Richard, the Governments new scheme sounds like a great saving for potential first time buyers such as myself, but how does it actually work?
The Government plans for New homes will be built specifically for this scheme with the view to attracting first time buyers. The houses will be built on brownfield land and offered at 20% lower than the market value.
The Government hopes that this will enable more young people such as you Olivia to get on to the property ladder.
Although the finer details are yet to be confirmed, it is believed that should you sell the property within the first 5 years you must offer it to another first time buyer at the same discount. There may be a restriction on the registered title with regards to disposing of the property so we would need to look at this carefully as part of our investigations.
Would I be eligible for this? Is there any restrictions on who can benefit?
You would be eligible for this, First time buyers under the age of 40 may sign up to this scheme. You will of course have to be able to raise enough money to purchase the property, alternatively you would need a sufficient deposit and be eligible for mortgage funding.
What about getting a Mortgage, would banks still lend to me if I was purchasing a property under this scheme?
Banks and Building Society’s will be offering Mortgages on the homes but are yet to confirm whether there will be a product specifically for this type of purchase.
With such a big discount being given, will this result in a poorer quality property?
No this should not be the case. The Government has advised that a new design panel, including world famous architects such as Sir Terry Farrell and Sir Quinlan Terry will be established to ensure that new homes are not only lower cost but also high quality and well-designed, giving hardworking house buyers attractive homes that meet the demands of modern life.
How are the developers able to offer this saving? Surely they will be eating in to their profit margins?
The savings are to be made by relaxing levies and charges that come with acquiring planning to build on certain land sites. The government say that these kinds of Charges (known in the Property world as Section 106 charges) can add an extra £15,000 onto the price of building, per home per site. Over a large site, this number can add hundreds of thousands of pounds to the costs of building for the developers. By freeing the developers of these charges, the government aim to get 20% off for first time buyers.
This sounds brilliant Richard when can I move in?
Don’t book your removal van just yet Olivia… the houses aren’t actually built yet but this is expected to start within the next few months.
As a potential first time buyer the saving offered here could really make the difference and help me get on to the property ladder. How do I sign up?
Visit http://www.new-homes.co.uk/starter-homes/ to register your interest in being part of this Government scheme. You will then be contacted when more information is available.
If you are a first time buyer or looking to move home or invest in property give one of our friendly conveyancing team a call on 02392 296296 or visit www.qualitysolicitors.com/largeandgibson for a free no obligation quotation. We are confident that we can give you the best help and support and guide you through every step of the way.