January 3, 2017: British Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans to support people aged between 23 and 40 to buy their first home. The Prime Minister will unlock land in 30 areas for this purpose. Since the houses will be sold only to first-time buyers, they will be priced at least 20% below the market rate. The cost of the homes will be capped at £450,000 in London and £250,000 outside.
Housing Minister Gavin Barwell said the project is part of the government’s pledge to build 400,000 new affordable homes.
Work will begin early this year and will be available to buy from 2018. The project is designed to boost housing stock quickly to help tackle a shortage of homes.
May has promised to focus her efforts on helping those who are ‘just about managing’ to make ends meet, and those who are struggling to get on the property ladder or save enough for a deposit.
“This first wave of partnerships shows the strong local interest to build thousands of starter homes on hundreds of brownfield sites in the coming years. One in three councils has expressed an interest to work with us so far,” said Barwell.