Time to do something unusual
Sunday Express 5.10.08
Housebuilder Ask Life is offering first time buyers a "rent before you buy" scheme for 24 furnished apartments at a site in Salford, Greater Manchester.
After six months of renting, the tenant can put the money towards a deposit if they decide to buy, which means they live there rent free. The scheme also allows first timers to see if the homes and the area are right for them and affordable.
Andy Gilmore, 27, and student girlfriend, Emily Lang, 23, are renting a studio flat for £500 a month with a view to buying next year. "It is something we are interested in", says Andy who works in corporate PR. "We love the location and we don't need a car as everything is within walking distance."
Emily is in her third year studying architecture at Manchester University, so whe she gets a job they will be in a strong position to obtain a mortgage. "This is a very good incentive and helps us to save for a deposit while affording to rent," says Andy.