While some 100% mortgages and competitive rates are still available for new homebuyers in today's market, first-time buyers who are able to borrow cash from their parents to place as a deposit on their new home, have a significant advantage when gaining a footing on the property ladder.

Having made the decision to move in together, Richard Godbold and his partner Laura (both 20) were determined to avoid the increasingly expensive rental market in their home town of Tunbridge Wells. A family loan of £30,000 from Laura's parents gave the couple a major boost towards their financial future, as they were able to use this as a deposit on a £182,000 one bedroom apartment at Linden Homes' Viva development in Tunbridge Wells town centre.

Richard and Laura were able to get a two year fixed rate mortgage for their new home, with easily manageable monthly repayments.

Richard said:

"We have been living with Laura's parents and were eager to get on the property ladder as opposed to renting when we decided to move out together. The cost of renting in Tunbridge Wells is quite high, particularly around the town centre, but we both grew up around here and wanted to stay in the area. The loan gave us the boost we needed to get off the ground, and meant we were able to access a more favourable mortgage package."

Richard commutes into London for work, and Laura to East Sussex, making a location close to the train station a priority.

Richard added:

"We wanted to stay near friends and family but we both work out of town, so a central location near the station was essential. Viva has an excellent position near the centre of town, and within walking distance of the station. Our home was also very affordable, making it a better option than renting in the area, and far more cost-effective than buying closer to London."

Paul Cooper, Managing Director of Linden Homes South East, comments:

"Parents offering children a helping hand to finance their deposit is a key way of getting first time buyers onto the property ladder, particularly in the current climate. However, there is still a range of competitive mortgage products available, and developers are doing all they can to offer incentives to those on the periphery of the market."

Linden Homes is currently offering a variety of packages to assist its customers, including a scheme to subsidise mortgage payments for buyers at Viva. Prices start at £174,995 for one bedroom apartments, all including either a balcony or outdoor terrace. London can be reached by train in 45 minutes from Tunbridge Wells.

For more details contact 01892 517999 or visit www.lindenhomes.co.uk

Notes to the Editor:

Linden Homes operates throughout the South, South East and West regions and forms a part of Galliford Try's Housebuilding Division: Galliford Try Homes. www.lindenhomes.co.uk

Galliford Try Homes operates through four strong regional brands: Linden Homes, Stamford Homes, Midas Homes, and Gerald Wood Homes specialising in brownfield development. The business is capable of developing over 3,000 homes per year, covering the entire region from the West Country to Lincolnshire and the South-East. www.gallifordtryhomes.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Ben Jenkins / Claire Hendry
Wriglesworth PR
Linden Homes - South East region
Tel: 0207 427 1400
E-mail: b.jenkins@wriglesworth.com / c.hendry@wriglesworth.com