Naval officer Craig Lawrence and his partner Laura Fitzpatrick knew they wanted to buy their own home one day, but weren’t sure what they could afford.
When they decided to make a spur of the moment trip to Bovis Homes’ Turnstone Rise location in Cranbrook, they were presented with an opportunity too good to miss.
Craig, who serves as a Sub Lieutenant in 849 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall, explains: “A few months back, both Laura and I were on annual leave, just back from a holiday where we talked a lot about when we might eventually have our own home. We were both living with our parents and keen to move out so decided to visit Turnstone Rise to see if there was anything we could afford.”
It was while there that the sales team introduced the couple to Bovis Homes’ new discount scheme for the Armed Forces.
The All Inclusive Armed Forces Discount scheme provides a cash discount on the price of a Bovis Home to serving members of the Armed Forces, as well as a package of extras (carpets, curtains, and integrated appliances) and help towards legal fees.
Together these incentives help to reduce the hidden hassle of buying a home. There’s no transporting heavy kitchen appliances on moving day or worrying about measuring up for carpets, for example. When combined with the Forces Help to Buy and Government Help to Buy Equity schemes, it forms what Bovis Homes calls ‘Trinity’. The most comprehensive purchase assistance scheme available to service-personnel, giving access to a lower deposit requirements and better mortgage rates.
“The timing was just so strange. We walked in on the off-chance and were introduced to this amazing, brand new scheme that was perfect for us,” says Laura, who is a lecturer in Performing Arts at nearby Exeter College. “By taking advantage of the whole Trinity package we were able to consider a three-bedroom house rather than the two-bed we had been looking at.”
Within a matter of days, Craig and Laura had decided to take the plunge and reserved a three-bedroom terraced, ‘Southwold’ house-type.
“We had viewed another property on a nearby development but were really impressed by Bovis Homes – not just because of the discount scheme, but the quality of the home too,” Laura adds. “The quality of finish was excellent, so we had no doubt Turnstone Rise was the place for us.”
For Laura, the process has been much less stressful than she was expecting. She explains: “Lots of people have said how stressed we must be buying our first home, but it really doesn’t feel like that. The sales team at Cranbrook have been amazing. From explaining how the scheme could work for us and helping us through the process to now, when they give us regular updates on how our home is progressing. We just can’t wait to move in.”
Craig added: “As an active serviceman, it’s great to see companies like Bovis Homes providing initiatives like this. I have already recommended the discount scheme to many of my friends in the Forces. It’s easy to understand, reduces hassle and makes buying a home that bit more affordable.”
For more information on Turnstone Rise, Bovis Homes’ All inclusive Armed Forces Discount scheme and Trinity purchase assistance package, go to www.bovishomes.co.uk