New police recruit Simon Tyas was quick to get on the housing ladder once he’d heard about the help available.

Simon was still doing his initial training when, by chance, he spotted the ideal flat.

One phone call to Keyhomes East put him on the road to home ownership - and he couldn’t be happier.

The 26-year-old police constable had found out about the Government’s Key Worker Living Programme through his employers within a couple of weeks of joining the force. “It was in my head from day one because I knew I couldn’t afford to buy my own place,” said Simon.

He had been renting but, with his six-month tenancy due to run out soon, home ownership seemed more tempting.

Being new to the housing market, Simon particularly appreciated the help he received from Keyhomes East.

“I thought they were great,” he said. “They were always very professional and polite on the phone, and willing to answer any questions, even silly ones. Even after my sale, they answered all my questions.”

Simon singled out Peter Cook, one of Keyhomes East’s sales and marketing officers, for special praise.

“I was away when there was the open day to view the flats so I sent my parents to look around,” explained Simon. “Pete then came out specially to show me around and was very patient when I was trying to make up my mind about which flat to have.”

Simon moved into the two-bedroom New Build HomeBuy flat with his girlfriend Sachiko in July.

He is delighted with the brand new flat and the high specifications, from the ensuite bathroom down to the wooden flooring. “I was completely new to the whole process because I had never bought before,” he said. “It was nice looking around a new place rather than an old property.”

The flat is also quiet, which is important as he sometimes works nights and needs to sleep during the day.

Simon’s advice to other key workers is simple - get your application in as quickly as possible. “You then get all the information you need and get sent new information as properties become available. But it doesn’t commit you to anything.”