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04/12/2013
BoI Signs Up To The 'Help To Buy' Scheme
SDLP MLA and chair of the Assembly Enterprise committee, Patsy McGlone has welcomed news the Bank of Ireland has signed up to the 'Help to Buy' scheme, but says other measures to assist first time home owners must be developed.
Under 'Help to Buy', buyers need to provide a small deposit, with the government offering a guarantee of 15% of the loan to the lender - for a fee. That fee, charged to the lender, is up to 0.9% of the original loan level. Borrowers who apply will face checks to make sure that they can afford the mortgage payments.
The Mid Ulster MLA said: "Hopefully this scheme will encourage aspiring house buyers to invest in a home, and get a foot on the property ladder, which has proved very difficult, if not near impossible, for many first time homeowners in recent years.
"This type of scheme would also give a boost to the construction sector, and sub-contractors. For example, first time buyers may invest in properties in need of renovation, therefore, any type of boost to the sector is welcomed. There are tangible signs at the moment that house prices are starting to bottom out so, for anyone with access to the finance, my opinion is that now is the time to buy.
"However, this scheme must not be the only measure to help first time buyers. Potential house owners believe government should have incentivised banks to introduce high interests savings accounts. This would allow them to save a sizeable deposit. Nonetheless, hopefully the other banks will sign up to the scheme, sooner than later."
(CD/JP)
Under 'Help to Buy', buyers need to provide a small deposit, with the government offering a guarantee of 15% of the loan to the lender - for a fee. That fee, charged to the lender, is up to 0.9% of the original loan level. Borrowers who apply will face checks to make sure that they can afford the mortgage payments.
The Mid Ulster MLA said: "Hopefully this scheme will encourage aspiring house buyers to invest in a home, and get a foot on the property ladder, which has proved very difficult, if not near impossible, for many first time homeowners in recent years.
"This type of scheme would also give a boost to the construction sector, and sub-contractors. For example, first time buyers may invest in properties in need of renovation, therefore, any type of boost to the sector is welcomed. There are tangible signs at the moment that house prices are starting to bottom out so, for anyone with access to the finance, my opinion is that now is the time to buy.
"However, this scheme must not be the only measure to help first time buyers. Potential house owners believe government should have incentivised banks to introduce high interests savings accounts. This would allow them to save a sizeable deposit. Nonetheless, hopefully the other banks will sign up to the scheme, sooner than later."
(CD/JP)
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Co-Ownership Applicants Queue-up In Belfast
Eager 'wanabee' homeowners have queued overnight in Belfast to submit their applications for a limited offer co-ownership scheme. Around two dozen people sat outside the Co-Ownership office in a bid to secure one of this month's limited number of 55 spaces.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
