Keyworkers climb onto housing ladder through First Homes scheme

A nurse and a police officer are among the first people to be helped on to the housing ladder through a new affordable home ownership scheme.

The keyworkers from Bolsover, Derbyshire, are benefiting from the government’s First Homes scheme, which offers homes at a discount of at least 30% of the market price to local first time buyers and keyworkers – helping young people and families stay in the communities where they want to live and work.

In addition, a total of 1,500 First Homes will now be built in over 100 locations across England by March 2023 following successful bidding by housebuilders. This follows plans by Eastleigh Borough Council to deliver 200 First Homes in the borough – the single largest to date.

The government has also today published the prospectus for Help to Build, a £150 million scheme announced in April to make self and custom build housing a realistic and affordable option.

The prospectus outlines how the scheme works, so that those thinking about building their own homes but are held back by affordability, can plan their projects and apply when applications are open.

The self and custom build sector could deliver up to 40,000 new homes a year, providing opportunity for small building firms and creating jobs.

Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP said: “I am absolutely delighted that the first people to benefit from First Homes include a nurse and police officer. They have been helped to own a home in the community where they have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to keep people safe.

“This scheme is putting local people first and creating opportunities for young people and families to feel the sense of pride that comes with homeownership.

We are determined to help more people on to the housing ladder and are providing significant funding to regenerate derelict land, deliver new homes and create prosperous local communities across the country.”

Peter Denton, Chief Executive Officer of Homes England, added: “Helping people like Laura and Nicky take their first step on the housing ladder is the reason we’re here, and we can’t wait to see even more key workers and others get the keys to their own front door. Taken together, these two schemes will not only provide thousands of new homes, but will also support smaller builders and improve consumer choice.”