In 2019, the Key Worker Living Programme came to an end. However, the government introduced the First Homes Programme, which provides a 30% discount on new homes for key workers. Those eligible include nurses, teachers and police officers as well as local first-time buyers. Local councils can decide whether to allocate further discounts, making the scheme even more affordable for local applicants.
If you are a key worker looking to get on to the property ladder, here are a few tips to help you obtain a mortgage.
Schemes Available
Some lenders might offer preferential rates and underwriting for professional and key workers alike. In addition to this, there are often specific products that can help buyers in a vast manner of ways.
However, there are plenty of alternative government schemes available that can help.
- Shared Ownership – This is designed to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder by allowing them to own part of their home, whilst they rent the portion that they don’t. The purchase can be between 25-75% of the property, depending on how much they can afford and is only available for new build properties.
- Right to Buy – Allows qualifying council tenants in England to purchase their council house from their local authorities at a discounted rate.
- Help to Buy – Offers first-time buyers an equity loan from the government of up to 15% of the total house price in Scotland, 20% in England and Wales and 40% within any London borough.
- Homebuilders Discounts – Some major homebuilders will offer additional discounts for key workers, up to 5% off the purchase price for new build homes.
Who Qualifies For The Schemes
With many of the schemes available to key workers, they are offered under the agreement that the applicant is a first-time buyer. If a key worker is looking to mortgage a second property, there is a possibility they could still access various enticing rates.
There are even mortgage lenders who will offer exclusive schemes for key workers. The way to gain access to them is through working with a mortgage broker who will help you find these attractive rates. If you are unsure about whether you qualify as a key worker, you can see if you’re eligible at as-mortgages.co.uk.
Seeks Advice From A Mortgage Provider
Working with a mortgage advisor will help you to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each scheme available to you. This will help you to make a more informed decision. Additionally, they will also highlight any of the key worker schemes that you can apply for. However, they will allow you to make the final decision on your own. Instead, they will help you to choose the one which is right for you.
For many key workers, many lenders will help them to secure a better rate of interest, or even be able to borrow more than on a non-keyworker mortgage. As a key worker looking to get on the property ladder, it is worth spending time looking at all the options available to you. Using expert advice and guidance from a mortgage advisor can uncover hidden initiatives that could help you make the most out of your money.
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