Pictured above: Park Central at night

First time buyers looking for free independent advice on getting onto the property ladder in 2010 are being urged to visit Park Central in Birmingham city centre on Wednesday 3 February, where developer Crest Nicholson is hosting an open evening from 5pm to 7pm.

An opportunity for would-be homeowners to get their questions answered by the dedicated Park Central sales team, together with free independent financial advice, first time buyers are invited to drop into the open evening which is being held at marketing suite between 5pm and 7pm for assistance on finding their ideal home. The marketing suite is situated at 2 Mason Way, off Bath Row in Birmingham city centre - just minutes from The Mailbox, Broad Street and Brindleyplace.

Throughout the evening, information will also be available on a range of incentives currently being offered to eligible purchasers at Park Central, all of which have been introduced to help make homeownership more affordable. The government-backed HomeBuy Direct is currently available, with apartments starting from just £59,500 when purchased with the help of this assistance scheme, and £1,000 IKEA vouchers are up for grabs for qualifying first time buyers for a limited time. First time buyers at Park Central may also be able to take advantage of Crest's very own 'Live for Less' scheme, which gives new homeowners help towards paying their household bills for a year.

Jo Parker, sales manager at Park Central explained: "Our first time buyer open evenings are held intermittently throughout the year and provide a great opportunity for prospective homeowners to take a closer look at Park Central and to benefit from the free professional advice on offer. With a HomeBuy expert and Independent Financial Advisor on hand to answer any questions purchasers may have, it is not unusual for first time buyers to come along and discover that it is more affordable to buy a new apartment at Park Central than to rent a property.

"At Park Central, we strive to provide first time buyers with the support they need to make that all important first step onto the property ladder. Buying a new apartment can not only provide purchasers with the security that comes with living in their own home, but also with a substantial cost saving in many cases. A one bedroom apartment is the most affordable way of getting onto the property ladder, and at Park Central, we have a wide range of layouts, aspects and apartment types available. With Homebuy and the other incentives available at Park Central now, it's no surprise that we're often the first port of call for first time buyers."

Crest Nicholson has a selection of contemporary one bedroom apartments currently available at Park Central priced from £85,000, or just £59,500 using HomeBuy Direct.

Eligible purchasers with a household income of less than £60,000 can take advantage of HomeBuy Direct at Park Central. The initiative reduces the mortgage amount needed by buyers to secure their first home, with the government and builder covering up to 15 per cent each or 30 per cent in total of the property price with a loan. This then leaves the buyer with a more affordable mortgage for the remaining 70 per cent.

Park Central is the result of an innovative partnership between Crest Nicholson and joint landowners Birmingham City Council and Optima Community Association.

To register your interest in attending the First Time Buyer event or to find out more, contact the marketing suite on 0121 666 4666. The Park Central marketing suite is open daily from 10am to 5pm and is located at Park Central, 2 Mason Way, Birmingham B15 2EY. www.parkcentral.co.uk.