English Cities Fund (ECF), the developer behind Merchant Gate at the heart of the new civic and cultural quarter of Wakefield, has unveiled a new show apartment and sales office, as figures* recently announced by the Home Builders Federation show that interest in the new homes market has significantly increased since the introduction in April of the Government-backed equity loan scheme Help to Buy.

Mulberry House at Merchant Gate is the only residential development in Wakefield city centre offering the Help to Buy scheme, which allows buyers to purchase with just a 5 per cent deposit and is showing positive signs in encouraging prospective purchasers back to the market. ECF — a joint venture between Muse Developments, Legal and General Property and the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) - has now released a limited number of apartments at a new price to further entice purchasers to buy now.

Hollie Reynolds, residential sales and marketing manager at English Cities Fund, said: ‘Mulberry House at Merchant Gate is in the strong position of combining the convenience of city centre living at a very competitive price. In nearby urban centres such as Leeds or Sheffield, a city centre home of comparable high quality costs on average £121,947**, but we have a selection of one beds from £79,950 and two-bed apartments from £114,950.’

The new sales office is now open for prospective purchasers who also are invited to reserve a viewing of the new show apartment, from Thursday to Monday between 10am and 5pm. To book a viewing, customers should call 01924 339 468 or email sales@merchantgateapartments.co.uk