Chadderton couple escape rental trap after 20 years

First time buyers Elaine and Andy Huskinson are getting ready to start a new life chapter after reserving their dream home at Countryside’s Radclyffe Green site in Chadderton.

Having rented for over 20 years, Chartered Quantity Surveyor Elaine (39) and Print Finishing Supervisor Andy (44), were keen to escape the rental trap, particularly with statistics revealing average rental prices have increased by 4.7%.

Availability of new mortgage products are also appealing to long term renters and first time buyers, following the announcement of Skipton Building Society’s 100% no deposit mortgage.

Around a quarter of first time buyers would consider a 100% loan to value (LTV) mortgage to take the step onto the property ladder.

To save for their home, the Huskinsons adopted strict budgeting habits including selling items they no longer used to create additional streams of income. 

Elaine said: “We were stuck in a rent trap for over 20 years and wanted a space we could finally call our own.

"We had a set amount of money that we put into savings each month and we got used to living on this amount so any bonuses or pay rises went straight into savings too.

“My main piece of advice for anyone saving for a home is to avoid making too many social sacrifices.

"Saving for such a long time can become difficult, so it’s important that you’re able to find a balance and still enjoy yourself.

"When we hit certain milestones, we bought ourselves rewards, which was a great way to keep up motivation.”  

The Greater Manchester locals had decided on a new build property to avoid the time and costs of a renovation project.

The couple fell for a three bedroom, semi-detached property at Countryside’s Radclyffe Green development. 

Elaine added: “Once we saw the showhome, we knew it was the one for us.

"We had looked at other developers but kept coming back to Countryside because of their reputation and the quality of their homes.

“We fell in love with the open plan layout of the house, it’s perfect for us and for our lifestyle.

"The location of the development is ideal for both of us for work; it’s within close proximity of public transport links as well as motorways.

"For us, it was definitely worth the wait to get exactly what we wanted.

"We can’t wait to start our next chapter in our new home.” 

Joe Turner, Managing Director, Manchester and Cheshire East, Countryside, said: “Taking those first steps onto the property ladder is a huge achievement and we’re delighted that Elaine and Andy found their dream home with Countryside. 

“It’s particularly great to hear stories of customers who have made their home buying dream a reality after years of renting.

"We wish Elaine and Andy all the best in their new home.”

For more information about Countryside homes at Radclyffe Gardens, click here

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