Like thousands of other couples living in rented accommodation across the country, Hansley and Wenda Migale have long been desperate to buy a house.

However, with most mortgage lenders still requiring significant deposits from first-time buyers, a home of their own seemed a distant dream.

That was until they discovered Taylor Wimpey's The Bridge in Dartford and its range of incentives for first-time buyers.

Now the couple have left the world of renting behind as they settle into their new three-bedroom house.

Hansley, who works as a railway officer, said: "While we were living in our rented flat, we really didn't like the idea that we were making someone else richer every month instead of investing in our own future.

"We wanted to buy our own place together but the banks were all asking for big deposits which we couldn't afford.

Luckily we found out about The Bridge and with Taylor Wimpey's help, we were able to buy our first home much sooner than we expected.

"And the best part is that our monthly mortgage payments are on a par with what we were paying in rent for a much smaller property, which was a big surprise for us."

Hansley and Wenda, a customer services officer, were helped to secure their three-bedroom Lambeth townhouse at The Bridge by Taylor Wimpey's Gifted Deposit scheme.

Available with selected new homes at the development, the scheme sees first-time buyers receive 5% of the price of their property as a free gift, with nothing at all to pay back.

Stylish one-bedroom flats are available to buy at the development from £89,812, two-bedroom flats are from £112,125 and two-bedroom starter homes are from £188,500.

Meanwhile, three-bedroom houses are priced from £202,500 at the development and a three-bedroom Lambeth townhouse, similar to the one bought by the Migales, is available from £234,995.

• The Bridge is just off Brunel Way, via Bob Dunn Way, Dartford, and open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. More details on 0845 026 3678.