Helping hand for first timers by the sea

Buying your first home can be a confusing business, but there is help available – particularly for purchasers opting for a brand-new property.

The Scottish Governmentbacked Help to Buy scheme has proved a popular boost to those on a budget. It provides a 15 per cent equity loan and reduces the need for a deposit to 5 per cent, on homes priced up to £200,000.

And developers themselves offer incentives tailored to newbie househunters and advice to help them get a foot on the property ladder.

Muir Homes is hosting a first-time buyer weekend in Peterhead on 22 and 23 September. The event, at its Sovereign Gate development, will allow prospective buyers to seek advice from the Muir sales team, independent financial advisors and estate agents who can answer questions about mortgages, credit scores and Help to Buy.

The fishing port, which is 30 miles from Aberdeen, offers an array of shops, bars and restaurants, a daily seafood market, excellent schooling, beautiful beaches, golf courses and a 100-berth leisure marina.

Sovereign Gate is popular with first-time buyers who want to live close to the