Pictured: Gemma Ketley

First time buyer Gemma Ketley has proven that getting on the property ladder can be quick and hassle-free, after the Birmingham school teacher went from reserving a two-bedroom apartment at Miller Central to completing her purchase in a staggering nine days.

Situated on Rea Road in Northfield, Miller Central is a development from award-winning housebuilder Miller Homes just six miles from Birmingham city centre. Featuring a collection of houses and apartments, Miller Central has a new home to suit a range of buyers with prices starting from just £179,950 for a three bed townhouse, or £253,950 for a five bedroom detached Fielding. 

25-year old Gemma has taken her first step onto the property ladder at Miller Central, with the help of the government-backed HomeBuy Direct.  

Gemma said: "I fell in love with my new home at Miller Central the minute I saw it, which is why I really didn't want to wait longer than nine days! It's based in a great area and I really liked the community feel of the development. The help that I got from Miller Homes made all the difference to my experience - they were incredibly supportive throughout - and of course being able to take advantage of HomeBuy Direct meant affordability was not an issue for me.  I really would recommend that other first time buyers talk to Miller Homes, as they may be pleasantly surprised to learn that a new home is well within their reach too." 

Ann Crick, sales director for Miller Homes' West Midlands region, added: "It's great that thanks to the help of HomeBuy Direct, we've been able to help Gemma get fully settled into Miller Central in such a short timeframe. The development has proven to be very popular since it launched last year, thanks to its prime location and the variety of high quality homes on offer. 

"Here at Miller Central, we can find a home to suit every need and budget, whether you're a first-time buyer or you're on the lookout for a family home with the 'wow factor'. What's more, we are also offering house hunters the government's latest purchase assistance scheme, Firstbuy, on certain plots at Miller Central to make moving even easier."

Firstbuy is a scheme designed to help first time buyers into affordable home ownership and is expected to assist around 10,500 buyers onto the property ladder over the next two years.

Buyers qualifying for the scheme will have the opportunity to select one of the Firstbuy properties available from Miller Homes and will be able to purchase 100% of their home by paying up to 80% of the value now, with both Miller Homes and the Government equally funding the remaining 20% in the form of an equity loan. 

Located in a residential corner of Northfield, Miller Central offers homebuyers a secluded ambience with attractive streetscapes. The development is just 20 minutes' drive from central Birmingham, and only around three miles from both the M5 and the M42.