property

The struggle is real for first-time buyers who are battling to save a deposit and afford a mortgage amidst soaring rents, high interest rates and the cost of living crisis. A new home could provide the answer, as some developments offer discounts, incentives, government-backed and other schemes aimed at helping people climb on to the property ladder. If you’re hoping to secure your first home in the not-too-distant future, start your search here.

Two and three-bedroom houses with turfed back gardens and off-street parking, surrounded by open fields are available through shared ownership to buyers with a local connection and a household income of up to £80,000, who can't afford to buy on the open market. Shared owners purchase a minimum 40% of the full value and pay rent on the balance, with the opportunity to buy more shares as and when they can afford to. Deposits are low – just 5% of the initial share. Through Legal & General Affordable Homes.

The first collection of shared ownership homes from new housing provider Square Roots is located in a leafy suburb on the edge of Richmond Park, London's largest royal park. It comprises one, two and three bedroom flats, each incorporating a spacious open plan kitchen/living area with Bosch integrated appliances, a sleek bathroom with black taps, shower and heated towel rail, tons of storage and a private balcony or terrace. To be eligible, your combined income can't exceed £90,000. Get in touch with Square Roots.

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Ready now, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat is in the heart of Salford's creative and digital hub and residents have access to a range of amenities including a hotel-style reception area, a concierge, co-working spaces, a communal garden and lounge. It's is being offered to qualifying first-time buyers and key workers at a discount of 30% compared to the local market price, through the First Homes scheme. This discount will apply forever so that future buyers can benefit every time it's sold. By Latimer Homes via Share to Buy.

A mix of three and four-bedroom family homes with ensuite and family bathrooms, spacious kitchen/diners, separate living rooms and good-sized gardens. Save a tidy sum by taking advantage of incentives including a 5% deposit boost, a mortgage contribution or help towards your moving and running costs, plus free flooring worth over £3,000, and upgraded kitchens and bathrooms on certain plots. Experts are on hand to discuss these deals at the Big Barratt Open Weekend on 10th and 11th June. Via Barratt Homes.

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254 one, two and three-bedroom flats are being built in the second phase of the redevelopment of the Dylon textiles factory, with the first homes ready to move into from summer 2024. Some of the one and two-beds are available at 70% of the full market price through the Discount Market Sale scheme to buyers with an income no higher than £90,000. To be eligible, you must either live or work in the borough of Bromley, and be a key worker or exempted purchaser who's served in the armed forces. From Weston Homes.

Buy a two, three or four-bedroom house here and you can choose from a range of offers, depending on the plot you buy. These include a package consisting of a £5,000 deposit contribution, legal fees paid and a £1,000 voucher towards upgrades, or 5% deposit paid, or up to £4000 in vouchers. Deposit Unlock – enabling you to purchase a new-build with a 5% deposit and secure a competitive mortgage deal – is also an option. For more information see Miller Homes.

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The Help to Buy equity loan scheme ended in England on 31st March, but Wales has its own version which has been extended until March 2025. It allows purchasers with a 5% deposit to borrow up to 20% of the cost of new-build, capped at £300,000, so they only require a 75% mortgage. This loan is interest-free for the first five years and repaid when the property's sold. The scheme's available on selected homes including this two-bedroom, semi-detached house on the outskirts of Cardiff. Find out more from Dandara.

These two and three-bedroom houses are refreshingly affordable for a town where the average property changes hands for over £709,000, according to Zoopla. Formerly MOD housing, they’re been completely refurbished inside and out, featuring new cladding, rendering, windows, heating systems, upgraded insulation, contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, gardens and parking spaces. The town centre and Windsor Castle are in walking distance. From Annington and for sale through Hamptons.

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