Help for couples forced to choose between home or family

Shocking new research reveals that couples are being forced to delay having children because of a lack of affordable housing.

The study from Shelter shows that 18 per cent of 18-44 year olds – equivalent to 2.4 million people nationwide – are actively putting off having children because of high housing costs. Among the 18-34 year old age group, this is 24 per cent.

However, despite the stark figures, there is help at hand locally for people looking to step onto the housing ladder as first time buyers – whatever their personal or family circumstances.

A six-month extension to the Government’s innovative shared equity HomeBuy Direct scheme means that even more prospective purchasers now have the opportunity to own their own home.

With only a 70 per cent mortgage needed, a new dream home could be closer to achieving than you think.

Stamford Homes is currently offering the Government’s HomeBuy Direct shared equity scheme at its developments in and around Grimsby and other parts of North East Lincolnshire.

The scheme – which has now been extended until September 2010 - offers eligible customers the chance to own 100 per cent of their home for 70 per cent of the price.

In simple terms, the Government and Stamford Homes will each provide up to 15 per cent of the shared equity, with the balance being mortgageable through many major lenders.

Stamford Homes sales director Steve Woomble, said: “It’s fantastic that we are able to provide this scheme on a selection of our two, three and four-bedroom homes across many of our developments.

“We have already seen a number of reservations through the HomeBuy Direct scheme, which gives first time buyers, key workers or people needing to upsize the opportunity select the home of their dreams at a price they can afford.”

For details on availability or to find out more about the scheme or where Stamford Homes is building, visit the new-look website at stamford-homes.co.uk.