Homebuyers given a boost

FIRST-TIME buyers in Barnsley are set to be given a step up the ladder under a new scheme to help them afford a new-build home.

The government’s ‘First Home’ scheme will offer buyers – with a combined annual household income under £80,000 – new homes at a discount of at least 30 per cent against market value.

The properties offered under the scheme are set to be priced under £250,000, and councils can apply other eligibility criteria for the scheme in their area

A report to Barnsley Council’s cabinet stated that eligible homes will be sold at a minimum 30 per cent discount, and at least 25 per cent of affordable homes on new housing developments should be offered to first-time buyers.

Three pilot schemes have been successful so far in the borough, the report added, and developer Keepmoat confirmed that nine out of 11 applicants would not have been able to proceed with purchasing a new home if the discount was not applied.

“The First Homes pilot scheme demonstrates that this type of affordable home ownership is popular within two areas of Barnsley and is allowing people to access home ownership who would have previously been unable to do so,” it added.

“Residents applying for the scheme must have lived in Barnsley for three of the last five years, and be employed in the borough.”