Orbit First Step Housing Development Wins Award » Housing » 24dash.com

Orbit First Steps development of 32 new homes at Wharf House, on West Street in Erith has won the 2007 Charles Burr award, judged by the Bexley Civic Society members. Nominated by local people, the awards were for developments which make a positive impact on the environment and the local area.

Judges recognised the project, designed by bptw partnership, for its positive impact on its environment through modern design, its relationship with its surroundings and its reference to the historical site uses with the naming of the building as Wharf House.

Orbit First Steps Marketing Manager, Karen Coleman said: The whole team here at Orbit First Step is over the moon to hear the news that our development has won this award. We do strive to ensure that our new developments blend in with their surroundings and generate a favourable impression among the community so we are delighted to hear that not only are our properties helping people who may have been struggling to buy their first home, they have also had the seal of approval from local people.

Consisting of 27 two-bedroom apartments and five one-bedroom apartments, (currently one 2-bedroom apartment is unexpectedly back on the market and available for purchase) the development is situated just two minutes drive away from the town centre, offering residents easy access to a supermarket, the new river pier, an athletics track and brand new swimming pool, along with an abundance of additional local amenities. Available to buy now under the exciting New Build HomeBuy (part-buy part-rent) scheme presents an attractive solution for those looking for affordable homes in the area.

Under the new Build HomeBuy scheme purchasers typically buy a 50 per cent share in the property although shares of 25 per cent are available. Most purchasers will raise a mortgage to purchase their share, and then pay a subsidised rent to Orbit First Step on the remaining share. If at some point in the future, the purchaser wishes to buy additional shares in their property they can do this and could in fact one day be the sole owner just an with a conventional purchase.

Costing from £37,000 for a 25 per cent share, these apartments are affordable to those with a household income from £20,000.

Each apartment includes gas central heating, allocated parking and some feature terrace gardens. Commuting from Erith to Charing Cross takes just 30 minutes and slightly longer to other main line stations in London.

Karen said: We are working hard to help not just first time buyers get a foot on the property ladder but often those in need of a new home following a relationship breakdown and our properties on West Street present a great opportunity for people to take that first step towards buying a home in a lovely location, and one thats also been given the thumbs up by local people. However, with only four apartments remaining, we urge interested buyers to contact us as soon as possible.

She added: The cost of buying one of these apartments on a part buy part rent basis can be around 30 per cent cheaper than buying a property outright with a 100 per cent mortgage. Along with the fact that many mortgage lenders do not require a deposit on part buy - part rent schemes, and Stamp Duty is no longer applicable where share of less than 80 per cent are purchased, this really is a fantastic low cost home ownership opportunity.

For further information on the properties available, please call Orbit First Step on 08458 50 20 50 or visit www.orbitfirststep.org.uk.