First time buyers queuing in Cheltenham
Case Study - Scheme Launched in Cheltenham
FIRST time buyers queued through cold and windy weather to get Government funding to buy their first home. Saturday 1st March saw the launch of the successful scheme to Cheltenham and people queued throughout the night to ensure they didn't miss out.
Rebecca Curtis, 21 and her boyfriend & Jamie Mayes, 22 were first in the queue. Rebecca who has just celebrated her 21st Birthday said "this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and too good to be missed." Rebecca and Jamie set up tents at around 4pm the previous night to ensure they got the home they had always wanted. Jamie added "we did feel like we were going a bit mad" the couple braved the freezing cold, rain and some of the windiest weather we have had this year to secure funding of around 45% of their new home.
The Government scheme is run by New Futures who are based in Gloucester. Graham Phillips, HomeBuy manager said "we knew the scheme would be popular but we were blown away by the determination of some to ensure they received Governement funding" he added "anyone who wants to buy their own home should apply now before funding runs out." Rebecca said "I had never heard of the scheme until I phoned George Wimpey who told me about it."
After an unpleasant night in the freezing cold the couple were pleased to see staff that arrived at 8.30am with cakes and biscuits and let them into the warm. Jamie said "we decided exactly which plot we wanted" he added "we had lots of time to think about how we will decorate it and what it will be like on moving day."
When asked what her friends and family thought to the couple camping out Rebecca commented "all my friends thought I was mad but my parents were really behind us and they encouraged us to come down". Rebecca & James have just returned from a Caribbean holiday Jamie said "if Cheltenham had Caribbean weather I would have enjoyed camping out."
