First-time buyers put down roots at Loddon Rise

Two first-time buyers have put down roots at Loddon Rise, with 5% deposit contributions helping them take their first steps onto the property ladder in Loddon. 

Lifelong Loddon resident Joanne was the first person to complete on a home at the development, while Michael is preparing to collect the keys to the first apartment sold at Loddon Rise. 

Their moves mark the start of a new 180-home neighbourhood on an 18.8-acre site to the south of the town. The Hopkins Homes development will include 59 affordable homes for shared ownership and rent, nine self-build plots, children’s play areas, woodland walkways, new tree planting, cycle improvements and bus-stop upgrades. 

After years of saving, Joanne initially believed her budget would stretch only to a two-bedroom property. With the support of a mortgage adviser and a 5% deposit contribution, she bought a three-bedroom home in the town where she grew up. 

Joanne said: “With help from Hopkins Homes, I was able to go beyond what I thought I could. I’m now the proud owner of a 3-bed house, which I can grow into for years to come.” 

Staying local was also important to Joanne, whose family and school connections are in the area. 

She said: “I went to the local schools and my close family are near to the area, so it was important for me to have them close by.” 

Michael, who is buying on his own, received a 5% deposit contribution towards his one-bedroom apartment. He said the support made a meaningful difference when arranging his mortgage. 

“The deposit contribution was a big help,” he said. “I was able to add it to the deposit I was already putting down, which helped with my mortgage and made the monthly payments more manageable. When you’re buying on your own, that kind of financial support can make a real difference.” 

Michael was drawn to the location, which combines a village setting with nearby amenities and public transport. 

He said: “For me as a first-time buyer, it felt like the perfect place to start. It’s in a great location, in a quiet village, but you’ve still got shops and public transport nearby. It also felt like somewhere with a really nice sense of community.” 

As the first residents move in, both buyers are looking forward to the new neighbourhood growing around them. 

Michael added: “I’m looking forward to meeting more people as they move in and getting to know my neighbours. It’ll be nice seeing the community grow around us.” 

Loddon Rise offers traditionally styled one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside two to five-bedroom houses, designed to reflect Loddon’s historic character while incorporating modern, energy-efficient features. 

For more information about Loddon Rise, visit www.hopkinshomes.co.uk/LoddonRise.