, Chris, who after going through all our details was confident that we would qualify. We applied to the council, filled in some forms and provided financial evidence.

“We have lived in the area our whole lives and wanted to be able to stay close to family. To now own our lovely three-bedroom house at College Hill Park for a price that hasn’t stretched us is a dream come true. I would absolutely recommend the scheme to local people – for us it was a better alternative to shared ownership, because we now own 100% of the property.

“I also really like the idea that the property will remain within the scheme forever, so that when we are ready to move on, another local couple will be able to get a foot on the ladder at an affordable price.”

Dave Hodgson, sales director for Persimmon Homes North West says: “There are a number of schemes that make homes affordable, but the High Peak Borough Council scheme targets local people, giving them a helping hand to buy a home within their own community.

“It is a brilliant scheme and the feedback we have had is that it’s a quick, straightforward and hassle-free way to become a homeowner in your home town.”

Fiona Sloman, executive councillor for housing at the Borough Council, said: “Providing high quality affordable housing is a priority for the council because we know that being able to buy a home of your own in the area where you grew up is something that many people aspire to.

“That’s why we offer affordable housing schemes like this which can make all the difference to prospective buyers – you only have to listen to what Tanya has to say to realise that. I wish them every happiness in their new home and would encourage others looking to buy to go to our website to find out what help might be available to them.”

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