A HEREFORD couple in their early twenties who bought their first home together at Barratt Homes' Bishop Fields development were impressed by the size of the house they could afford with their deposit using the government's Help to Buy scheme.

Jade Edwards and Kieran Chambers, both 22, were two of the very first people to move into the new development, on Hampton Dene Road, and have now settled into their two bedroom semi-detached Newton home style.

"We didn't realise we'd be able to afford such a spacious new place with our savings," said Jade, a nursery worker, "and when we first saw the design of the Newton we fell in love with it and decided to buy it while it was still being built."

Because they bought their new home off-plan, the couple could take advantage of Barratt Homes' Choices range, allowing them to customize certain interior features of the property while it was under construction.

Jade and Kieran at home in their front room, and in their kitchen facing out onto their back garden.

Kieran, a plastics worker, said, "We went for wood-effect and black layering in the kitchen and different tiling in the bathroom using Barratt Homes' Choices range.

Jade and Kieran have enjoyed being among the first movers into Bishop Fields, and have been making friends with the other new residents. They have even installed a hot-tub in their back garden where they have been enjoying the late summer.

"I love living here," concluded Jade, "and when we first visited I never thought we'd end up living here in a home of our own, but thanks to Help to Buy, we have."

Graydon Worthing, sales director for Barratt Homes West Midlands, said, "Bishop Fields is perfect for first time buyers looking to enjoy the Herefordshire countryside, and we're pleased Kieran and Jade are settling in well in their first new home there.

"Help to Buy has proved very useful to so many homebuyers, and we would encourage anyone looking to buy a home with lower upfront costs to get in touch."

Help to Buy allows homebuyers to secure a brand new home under the value of £600,000 with just a five per cent deposit. The government lends the buyer 20 per cent of the value of the property in the form of an interest free equity loan for five years, meaning that buyers then gain access to some of the great mortgage rates currently available with just a 75 per cent mortgage.

Available to all homebuyers, not just first timers, the scheme helps anyone looking for a boost up the property ladder. Other schemes are also available from Barratt Homes at Bishop Fields including Part Exchange and Movemaker, which allows existing homeowners to sell their existing home with no estate agent fees to pay.

Nestled between the River Wye and River Lugg, with a good choice of schools and shopping facilities nearby, plus the historic streets of Hereford itself, Bishop Fields is an ideal place for growing families to call home. The development received a 100% recommendation rate from its residents in a recent customer satisfaction survey.

There is currently a selection of three and four bedroom homes available for buyers of all types at Bishop Fields, starting at £246,995. For more information about the development please call the sales centre on 01432 353 872, open Monday 12.30pm to 5.30pm and Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5.30pm.

Alternatively please call the sales information line on 0844 811 9933 or visit barratthomes.co.uk/bishopfields