Halifax launch UK's first one-stop home-buying shop

Halifax has unveiled 'Home by Halifax', a new space on Cannon Street in London, dedicated to helping people buy a home.The new is thought to be the first its kind in the UK and will bring together experts in home buying, interactive experiences and special events.Aimed at everyone, from those just starting to think about saving to buy a property to those thinking about home insurance and other homeowner essentials. Extended opening hours will ensure expert staff are on hand to help walk people through the process and provide the best support possible at a time that's convenient to London's busy workers.Located in the heart of London at 100 Cannon Street, Home by Halifax' visitors will be greeted by a 55” interactive screen which breaks down the process of buying a home into helpful stages.Free events open to everyone will also be a regular feature, focusing on a range of topics, including home buying and events with industry experts, and charity partners.Yoga classes will also be offered free of charge to encourage mental and physical health and combat stress.All events and seminars will be held in the morning, at lunch and after popular working hours. A list of current events can be found here.Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax says: “We've built a different kind of space unlike any other dedicated to home buying, as we know the challenges people can face when attempting to set foot or move up the housing ladder.Home by Halifax is designed to make the process simple, with extended opening hours and specially trained staff on hand to help people make the most of their visit at a time that's convenient. Our free events also recognise that buying a home can be stressful, and that's why we think it's important to offer something different, focussed on health and wellbeing.”Quality food and barista crafted coffee will also be available in Change Please coffee shop – a warm, informal space to chat, meet, work and learn. Run in partnership with social enterprise and award-winning local independent supplier Change Please, it empowers members of the local homeless community by offering opportunities to be trained as baristas.Halifax recently launched the Family Boostmortgage to help first-time buyers without a deposit, where savings from parents or other family members can be used to provide security for 10% of the loan.Staff will be on hand to discuss Family Boost, as well as a range of other products, with visitors from the 7th October. In addition, video links to further expert staff members will help customers make the most of their time in store on the rare occasion an adviser isn't immediately on hand to help.Home by Halifax will be open five days a week from 07:30 to 19:00 on Monday to Thursday, closing at 16:00 on a Friday.