Couple drive a hard-hat deal; Site boss and restaurant supervisor land a bargain on their doorstep.

Byline: Raymond Hainey

Building site manager Scott Henry put on his professional hard hat when looking for a home to share with partner Laura Borsuk.

They surveyed a list of building companies and their developments before settling on a new two-bedroom flat from Barratt Homes as their first home together.

Scott said: "We took our time and looked at a lot of houses - but Barratt were by far the best in terms of quality.

"I work in that environment, so I know what to look for and their finishing and fixtures were really the best." Now - eight weeks after moving in - Scott and Laura have had no regrets.

Scott, 24, said: "The interior of the flat was pretty much perfect - there have basically been no problems.

"It's certainly lived up to expectations.

We've got all our furniture in now and everything is great. It really feels like home." Scott, who works for Edinburgh-based Sharkey, and hotel restaurant supervisor Laura, 24, both come from Midlothian.

And both were keen to stay close to their families. They plumped for Barratt's Rosedale Wynd development in Bonnyrigg, just 10 miles from Edinburgh and close to Dalkeith. Scott said: "It was local and only minutes away from our families. And it's a really private area with lovely views of hills." The pair thought a new flat was out of their reach, but opted for Barratt's split equity scheme, which means they only had to find 75 per cent of the cost, with the rest repayable within 10 years.

Scott said: "It's a former show flat, so Barratt also included the carpets and curtains, which was another incentive." Laura added: "I love the kitchen - the appliances are integrated and top quality and we got extra light fittings as well.

"We've also got car parking too, which is handy as we both drive to work. When we first walked in we knew this was the one." Rosedale Wynd features one and twobedroom flats, terraced properties and four and five-bedroom detached homes.

Flats range from pounds 94,995 to pounds 112,995.

Call 0131 660 2957 or visit www.barratthomes.co.uk

Miller Homes' new development in Lanarkshire has a striking focal point - an old-style tractor.

Newton Park is built on former farmland near Cambuslang and features three, four and fivebedroom homes, with some available now. Prices start at pounds 280,000 with special deals available. Call 0800 840 8459 or visit www.millerhomes.co.uk

If you are harbouring thoughts of a new home, builder George Wimpey are offering a fleet of incentives at The Harbour, Ardrossan, Ayrshire.

They include matching deposits up to 10 per cent and part exchange.

Two-bedroom flats start at pounds 89,995 with larger properties available.

Call 0845 026 5264 or visit www.georgewimpey.co.uk

Just five luxury four-bedroom townhouses remain at an exclusive development in Aberdeenshire.

The three-storey properties are at Stewart Milne's Woodlands site in Pitfodels, in a rural setting just three miles from Aberdeen city centre.

Prices start at pounds 468,450.

Call 01224 208340 or visit www.stewartmilne.com

Laura loves the integrated kitchen

Rosedale Wynd offers a range of flats

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Laura loves the integrated kitchen Rosedale Wynd offers a range of flats Dig the new homes at Newton Harbour sweeteners from Wimpey Luxury three miles from city Scott Henry and Laura Borsuk found their ideal flat with Barratt