First time buyers are invited to visit Park Central in Birmingham city centre on Wednesday 16 June, when developer Crest Nicholson will be introducing the next generation of homeowners to HomeBuy Direct - a government backed scheme which can help Park Central buyers secure a new apartment from just £63,000.

Bordered by Bath Row and Lee Bank Middleway, Park Central is an award-winning development which features an innovative collection of new homes set around eight acres of landscaped public parkland. Here, around half of all the apartments sold to first time buyers in 2010 have been snapped up by those taking advantage of HomeBuy Direct. Crest Nicholson is now urging other interested purchasers to drop in to the Park Central marketing suite on Wednesday 16 June between 5pm and 7pm to find out how they can also benefit from the popular assistance scheme.

Jo Parker, sales manager at Park Central, explained: "HomeBuy Direct has been a massive help for many buyers at Park Central as it reduces the mortgage amount needed for a new home. In fact it has been such a success here that we envisage the government funding allocated to HomeBuy Direct at Park Central will eventually run out later this year. While we are still able to provide this scheme we are keen to give those interested the opportunity to see if they are eligible for HomeBuy Direct and to get all the information they need in the relaxed and informal setting of our open evening.

"All purchasers who take this route to homeownership will benefit from the support of a dedicated HomeBuy Agent who is on board to ensure the process of applying for the assistance schemes runs smoothly and successfully. A HomeBuy Agent will be on hand at the open evening and an independent financial advisor will also be available to give free help and advice to those who wish to get an expert opinion."

First time buyers with a household income of less than £60,000 could be eligible for HomeBuy Direct. The assistance scheme sees the government and housebuilder cover 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 and therefore reduces the amount needed for a deposit. 

Visitors to the Park Central open evening on Wednesday 16 June will be able to take a look at the new Liberty phase of apartments which have recently been released to the market. Featuring some of the most prestigious new homes to become available at Park Central, many of the Liberty apartments have extensive views across the landscaped parkland at the heart of the scheme. 

Ranging in size from 437 sq ft to 1032 sq ft, the Liberty apartments come complete with a high internal specification including individually-designed kitchens complete with stainless steel oven, hob and extractor, and integrated appliances. Contemporary bathrooms feature Hansgrohe mixer taps and stylish Porcelanosa tiling, along with Kaldewai enamelled steel baths and chrome towel rails. 

Prices at Park Central currently start at £90,000 for a one bedroom apartment, or from £63,000 with HomeBuy Direct. Two bedroom apartments are currently priced from £148,500, or from £103,950 with HomeBuy Direct.

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