Along with other pastimes such as watching TV, eating, drinking and spending time with family and friends, it appears many took advantage of their time off work to look for a new place to live in Newton Aycliffe.

Figures show that the number of people who logged on to the Miller Homes website to view new homes for sale between Christmas and New Year were up by more than 150% on monthly averages – peaking on 1 January. Of those who visited the site 60% were visiting for the first time, exploring what opportunities there are in the property market in the weeks and months ahead.

The introduction of 95% mortgage schemes in England and Scotland – NewBuy and MI New Home – are helping the market by supporting those who only have a small deposit. The schemes, which are available on properties at Miller Homes developments, allow loans to be secured at 95% of the property’s value and provides a real opportunity for those who meet the qualifying criteria to buy a beautiful new build home.

As additional support to potential purchasers, Miller Homes also has some remaining funding available through the First Buy scheme on selected developments (for more information, visit www.millerhomes.co.uk/Locations). The First Buy scheme gives aspiring homeowners the chance to buy a new home with the assistance of an equity loan. The value of the loan is a maximum of 20% of the full price of the property.

Miller Homes also offers its own range of incentive schemes, including Home Exchange, MiWay, Recommend a Friend, Deposit Match, Family Deposit and Assisted Move. You can view a Show Home at Cobblers Hall in Newton Aycliffe.