Persimmon first in South West to sign up for FirstBuy 2

Persimmon Homes will be the first housebuilder in Devon and Cornwall to offer prospective home buyers access to the Government’s FirstBuy 2 scheme after signing up with the Homes & Communities Agency.

Nationally, 281 of the group’s Persimmon and Charles Church developments will offer the scheme, with a possibility of further sites being added at a later date. Across the South West region at least ten of the developments will offer the scheme. Home buyers can reserve their new home using the scheme from this week for legal completions from 1st April, 2013 to 31st March, 2014.

FirstBuy is designed to help first time buyers into home ownership in a way they can afford. In the first round of funding, thousands of people were helped onto the property ladder and in this second round, a further £280 million is being invested by the Government.

Persimmon is delighted to be the first housebuilder to offer the new scheme in England. Persimmon Homes South West managing director, Simon Perks said: “FirstBuy support is offered through equity loan funding of up to 20 per cent of the purchase price split equally between the Homes & Communities Agency and us, the housebuilder.

“The first time buyer has to raise funding through a mortgage plus a 5% deposit based on a minimum of 80 per cent of the purchase price. This is a huge help for people trying to get their first foot on the property ladder and we’re pleased to be able to work with the Government to support the scheme.

“FirstBuy, along with NewBuy and now NewBuy Part Exchange which was launched last week are all helping to get people moving. Visitor numbers to our developments have seen a significant rise in recent weeks and we’re positive that our FirstBuy announcement will see numbers rise even further.” To find out more go to www.persimmonhomes.com or visit the sales office of your local development.