Publication Date: 17-01-2023 09:00
Young couple thrilled to step on the property ladder in Solihull
Beach towels instead of furniture and a takeaway curry were all part of the fun of the first night in their own home for a couple who have bought an apartment at the ages of just 24 and 22.
Callum Cosnett and Sam Grady moved into their two-bedroom apartment at Bellway’s Lucas Green development in Shirley, Solihull, in August – and they both admit they can still hardly believe they own a place of their own.
“I sometimes feel I have to pinch myself,” said Callum, 24, who had thought that owning their own home was going to be years away.
Callum, who works in IT for HSBC, and Sam, who is a receptionist at nearby Light Hall School, are the first among their friendship group to achieve the milestone of homeownership.
For a long time, it had seemed that no matter how much they saved, house prices continued to go up and kept the prospect of owning a home just out of reach. The couple had been living with Sam’s mum and dad, not far from Lucas Green, for around seven months before looking into buying a place.
“There was a sense of wanting to get out and have our own space and independence,” said Sam, 22. “But you think it’s going to be years away. You feel you’re pushing up a hill and never getting to the top.”
Nevertheless, the couple diligently saved up a £20,000 deposit, which allowed them to get on the housing ladder with a new apartment at the Bellway development, using the Government’s Help to Buy scheme.
The couple both felt that after their conversations with Bellway sales advisors Julie Tuck and Kate Kirkham, they were well informed about the process and about what they could afford and were able to make the big decision to buy.
“Once we viewed the flat, we were like ‘oh wow!’” said Callum.
“So, the next day we decided to go for it. We had the confidence from that initial chat. We could think ‘we like it and let’s go for it’ rather than being timid about the decision,” said Sam.
The apartment they chose is in Bellway’s Doveridge style, which has an open-plan kitchen, dining and living area and two bedrooms.
The couple admit they knew little about the house-buying process but felt able to ask Julie and Kate all the questions they needed to. “To be honest we were clueless, and they were so helpful,” said Sam.
“We’ve got nothing but good words about Kate and Julie, they have been 10 out of 10!” said Callum. “It didn’t feel like they were trying to sell you something, it didn’t feel pressured at all. They took an interest, and you could tell they did care.”
Getting the keys to move in was exciting but there were other stresses around that time, as Callum took his driving test (and passed it) and Sam was struck down with a bad cold. But once the whole process was over, they were relieved that everything had gone to plan, and they could start enjoying their home.
The apartment suits them both, and they enjoy having space to relax at home together after the working day or inviting friends over.
It is much better for Callum, who works from home, and now has the space to do that comfortably. “Before I was in a small box room, or storeroom really. This is miles better.”
And buying a new build suited them, as the apartment was all ready to make into a home, with no repairs or changes to carry out, they said.
They also love the development as a whole. They were already members of the nearby gym at the Village Hotel, and they like the greenery around the scheme and the old oak tree outside their apartment block.
They are both proud of what they have achieved at a young age and feel that by buying their own home they are investing in their future. Callum says that renting would have been a similar monthly cost to the just under £700 they are paying for their mortgage and insurance.
“The big thing is knowing that the money you’re paying monthly is contributing to your future when it’s paid off. You’re working towards something,” he said.
“Getting our own place means a lot. It’s the start of our journey and it’s such a nice feeling that we have built a foundation for our life together. That’s a nice feeling.”
Find out more about Lucas Green by visiting https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/lucas-green or calling the sales team on 0121 756 0770.
