HOUSE hunters in Chard will be able to take advantage of a new scheme from local companies that will allow them to purchase a new-build home with a 5% deposit. 

Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes are launching Deposit Unlock this month to provide purchasers with competitively priced mortgage products to make buying a home worth up to £600,000 more affordable. 

The scheme will be available at Blackdown Heights in Chard, Coat Grove in Martock, and Elworthy Place in Wiviliscombe.

Deposit Unlock represents an alternative to Help to Buy, a Government support scheme for first-time buyers. 

Help to Buy began in April 2013 and, since then, 2,912 properties in Somerset have been bought using the scheme. 

It is now only available to first-time buyers after the scheme closed for homeowners earlier this year. 

Nicki Reid, sales director for Barratt David Wilson Homes Somerset, said: "Due to the increase in home working, it's more important than ever to help people find the right home.

"The new Deposit Unlock scheme is available for everyone and as purchasers only need to find a 5% deposit, it will literally unlock the potential of a brand new home for thousands of house hunters in Somerset.

"It's available on all of the homes we're currently building at Coat Grove, Martock Elworthy Place, Wiveliscombe and Blackdown Heights, Chard."

Chard & Ilminster News: NEW BUILDS: Homes at Coat Grove, Martock (Image: Barratt Developments PLC)NEW BUILDS: Homes at Coat Grove, Martock (Image: Barratt Developments PLC)

Blackdown Heights is just over a mile from Chard, and the development is made up of 142 new two, three and four-bedroom homes. 

It has been estimated the development will contribute £1.8 million to the community through section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy payments. 

Over half of the homes in Coat Grove, Martock, have been sold since the development opened last year. 

Elworthy Place will be made up of 94 new two, three and four-bedroom homes, including 24 affordable homes. 

The development will include contributions to the community and infrastructure improvements worth more than £1.2 million and support more than 290 jobs with suppliers and contractors in the local area.

To find out more about the new Deposit Unlock scheme, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk/offers/deposit-unlock/.

To register your interest, find out more,  or book a virtual or in-person appointment at Coat Grove, Elworthy Place or Blackdown Heights, visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or call 0333 3558 491.