Housing Minister Grant Shapps has encouraged aspiring first-time buyers across the country, to come forward for new Government help to get a foot on the property ladder.

The Minister launched the new FirstBuy scheme, specifically designed to help those struggling to buy their first home due to the need for large deposits.

He confirmed that over 100 housebuilders will take part by offering their new-build homes to first-time buyers.

Through FirstBuy, the Government and housebuilders together will offer a 20 per cent equity loan, which alongside a five per cent deposit from the buyer will enable them to take out a 75 per cent mortgage on the rest of the property.

Loans will be repaid on resale of the property, with the Government's share available for reinvestment in more affordable housing. The first homes are expected to come on stream in September this year.


FirstBuy will help over 10,000 first time buyers in England over the next two years, with up to £500 million being available across the UK.

And because the scheme is only available on new-build properties, it will offer a much-needed shot in the arm to the housing market and the construction industry - supporting thousands of jobs.

Subject to contracts signed over the summer, housebuilders that will be able to offer homes for sale through FirstBuy will include:

• Persimmon Homes
• Barratt Homes
• Bovis Homes Limited
• CM Yuill Limited
• Galliford Try Homes
• Morris Homes Limited
• Radian
• The Miller Group Limited
• Taylor WimpeyKey lenders are also backing FirstBuy by preparing to offer 75 per cent mortgages to those first-time buyers making the most of the scheme.
  
  Mr Shapps said: "With 80 per cent of young first-time buyers depending on parental help, I am determined that we pull out all the stops to help those who want to take their first steps onto the property ladder.
  
  "FirstBuy will do just that - a Government-backed scheme making £500 million available to offer a valuable alternative to the Bank of Mum and Dad. Over the next two years, this will help as many as 10,000 people in England to get that much-needed deposit together and realise their dreams of owning their own home.
  
  "And because this help will be available on newly-built properties, it will also offer a much-needed boost to our housebuilding industry, supporting thousands of jobs across the country."
  
  (CD/BMcC)