Julian Knight, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate and Money and Property Editor of the Independent has said that the launch of phase two of the government's “Help to Buy” scheme should "kick start the housing market in Solihull".
Julian, who has written about property for a national newspaper, and has been an expert on TV programmes, is a supporter of the Help to Buy Scheme.
Julian said "Getting young people onto the housing ladder in Solihull is crucial for health of the whole market. First time buyers are the life blood of the property market in Solihull, and ultimately without them people further up the ladder will not be able to sell their homes. Solihull has amongst the highest percentage of homeowners in the country and this new Government scheme will make it easier for parents to see their children onto the ladder.”
John Shepherd, Managing Director of Solihull based John Shepherd Estate Agency, said:
"There is a definite need for more first time buyers in Solihull and the lack of mortgage finance has been a big issue in recent years. The Help to Buy scheme seems to offer a way to get younger individuals and families into their own home and that always has to be a good thing."
As for critics of the scheme who warn of the market overheating, Julian has reassuring words:
"The number of properties being sold in Solihull is still barely two thirds of the long term average. In addition, the mortgages on offer through the scheme look sensibly priced. It seems to me that it is wrong that some people on the property ladder want to deny access to the great good that is home ownership to our young people."