Award-winning house builder Peter Ward Homes has launched a new Assisted Sales Scheme to help homebuyers affected by the credit crunch.

The Beverley-based company says it is taking whatever reasonable action is available to help buyers, especially first-time buyers, complete their house purchases.

Peter Ward Homes is one of the few firms in the region to be still building new properties, in particular at its Habrough Fields site near Immingham and at the recently opened Rawsons Green development at Hornsea.

Managing director Peter Ward said: “Throughout the country developers have put a stop on new-build work until the economy and availability of loans improves but we have been buoyed by a continual, if slower than usual, flow of enquiries and sales.

“A stumbling block for many would-be purchasers is not being able to sell their existing home so we have put in place our Assisted Sales Scheme to help them and to help keep the market moving. This is not a gimmick. We haven’t given this a fancy title. As we call it, it’s just ‘a little bit of help from Peter Ward Homes’ aimed at those who have found their dream home of the future.

“With our Assisted Sales Scheme, the cut in interest rates and the lowering of the Stamp Duty threshold, we should begin to see more deals being completed, especially among first-time buyers who are vital to the housing market.”

The new scheme guarantees to hold the new home for six weeks while the existing property is marketed. During that time, Peter Ward Homes pays all estate agents and marketing fees.

If a buyer has not been found after six weeks, a discussion will take place with a view to possibly extending the arrangement, perhaps reducing the asking price. If a buyer is found but not prepared to offer the asking price, Peter Ward Homes will consider contributing towards any shortfall.

Peter Ward added: “Our properties are already realistically priced so the cost of the new home is not generally the issue. The sticking point is more likely to be the existing house and it is here where this scheme will really help to get the deal moving to a successful conclusion.”

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Peter Ward Homes by The Public Relations Company, Suite 7, Hesslewood Business Centre, Ferriby Road, Hessle HU13 0LH. For further information contact Mike Stathers on (01482) 647575 or email mike@tprc.co.uk