Help to Buy launched at Smith's Dock

Smith’s Dock is North Shields’ historic shipyard, which has been given a new lease of life thanks to joint venture partners Places for People and Urban Splash; the pair recently unveiled the first eight waterfront homes for sale at the development – 50% of them have already sold with the remainder available through Help to Buy.

The initiative sees the Government lend buyers up to 20% of the cost of a new-build home free of charge, meaning they need just 5% cash deposit and a 75% mortgage to make up the rest, as Urban Splash director of residential sales Guy Ackernley explained: “There’s a great appetite for these Town Houses and I’m delighted that the addition of Help to Buy opens the concept up to more prospective buyers.

“Our event next week is intended to give customers the chance to hear more – not only about House, but what a fantastic scheme Help to Buy is and how affordable home ownership can be – it really is a great product which can help first time buyers get their foot onto the housing ladder; we’ll also have a financial advisor on hand throughout the day to give people free impartial financial advice.”

The Smith’s Dock Town Houses offer 1,500 sq ft of living space over three floors, beautiful design features, parking and a garden, with prices from £285,000. They boast incredible views of the Tyne thanks to their elevated position on an area of Smith’s Dock known as The Plateau, and are just a coastal walk away from the thriving adjacent neighbourhoods of Fish Quay and Royal Quays.

Added Nigel Brewer of Places for People: “We launched the Plateau a few weeks ago and we’re really pleased with how well the Houses there have been received; it’s the first of many developments we plan here as we strive to create a fantastic new waterfront community, breathing life into a cherished area and home to much of North Shields’ heritage.”

The developers are also on site creating 80 waterfront apartments known as the Smokehouses, which will be launched for sale in 2018. There are also longer-term plans for a total of 800 homes at the scheme, workspaces, watersports, retail areas and public parks – while North East native and TV architect George Clarke recently announced his plans to create a further 10 modular homes at Smith’s Dock; known as FAB Houses, they will be launched for sale later in the year.

To register your interest contact Rosemary Miller at the Smith’s Dock show home on 0191 580 7999, email hello@smithsdock.co.uk or visit the Smith’s Dock website; smithsdock.co.uk