Home scheme off to a flier
MORE than 50,000 people have expressed interest in buying cut-price homes under a Government scheme.
Some 52,225 have signed an online register launched by the House Builders' Federation last month for taking advantage of the Starter Homes initiative.
The policy, launched by the Coalition at the end of last year, offers first-time buyers aged under 40 a brand new home at 20 per cent off the normal asking price.
The discount will be funded by waiving the fees home-builders have to pay to local authorities under so-called Section 106 agreements, which can amount to £45,000 per dwelling.
Conservatives want more people to own their own home
The Conservatives have promised that 200,000 starter homes will be constructed by 2020 if they remain in power, with properties worth up to £250,000, or £450,000 in London, eligible. David Cameron said the Tories would also maintain the Help to Buy scheme to underwrite deposits, and boost investment in affordable housing.
"Conservatives want more people to own their own home. Home ownership goes to the heart of our political beliefs," he said. "It's simple - we believe having a home of their own gives people and families independence; it helps people stand on their own two feet; and it's one of the ultimate symbols of a country where, if you work hard, you can get on."
Shadow housing minister Emma Reynolds said: "The Tories' plan is failing working people. We are in favour of building starter homes, but it is not clear how the Government is going to deliver these homes 20 per cent cheaper than market price.
"Labour will get at least 200,000 homes built a year by 2020 and we will give firsttime buyers first call on homes built in local areas of housing growth."
