insideKENT Magazine Issue 33 - December 2014 | Page 170

PROPERTY New Kent development, Poppy Fields in Charing, already creating a buzz Poppy Fields is the latest development from fivestar house builder, David Wilson Homes (DWH), offering exclusive new family homes to Kent. The select development includes a mix of three-, fourand five-bedroom homes in the quintessential village of Charing near Ashford. Community commitment has evidently been important to the renowned home builder, with the name of the development chosen by the local primary school, and through their involvement in key local projects, from therapy gardens to donations towards village lights for Christmas. Demand for these exclusive homes is alr ady e at a high, with the first released plots now ready to purchase off-plan from local agent, Andrew & Co. The developer is making fantastic progress on site and the show homes are on track for their planned launch in 2015. Mostly detached, Poppy Fields' homes are designed to offer the discerning homeowner traditional facades with contemporary interiors. Combine this with fantastic local amenities, excellent road links, shopping and entertainment, and it's no surprise that prior to its official launch, there's already a certain buzz surrounding this distinctive development. Want to find out more, visit www.dwh.co.uk or get in touch with local estate agent, Andrew & Co. Andrew & Co 20 High Street, Charing TN27 0HX 01233 714886 [email protected] www.andrewandco.co.uk Mortgage myths cause families to miss out on their dream home Mortgage experts warn that mortgage myths are causing house hunters across London and the South East to miss out on their dream home as they fail to take advantage of the lowest base interest rates in more than a generation. The Bank of England has held the base rate at 0.5% since March 2009, and it has generated remarkable opportunities for customers in the mortgage market. However, financial advisors are increasingly concerned that house hunters are failing to make the most of a golden situation because many mistakenly believe that extra application checks introduced in April under the Mortgage Market Review (MMR) have locked them out. Adam Champion, new build sales director at New Homes Group, said rather than being a time to step back, now is actually the moment for house hunters to buy. He explained the situation had led to lenders bringing out impressive new products, whereby savvy customers with hard-earned deposits or those using the Help to Buy scheme are able to pick up three-year fixed rate mortgages at 2.99%. Adam said: “There are a number of deals to be had right now with a range of lenders coming to the fore including Skipton, Accord, and Santander. All offer compelling products to be had for first-time buyers, right through to those buyers with larger deposits. “Also, the changes from the MMR were intended to root out bad borrowing,” explained Adam. “However they have also had the effect of frightening off customers who are perfectly able to afford a mortgage. There are myths that the process is now horrendously complex, and that’s just not true. Lenders have quickly adapted and, in fact, responsible lenders like Halifax have had similar systems in place for up to 10 years, so there is little new here to be worried about. Century Gate, Beckenham “Househunters should be encouraged by the possibilities. The MMR changes are there to protect the customer and guide them in finding the product that suits them best, and gives them the most protection. There are some amazing deals out there, so don’t miss out.” Linden Homes South East managing director, Darren Maddox, added: “It’s a real shame for house hunters if mortgage myths are getting in the way. We’re doing our best to dispel the misconceptions. As a builder of new homes, we 170 work with our financial partners to take buyers through the whole process, advise at every stage, and get the best mortgage deal possible." Linden Homes has a number of developments in London and the South East including Century Gate, Beckenham. Call 0844 4881802 for details. For more information on a Linden Homes development near you, visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk.