Homes that won't be a penny to run for 18 months

By Heather Rose
Posted: 2009/01/20

THE day-to-day running costs of a home can be a major worry for all householders these days, especially for those moving house and facing the extra bills that inevitably come with the proces

But housebuilders Barratt have come up with an incentive deal that should put an end to the nightmare of coping with utility bills on top of all the costs involved in setting up home.

Barratt East Scotland are offering to give their homebuyers gas, electricity, water and council tax free of charge until the summer of 2010.

Anne Ross, sales director with Barratt East Scotland, explained: "Paying utility bills is one of the biggest variables in most households' disposable income. So when gas and electricity prices are as high as they are now, everyone feels the strain.

"That's why we're offering to pay your bills for 18 months if you buy a new home at one of our selected developments.

"You could have literally thousands of pounds more to spend for the next year and a half, by which time economists think the worst of the recession will be over.

"So, if you do want to buy a new home, now might be a much better time than you think. Remember, you'll be buying at today's prices, not 2007 prices."

This new incentive is one of a number of packages Barratt currently have on offer to make life easier for those buying at the moment. The gas, electricity, water and council tax paid offer is, say Barratt East Scotland, site specific and is only being offered for a limited period.

Properties eligible for the deal include two-bedroom apartments at their Broughton Court development in Edinburgh, where prices start at £137,995, and at Q, Edinburgh, where prices are from £148,995.

Beyond the Capital's boundary this new deal is available at Weavers Linn in the Borders, where prices start at £179,995 for a four-bedroom detached home, and with threebedroom family homes priced from £149,995 at Rosedale Wynd, Bonnyrigg.

Information: 0845 604 9400; www.barratthomes.co.uk