First time buyers in Rotherham urged to snap up government backed help before funding runs out

The event is being hosted by Plumlife, the government appointed HomeBuy agency for South Yorkshire, as a final reminder to buyers that they should act now, before funding for the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) HomeBuy Direct scheme is reviewed in September.     

HomeBuy Direct is a government backed, interest free “equity loan” of up to 30% of the total value of new build homes.  It is available on a wide range of prestigious developments across the region.  The loan is shared between the HCA and the house builder, and can be used as a down payment on a home purchase. Working people with a household income of under £60,000 can apply.

Scores of South Yorkshire people who feared they’d never be able to buy have already moved into desirable new homes boasting top notch eco-features, thanks to HomeBuy Direct.  The Plumlife road show, supported by both the HCA and Rotherham Council, aims to raise awareness of the massive choice of homes available to buy right now before it’s too late.

HomeBuy Direct  is available at sought after developments right across South Yorkshire, with several located in Rotherham.  Leading developers with homes to sell in the region include Keepmoat Homes, Barratt Homes, Bellway, Strata and Persimmon Homes..

Along with Plumlife’s team of affordable homes experts, developers will be there to explain how aspiring home owners can take advantage of the scheme right now.  Free, impartial mortgage advice is also on offer from Mortgage Warehouse Corporation.

Plumlife, part of Great Places Housing Group, has been appointed by the HCA as HomeBuy Agency for South Yorkshire, offering a ‘one stop shop’ information and registration service for first time buyers, key workers and any household earning less than £60,000 per year.  It acts as a first point of contact for all aspiring home owners in the region who want to rent or buy a home through the government’s HomeBuy affordable home ownership schemes. 

Commenting on the road show event, Plumlife deputy chief executive, Matthew Harrison, said: “Since its launch last Spring, Homebuy Direct has proved to be highly effective.  It directly addressed the main issue facing most first time buyers – ie the huge sum of money they needed to put down as a deposit.  This event will help raise awareness of the scheme, allowing people to take advantage of the funding set aside for it until September.

“People are gradually becoming aware that it’s not just housing associations like ourselves who offer government backed initiatives to help them on to the property ladder.  All the major players, including Barratt’s, Countryside, Taylor Wimpey and Persimmion Homes – now offer schemes such as Homebuy Direct on selected developments, and the choice of homes is unbelievable.”

Councillor Jahangir Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods for Rotherham Borough Council, said the authority is happy to support this event to enable more Rotherham residents to buy their first home.

He added: "It represents another way in which we are increasing the total number of affordable homes for people by working with private house builders.  In addition to the Home Buy products we are continuing to build new council houses and work with our Housing Association partners to bring new homes into the borough."

The Plumlife first time buyers road show will be open from 11am – 6pm on Saturday 10 July, Parkgate shopping centre.

For information on affordable homes in the area, contact Plumlife on 0161 447 5050 or visit the website:  www.plumlife.co.uk.