New build: Countrywide round-up of the best around

 Affordability – can I afford it, am I eligible for Help to Buy?

 Mortgage – will I qualify for a mortgage, what type and how much will it cost?

 Other costs – what other monthly bills will I have?

 Design – how do I make it my home in my style for my budget?

Now, first-time buyers can get answers to these questions and take a stress-free route to home ownership at this exclusive weekend event which will be held from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October at Cruden’s popular Baron’s Vale development in Glasgow’s thriving East End, where only a few properties remain for sale.

Potential first-time buyers will get a wealth of advice and support from Cruden’s award winning sales team, interior designers and a "whole of market" Independent Financial Advisor (IFA). The Cruden team will explain the Help to Buy Scheme, qualify applicants and manage the entire process for them on behalf of Scottish Government.

The one stop shop event will also provide information on all the associated costs involved with buying a home and visitors will be able to view the plans for Cruden’s newest show home and even get expert advice on how to decorate their new home, tailored to their individual budget.

Homes at Baron’s Vale will be complete in March 2017 and are being sold off plan. All the homes qualify for the Government-backed Help to Buy (Scotland) scheme which allows buyers to own a home with only a five per cent deposit.

Buying off plan is ideal for first-time buyers – it allows homebuyers to plan their house move in detail. Cruden’s structured purchase plan can support those looking to buy of their estimated monthly mortgage payments, deposit required and all the other costs associated with home ownership. What’s more, it gives first-time buyers time to save for the perfect sofa, bedding or curtains for their new home. Liz Mallon, Sales and Marketing Director of Cruden Homes West, explains: "We want to give first time buyers all the tools they need to make an informed decision about buying a new home at Baron’s Vale. Cruden Homes sales staff can take the stress out of home ownership by offering expert assistance."

Cruden’s interior designers will also be on hand with layout designs, wallpaper and fabrics to see on the day. Call at the Cruden Baron’s Vale sales and information suite, MacDuff Street, off London Road.

Hydro Gardens creating waves in Peebles

THE recently launched Hydro Gardens development located in the former grounds of the Peebles Hydro Hotel in the Scottish Borders, is enjoying an unprecedented wave of sales prompting early releases of additional properties to cater for the heavy demand.

Hydro Gardens is another prestigious development from Queensberry Properties, a partnership between Cruden Homes and established land and property experts, Buccleuch Property.

A steady flow of buyers have now snapped up all properties on the first release, including four majestic five-bedroom detached villas and a five-bedroom semi-detached villa.

Now, a further release of three five-bedroom linked-detached Caddon style villas, all with single garage, have been released for sale with prices from £385,000.

In keeping with all the elegant homes on the development, the Caddon shares a distinguished, traditional architectural style and includes an exceptional interior specification. Also announced is the release of the first one and two-bedroom apartments at Hydro Gardens. Prices start from £135,000.

Grace Brownlow, sales and marketing director of Queensberry Properties said: "Hydro Gardens is offering a wide selection of prestigious properties with prices to meet varied budgets."

Call Savills on 01721 721 100 or check www.queensberryproperties.co.uk

Forty-nine new ways to enjoy life in Fife

AUTUMN homehunters are out in force at Allanwater Homes’ latest Fife development, The Views, Saline, near Dunfermline.

Forty-nine new properties, ranging from three to five bedrooms, are available at The Views, which has generous plot sizes to make the most of the attractive semi rural setting with easy access to a wide range of village amenities.

Prices start from £174,995 for the three bedroom detached Nevis villa with driveway, a new design. Other never-before-seen housestyles include a four bedroom detached villa, and a spectacular five-bedroom villa with a split-level design. And for those seeking a bungalow – three, four and five bedroomed detached bungalows are also available. Other popular family housetypes from the Allanwater Homes stable are also available, such as the Cairngorm four bedroom detached villa with driveway (from £249,995) and the Torridon five bedroom detached villa with garage (£289,995). The Kintyre, £344,995, is an extremely spacious and highly specified four bedroom detached bungalow with a study.

Says Allanwater Homes Sales Manager Margaret Jack: "We expect our detached bungalows to prove very popular. We have a wide choice of styles. As we are now well into the traditionally busy autumn homebuying period, if a buyer wants to secure the housetype of their choice at 2016 prices, we would urge them to pay us a visit."

Saline has a primary school, golf course and other amenities and is well placed for commuting to the Central belt. The Sales Office is open 11am to 5.30pm Thursday to Monday, call 07860 954077.

Give your christmas that new home sparkle this year

WITH just nine weeks to go to Christmas, Miller Homes has a wide selection of new builds ready for you to deck the halls and hang up your stockings.

Whether you’re looking for countryside surroundings, or the convenience of the city, Miller Homes has a variety of developments across Central Scotland to meet your needs. Here’s just a taste of the homes you could be settling into this festive season.

The Glenmuir at Manor Wynd is a stunning four bedroom home perfect for Christmas. Located on the edge of East Kilbride, the development boasts the advantage of a nearby town but still holds the charm of its rural surroundings and beautifully landscaped location. Prices for the Glenmuir home start at £235,000.

The Mitford at Keepers Gate is a four-bedroom at Ellismuir.

The development is fast becoming one of the most sought after residential neighborhoods in Glasgow as it offers quick and easy access to the city centre and the Central Belt.

Golf lovers can relish in the nearby Calderbraes Golf Course, while there are a selection of schools and leisure facilities close by for families looking to set up home. The Mitford at plot 14 is available using Miller’s Part Exchange scheme and is priced at £258,000. Miller Homes will also make a contribution to the buyer’s LBTT on this particular plot.

At Glen Almond there are a number of five-bedroom properties. Situated in the semi-rural town of Kirkliston, it allows for exceptionally quick access to the M8, Edinburgh Airport and the new Queensferry Crossing. Prices for the Bowmore start at £249,995 while the five bedroom Dewar is also available using Part Exchange from £274,995.