Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

First-time Buyers

Monday 22 January 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government have a range of schemes for first-time buyers, including first homes, shared ownership, and right to buy.
  • Minister claims Labour Members block the building of homes for first-time buyers.
  • Discussions with UK banks to ensure mortgage accessibility for first-time buyers are mentioned.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Evennett Con
Housing
Context

The question arises from the issue of affordability and accessibility for first-time homebuyers, who face significant challenges in entering the property market.

Question

What steps he is taking to help first-time buyers. Getting on the property ladder is important, but many first-time buyers struggle due to high prices and limited availability of affordable homes.

Answer from Lee Rowley

The Government have a range of schemes available for first-time buyers, including the first homes scheme, shared ownership and right to buy. Nearly 900,000 people have been helped on to the property ladder by these initiatives.

Answered
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Q2 David Evennett Con
Housing
Context

Labour Members are accused of blocking the construction of new homes for first-time buyers, while the Conservative Government claims to have achieved a 20-year high in the number of households helped through government-backed schemes.

Question

Does the Minister agree that Labour Members actively block the building of new homes for first-time buyers, whereas the Conservatives have increased housing numbers and supported nearly 1 million households? The questioner highlights specific actions taken by both parties regarding affordable housing for first-time buyers.

Answer from Lee Rowley

I agree with my right hon. Friend that Labour Members block 100,000 houses that could be used for first-time buyers and vulnerable individuals when they had the chance.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Economy Housing
Context

There are discussions ongoing about ensuring mortgages are accessible and encouraging home ownership over renting among those who can afford it. The help-to-buy ISA is also under consideration.

Question

What discussions has he had with UK banks, such as Danske Bank in Northern Ireland, to ensure mortgages are accessible for first-time buyers? Are there plans to reintroduce the help-to-buy ISA?

Answer from Lee Rowley

I am grateful for the question. Getting people on the housing ladder is vital, which is why we introduced the mortgage guarantee scheme to extend mortgage availability for first-time buyers. I am happy to discuss other ideas with the hon Gentleman separately.

Partly answered

Not addressed: discussing plans to reintroduce help-to-buy ISA

How: I Am Happy To Talk Separately

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