Homebuyers in England and Wales paid out £7.3 billion in stamp duty between April 2015 to March 2016, according to research by the property consultancy Savills[1]. Savvy homebuyers, keen to reduce the number of moves and stamp duty payments they make in a lifetime, can futureproof their homes by using the Help to Buy scheme to secure the space they need to meet their family’s future needs.

Countryside’s Kingsbridge development in Headcorn, Kent, is ideal for families who will need space to grow in the future. Set in the Weald of Kent, this traditional yet stylish development comprises a selection of 29 high quality three and four-bedroom homes, which can be purchased through the Help to Buy scheme, making home buying more affordable.  Countryside is also offering to pay the stamp duty on Plot 7, a four-bedroom Woburn house design, which is ready to move into straight away.

The Help to Buy scheme, which is available to all owner occupiers including those moving up the ladder, makes the homes accessible with a deposit of just 5% and an equity loan from the Government of up to 20%, interest free for five years. Mortgage repayments are more manageable, meaning buyers can afford more space for their family’s future needs than they might think.

Emma Fearn, Associate Director for Sales and Marketing at Countryside’s New Homes and Communities South region, comments: “It’s a common misconception that Help to Buy is only available to first time buyers, but in fact families moving up the property ladder can use the scheme to afford the space their family needs to grow. With stamp duty and the cost of moving being prohibitive to many, it makes sense to future proof your home, meaning fewer moves in the long run. The houses at Kingsbridge offer the contemporary open plan living space and bedrooms growing families need, within a traditional village setting.”

The Woburn is an impressive four-bedroom detached family home with a garage, featuring a spacious open plan kitchen, a separate utility room and dining area. Contemporary kitchens boast integrated appliances including dishwasher, fridge/freezer, washing machine and two single ovens. Perfect for family gatherings, this home benefits from a separate living room with French doors from both the dining area and living room, leading out to the rear garden. The first floor features three generously sized bedrooms, including a family bathroom. The master bedroom includes fitted wardrobes and en suite boasting sleek white sanitary ware with chrome accessories.

Kingsbridge benefits from being located nearby a range of highly regarded state and independent schools. Just one mile from the development and within walking distance is Headcorn Primary School and also close by, rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted are Cornwallis Academy, Five Acre Wood School, Sutton Valence School and Cranbrook School.

Unlike most rural villages, Headcorn has a wide range of shops and amenities and is home to a mainline railway station which is less than a mile walk from the development and ideal for commuting professionals.  Travel into central London takes less than an hour by train. Alternatively within an eight mile drive the M20 connects residents to London, the east coast of England, Gatwick and Heathrow airports.