A YOUNG family are making their first house together a home after moving in just in time for the birth of their little boy.

Matt and Katie Smith, who recently got married, were able to take their first step onto the property ladder using the Government's Help to Buy scheme.

The couple, who have already lived in Middleton St George, near Darlington, for five years, were able to put down a deposit on a new build in the village after watching the development come to life.

Orthopaedic physiotherapist Mr Smith and primary school teacher Mrs Smith originally met at university in Carlisle before moving home to a rented property.

From their house, the couple watched the construction of Paddocks View progress from a field off Sadberge Road and the A67 to become a full complement of show homes.

New dad Mr Smith said: "We decided to look around the show homes with no intention of buying at the time, but we fell in love with them.

"We immediately started saving with the goal of buying our first property with Story Homes at Paddocks View. As we were intending on trying for a family in the near future, we needed at least three bedrooms."

As first-time buyers with plans to expand their family, the Smiths decided on a new-build so that they could move in straightaway, without needing to do any renovation work.

Using the Help to Buy scheme, with the Government lending buyers up to 20 per cent of the cost of a new home, the couple were able to get onto the property ladder and fulfil their dream of starting a family in their own home

And shortly after making the move, Mr and Mrs Smith welcomed their baby boy, Ted, into the world, who is now six-weeks-old.

Lyndsey Walton, sales manager at Story Homes, said: “I am delighted that Matt and Katie have had such a positive experience with us and it is fantastic that they were able to secure their perfect home ready for starting a family.

“Paddocks View continues to be a popular development with a variety of buyers and we have now released new homes on the second phase. All are available with Help to Buy, including the Hastings, the same house type as the Smiths’. We wish Matt and Katie all the very best in their new home.”