Would-be home buyers in Bromsgrove have been given a glimpse into the future with the opening of a showhome at a new housing development on Perryfields Road.

The doors of a two-bedroom shared ownership property have been thrown open to the public to allow those looking for an affordable part-buy, part-rent home to see the quality and finish of the homes available.

The showhome reflects a contemporary interior design, focusing on three key colours, silver, black and white. And it proved to be so attractive to viewers that the home was reserved for purchase within hours of it being opened.

One hundred and fifty-eight homes are being built and 55 of them will be available on a shared ownership basis comprising of one and two-bedroom apartments, two, three and four-bedroom houses and two-bedroom bungalows. 

Some of those who have already reserved a property came along to the newly-opened showhome last weekend to get a good idea of what their finished homes will look like.

First-time buyers Robin Haywood and Chelsee Hember have been saving up for 18 months to be able to secure their first home together.

Robin, aged 25, said: "We have been living with our parents so we can't wait to get our own home. It's difficult for young people to buy their own home so this is a great opportunity for us. Chelsee is still at university so we have a limited income."

New family Daniel and Alana Turner are over the moon to be moving into their new home with their nine-month old daughter Eva. 

Daniel said: "The economy at the moment just doesn't allow first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder easily so we are delighted that we have got this opportunity. We could not have afforded a home like this ordinarily so shared ownership is a great option.

"Looking at the showhome we are really happy with its space, quality and finish and now we can't wait to move into our own house."

The development, being built by Wates Construction, is a joint venture between Bromsgrove District Housing Trust (bdht) and WM Housing Group, supported by a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Bromsgrove District Council.

Graham Myatt, chairman of Nexus Housing, which is a part of WM Housing Group, said: "We are delighted to be able to give families like Mr and Mrs Turner the opportunity to get on to the property ladder. Shared ownership is a good option for people looking to secure their first home.

"The Perryfields Road development is a great location with lovely views over open fields and is within easy access of the town centre."

Eamon Thompson, new business manager at bdht, said: "The number of enquiries that we've had about this development so far, and the fact that so many homes have been snapped up before even being built, shows there is clearly a need for affordable housing across Bromsgrove district.

"This development is in a fantastic location and has been designed to have a real community feel. The houses, bungalows and apartments are spacious and airy and we hope people will come along to the showhome to see the quality of these shared ownership properties for themselves."

The Perryfields showhome is open to view from 11am - 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays and week days by prior appointment.

Prices for the shared ownership homes currently range from £43,250 for a 50 per cent share of a one bedroom apartment, up to £89,750 for a 50 per cent share of a spacious four bedroom house.

A further 19 homes are available on affordable intermediate market rent and the remaining 84 homes are available for social rent.

Anyone interested in buying a home should visit the showhome, or contact the WM Housing sales team on 0300 333 6599.