AFFORDABLE HOMES
A FIRST TIME BUYER STORY
15% lower than they were during the peaks of 2023 and 2024. Savills research shows that incentives continue to play an important role in first time buyer decisions, with almost a third citing them as a key factor when choosing a new build home.These may include deposit contributions, mortgage support and lifestyle-focused offers, alongside the reassurance of a 10-year warranty and higher energy efficiency standards. In the absence of Help to Buy – which supported higher sales volumes between 2014 and 2022 – schemes such as Great Start have become increasingly important. With saving for a larger deposit remaining one of the biggest challenges for first time buyers, the ability to purchase with a 5% deposit can be a decisive advantage. TAKING THE NEXT STEP For first time buyers, purchasing a home will always be a significant decision. While the process can feel complex, the right support can make it far more accessible and reassuring. Through the Great Start scheme and a range of thoughtfully designed homes in carefully chosen locations, Morris Homes is helping buyers make that first move with greater confidence. By easing some of the financial pressure at the outset, the developer is enabling more people to reach the front door of their first home sooner, and enjoy the experience along the way.
convenience alongside a strong sense of community. Hampton Water in Peterborough offers a more relaxed environment, with attractive waterside surroundings, while remaining well-connected to the wider area. It is a development that balances lifestyle considerations with the practicalities of modern living. Alconbury Weald in Huntingdon offers buyers the opportunity to join a growing, carefully planned community. With green spaces and local facilities already firmly established, it offers long- term appeal for those who are looking to put down roots. The Grange in Formby is set within an established neighbourhood, close to schools and amenities, creating a welcoming and familiar environment that is ideal for first time buyers. Bartle Meadows in Cottam , near Preston, offers two and three bedroom homes in a quieter setting, while still benefiting from good connections to nearby towns. It combines a sense of space with everyday convenience. Rivington Park in Horwich brings together countryside access and strong commuter links to Bolton, Manchester and Preston, making it well-suited to buyers looking for balance between outdoor space and connectivity. While each development has its own character, they all reflect Morris Homes’ focus on building places where people can genuinely settle and thrive.
For many buyers, the journey to homeownership is rarely straightforward. This was the case for Madeleine and Harvey in Cambridgeshire, who experienced several setbacks while trying to secure a home on the resale market. Looking for a smoother route, they turned their attention to new build homes and discovered a Morris Homes development that felt right in terms of location, layout and overall feel. This time, the experience was notably different. Clear communication and support throughout the process helped them move forward with greater confidence, reinforcing why growing numbers of first time buyers are choosing new build developments as a more straightforward route into homeownership. A MARKET FINDING ITS FEET The housing market has faced a number of challenges in recent years, affecting both developers and buyers. Rising construction costs and affordability pressures have influenced activity and confidence across the sector. More recently, however, conditions have begun to stabilise. Limited house price growth over the past year, alongside now relatively stable mortgage rates, has helped improve affordability. For buyers with a 75% mortgage purchasing an average-priced home, monthly repayments are now around
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First Time Buyer June/July 2026 29
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