Cuddington house developer Haslon Fields is fighting back in the challenge set by big builders in the mid-Cheshire property market with open house events and on the day initiatives.

Director Ruth Elliott-Smith said: “Northwich and surrounding areas are undergoing major change, with large numbers of new houses being built by multi-national construction companies.

“They have huge advertising budgets and impressive looking show homes, so we have to go the extra mile to attract buyers away from them and show them that we offer something different – one-off character properties in lovely locations.

“So we organise open house events, which are more like social gatherings with tea and coffee, nibbles and even home-baked apple pie.

“We also have special on the day incentives such as £10,000 cashback offers for buyers, and there’s a prize draw for a bottle of Champagne.

“It all adds to the excitement and party atmosphere and shows our guests what the house is like to live and entertain in.”

However, she maintains that small companies must also match the incentives offered by the national builders to succeed.

“Our customers shouldn’t lose out by buying a house from a small local developer,” says Ruth. “So we have to behave like our big brothers to offer all the potential big savings that they can, which isn’t easy for a small firm.”

To do so, Haslon Fields has registered its latest development, Applewood, for the Government’s Help to Buy scheme.

Ruth said: “We’ve built a fabulous four bedroomed detached house on the edge of Norley village, with stunning views across green belt, which is on sale for £499,500.

“But with our new Help to Buy scheme, a purchaser need only find a five per cent deposit of less than £25,000, and raise a mortgage of £379,000.

“The Government then loans the remaining 20 per cent of £94,900 interest-free for the first two years, after which it is added to the mortgage.

“That’s an amazing incentive for a small company like us to be able to offer.

“We’re really proud of both the house and our novel way of fighting back in an overcrowded market.

“In addition, we offer a full 10-year LABC construction warranty, and will consider part exchange on your old house.”

Open House at Applewood on Post Office Lane, Norley, WA6 8JW, is between noon and 4pm this Sunday, November 22. Contact Wright Marshall Estate Agents’ Northwich office on 01606 41318 for further details.