Despite recent reports that housing providers have been hit by a
slump in sales of low cost home ownership units, Orbit HomeBuy
Agency, operating in the West Midlands have reported 'healthy
interest' following the launch of FirstBuy earlier this year.
Areas such as Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Shropshire have
benefited from the scheme making housing for local people more
affordable.
The average price of a home in Warwickshire still remains well
in excess of £210,000, and in parts of Shropshire prices are
over £200,000, however FirstBuy is allowing people to take
that first rung on the property ladder with buoyant sales across
the board in all areas covered by the agency.
Karen Coleman, Head of the HomeBuy Agency said:
'We are pleased to see that awareness of FirstBuy has reached
over 50% of first time buyers with little national publicity around
the launch of the scheme. This reflects the hard work of Orbit
HomeBuy Agency and developers in the region in getting the message
out to first time buyers who may be bewildered by the range of
options open to them. It demonstrates to us that there is a need
for these types of schemes, and that local people living in
expensive areas within the West Midlands can have access to
homeownership which is within their financial grasp.'
'We are working closely with our partners including developers,
housing associations and local authorities to get the message out
that buying a home can be affordable, however there is still more
to be done'
'We are urging first time buyers not to lose sight of
their home ownership aspirations and not be afraid to take that
first step. As well as Firstbuy there are a number of other
affordable housing options open to people, including HomeBuy Direct
and shared ownership which is extremely popular. Our message is
that we are here to help and that we will continue to strive to
offer the best service possible and to support those wishing to
make that all important first move.'