First-time Buyer Roadshow Visits Manchester

ARE you itching to get your foot on the property ladder but don’t know where to begin? Then pop down to Exchange Square this Saturday (September 3) where a road show is being held to give first-time buyers advice.

It’s being hosted by PlumLife, the government-appointed HomeBuy agency for Greater Manchester and supported by Manchester City Council.

“The average age of first time buyers here in the north west has risen to 37 years old. People trying to get on the property ladder face a really tough challenge."

Some of the UK’s top developers will also be there with information about private new-build homes available to buy across the region with the help of the government’s latest scheme, FirstBuy.

FirstBuy will enable people to buy a new home with the help of a 20 per cent equity loan – interest-free for five years.  Free, impartial mortgage advice from an independent financial advisor will also be on offer on the day.

Plumlife will be there to explain all of the schemes available – including Shared Ownership, Rent to Buy and HomeBuy Direct. 

Matthew Harrison, Plumlife deputy chief executive, said: “The average age of first time buyers here in the north west has now risen to 37 years old. People trying to get on the property ladder without some form of financial assistance face a really tough challenge.

“Without HomeBuy schemes such as shared ownership, HomeBuy Direct and FirstBuy, it’s clear that many working people would struggle ever to become home owners.

“People are gradually becoming aware that it’s not just housing associations like ourselves who offer government-backed initiatives to help them out. All the major players now offer schemes such as FirstBuy on selected developments, and the choice of homes is unbelievable.”

Councillor Paul Andrews, Manchester City Council's executive member for housing, said: "We know finances are tight for a lot of Manchester people right now but for anyone wanting to get on the housing ladder the message is that there are schemes to help you."

The Plumlife first-time buyers’ road show will be open from 11am – 5pm on Saturday 3 September at Exchange Square, Manchester city centre.

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