A visit to The Old Hospital development by Higgins Homes could be a good first step towards finding out what the government-backed NewBuy scheme could do for you. KentHomes took a look.

Only five apartments remain at The Old Hospital, Higgins Homes development in the centre of Maidstone – and they have just become a little easier to snap up.

The apartments are available under the 95 per cent NewBuy scheme, which means any eligible buyers, not just first-timers, can buy a property with a deposit of just 5%.

Higgins Homes is one of many developers who have joined the scheme, launched by the government in March, under which mortgage lenders have agreed to provide 95% mortgages on new build homes costing less than £500,000.

The apartments still on offer are in the four apartment building wings in the grounds of the historic former Ophthalmic and Aural Hospital, and are arranged around The Old Hospital’s new garden square.

Externally, the architecture is clean and contemporary, with materials such as brick, glass, ragstone and lead. Inside, each apartment has been designed to optimise the space and features a contemporary style specification.

Many of the apartments here have outside private space, in the shape of a balcony, private garden or terrace.

Prices range one-bedroom apartments from £134,950 and two-bedroom apartments from £154,950.

Jeremy Marcus, sales director of Higgins Homes, said: “NewBuy is a great initiative to help more people enter the property market or move around it.

“Over the past few years we have been bombarded with statistics about how difficult it can be to build up a sizeable deposit and secure a mortgage, so this scheme really does tackle the problems encountered by many homebuyers.

“We are also thrilled to be considered for the scheme. This association is opening up our doors to a much wider client base and conversely, providing house hunters with much more variety of choice. It really is great for the UK property industry.”

NewBuy is available in England on all the properties offered by approved house builders participating in the scheme, up to and including a sale price of £500,000.

Applicants will need to meet the normal mortgage assessment criteria required by the participating lenders.

Once a buyer has found a qualifying home from a participating builder, they should speak to an independent financial advisor who should assess their mortgage requirements and advise on the most appropriate product for each individual. Alternatively, buyers can speak directly to a preferred lender participating in the scheme.

For further information on The Old Hospital contact Higgins Homes 01622 661511 or see www.higginshomes.co.uk