Ref:PRSH154
Date: 16 January 2017 

Soldier settles in Staffordshire village with the help of SARH

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After 16 years in the army, Andrew Radford CGC (Conspicuous Gallantry Cross) is looking forward to setting down roots with his wife Rebecca in Staffordshire after getting a foot on the housing ladder with the help of Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH).

Having served on tours of both Iraq and Afghanistan with the Household Cavalry -which is based in London - Andrew returned to Staffordshire to set up home with dental nurse Rebecca and their eight-year-old son, Leo. However, property costs in the area meant they had to settle for a rental property in Barlaston whilst Andrew waited for his discharge papers.

Buying their own property looked a distant prospect until they heard about an innovativeshared ownership schemeoffer by the area's largest landlord as part of a housing development in the village of Yarnfield.

Andrew explained: "Living in rental accommodation was far from ideal, but it was difficult to raise a deposit for a suitable property in an area that would be close to our families.

"We've always liked rural areas, and when we heard about SARH properties available for shared ownership, we thought we had to take a closer look."

After initially spotting the property on the Rightmove website, Andrew and Rebecca contacted SARH to see if they could apply. The couple, who are both 35, moved into their two-bedroom home just in time for Christmas, just six weeks after making initial enquiries about the property.

"The process was quick and easy. SARH put us in touch with a suitable mortgage provider and, as we were buying 25 per cent equity in the property, the deposit was much lower than buying outright," Andrew said.

"This really is a great way to get on the housing ladder, particularly for people like us who work in essential services such as the military, healthcare or the emergency services."

Built in partnership with Barratt Homes as part of the wider Yarnfield Park development, the new homes provide an opportunity for people with local connections to remain within the village and continue to help build a sustainable community.

Rebecca added: "We both grew up nearby and have family in Stafford and Stoke, and Leo goes to school in Stone, so the location is ideal and has a real rural feel."

Seewww.sarh.co.ukfor details of this weekend's Open Days.

Caption: Andrew and Rebecca Radford settle into their new home.

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Editor's Notes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e: mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk