Kent Messenger readers might remember Michael Harris, who beat 11 other shortlisted entrants to win a fully-furnished apartment, with no rent or bills payable, for an entire year.

It has been more than six months since Mike won the X-Factor-style competition, held by Barratt in association with the Kent Messenger, and his newfound freedom has opened up a whole new lifestyle.

The one-bedroom apartment in Leybourne Park, Aylesford, has allowed the 26 year-old outdoor leisure services officer, who works for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, to pursue both his independence and his passion for the great outdoors.

"I really appreciate having my own place," Mike said. "My life is so busy at the moment and I love being able to come and go as I please. There aren’t any negatives.

"My sister thought I would never be able to do my own washing and ironing, but I have certainly proved her wrong. My parents live in Bearsted, which isn’t too far away, so I can still go home for a Sunday roast with all the family."

Mike is currently in training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania. He has been preparing to scale the mountain, which peaks at about 19,340 feet, by running 5km around Leybourne Lakes every evening and cycling in nearby Bedgebury Forest on the weekends.

"Being so close to parks and bike tracks is great," Mike added. "I am so much more motivated to run when I am not confined to the treadmill in the gym. And being able to prepare healthy meals in my own kitchen has been hugely beneficial to my training."

Trevor Sawyer, managing director of Barratt Southern Counties, said: "We could not have hoped for a nicer person to win this prize. His dedication to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for a charitable cause, Action Medical Research, is particularly impressive and we are delighted to have assisted him in both his philanthropy and his aspirations of home ownership."

As winner of the competition, Mike is able to live rent-free and save his ‘rent,’ which is being matched by Barratt to be used as a deposit on a Barratt property of his choice at the end of the 12-month period.

For those without Mike’s head start, Barratt is offering an alternative Head Start for first time home buyers choosing an apartment in Leybourne Park. Barratt’s initiative allows buyers to move into a new apartment for only 85 per cent of the purchase price, while still owning a full 100 per cent of the property.

Barratt will also pay the stamp duty and legal fees. No interest or rent is payable on the 15 per cent deferred, which is paid back as 15 per cent of the property’s open market value at any time up to the resale of the property or within 10 years, whichever is sooner.

Barratt will also pay the five per cent deposit for all first-time home buyers. One-bedroom apartments at Leybourne Park are available from £165,995 and two-bedroom apartments are available from £172,500.

Three-bedroom houses, which are available on Barratt’s part exchange offer, are priced from £249,995.

As part of this offer, Barratt will value buyers’ existing homes and agree an acceptable sale price, then assume the responsibility of selling their home. Barratt will also organise and pay for buyers’ Home Information Packs (HIPs).

Leybourne Park is within walking distance of Aylesford, and is near West Malling station and New Hythe station, both of which offer regular services for those commuting into London. Leybourne Park also has easy access to both the M2 and the M20.

For day-to-day requirements, Leybourne Park is within five minutes of a large Tesco supermarket, while nearby Maidstone provides the entertainment.

"I head into Maidstone most weekends," said Mike.

"I like to let my hair down with a few friends when I’m not at work."

For further information on Leybourne Park, phone the Barratt Sales & Marketing Suite, open daily 10am to 6pm, on 01622 791901.