David Cameron will today formally open the NewBuy Guarantee scheme, where the Government guarantees part of a homebuyer’s mortgage, allowing them to take out much larger loans than they might otherwise be eligible for.
The guarantee will allow people buying new-build properties to borrow up to 95 per cent of the value of their new home. (AtW's comment: so that's to support house builders then to prevent them from dropping prices to realistic level?)
Since the credit crisis that began in 2007, most people seeking to buy a newly-built property have been able to borrow no more than 80 per cent of the sale price.
As well as helping would-be home-owners, ministers say the new scheme will boost the construction industry – officials estimate that up to 50,000 jobs could be supported if the guarantee is fully used.
However, it could also raise fears that the State could end up guaranteeing more risky borrowers.
Some estimates suggest that the average deposit required for a mortgage is close to £38,000.
High inflation and squeezed wages mean that even people with salaries that would allow them to meet monthly mortgage payments can struggle to save such a sum.
According to the Government, the average age of a first-time buyer is now 37 in some parts of the UK.
Rising rents are also skewing the market against owner-occupiers, making it harder to save and attracting growing numbers of buy-to-let investors. .
Source: £500,000 home loans backed by the taxpayer as NewBuy Guarantee scheme launched - Telegraph
WTF is he doing?
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