Help to buy package for our servicemen

SERVICEMEN and -women in Leicestershire are encouraged to take advantage of an exclusive Help to Buy package.

Developer Westleigh Homes wants army personnel to look at the government-backed scheme, as it is now extended until 2018.

The Armed Forces Help to Buy scheme enables serving personnel to borrow up to 50 percent of their salary interestfree.

This can go towards a deposit and other costs, such as solicitors’ and estate agents’ fees.

All regular service personnel accepted onto trained strength who have completed at least two years of service are eligible.

Applicants also need to have more than six months left to serve and must meet certain medical conditions.

The home purchase must be for themselves or their immediate family to live in.

Robert Orr, Westleigh’s sales and marketing manager, said: “Home ownership rates among our Armed Forces have always been low, because relocation within the UK and deployments overseas have made it difficult for them to put down roots.

“It will require a concerted effort from the government and the housing industry to change that.”

Westleigh Homes is currently building 68 affordable homes on Southfield Road, near Hinckley train station.

It also has a development in Melton Mowbray, less than an hour away from Chetwynd Barracks.

Mr Orr added: “We’d encourage any service personnel looking to make their next move to stop by at a Westleigh development of their choice for advice on the help available to them.”

Servicemen and -women can apply for an Armed Forces Help to Buy loan online, through the Joint Personnel Administration system.