FIRST-TIME BUYER SUPPORT: OPPORTUNITY, BUT NOT A SILVER BULLET
The Government’s proposed ‘Your First Home’ scheme could provide a welcome boost to the new-build sector by lowering deposit barriers and expanding the pool of prospective purchasers. The initiative is designed to widen access to homeownership by reducing deposit requirements for first-time buyers who may otherwise struggle to enter the market. Under the proposal, eligible buyers would be able to purchase a new-build home with a deposit of just 2.5%, supported by a 20% Government equity loan and an initial interest-free period.
Whilst planning reform remains important, affordability continues to be one of the biggest barriers to homeownership. Since the end of Help to Buy, many developers have faced a smaller buyer pool, creating challenges for sales rates and scheme viability. If implemented as proposed, the scheme could help stimulate demand for new-build homes and improve access to the housing market.
However, it is not without risk. Helping more people onto the housing ladder is a positive step, but it does not address the UK’s underlying housing shortage. Unless housing delivery increases, bringing more buyers into the market could simply intensify competition for available homes and place further upward pressure on prices. Eligibility criteria, affordability testing and potential property value caps may also limit the scheme’s impact, particularly in higher-value markets such as Oxfordshire. Ultimately, improving access to homeownership must be matched by the delivery of more homes if the Government is to achieve its housing ambitions.
FROM COMPLETION TO OCCUPATION
Securing planning and delivering a development are significant milestones, but the success of a scheme is often determined by what happens next. Achieving strong sales rates, rapid occupation and long-term performance can be just as important as the build itself. While significant time, capital and expertise have been invested in bringing a development to completion, creating momentum once homes enter the market and achieving strong sales or occupancy levels remains a key part of delivering a successful outcome.
Whether homes are being brought to market for sale, rent or a combination of both, early performance can play an important role in maximising the success of a development.
At Finders Keepers, we work closely with clients from marketing through to occupation and beyond, supporting sales, lettings and ongoing management. Our experience across Oxfordshire continues to demonstrate the impact that the right market positioning, proactive approach and ongoing management can have on the long-term success of a scheme.
Spotlight: Oxford Road, Kidlington
This provides a good example of how a well-positioned development can achieve a successful transition from completion to occupation. The development quickly attracted strong interest from prospective tenants. The quality of the homes, appeal of the location and a clear strategy for bringing the development to market helped build momentum, attract the right occupiers and deliver a smooth leaseup, resulting in high occupancy levels and a successful launch.
IN NUMBERS
- 9 apartments
- 4 let off-market or on 1st viewing
- Avg. 6 viewings per property
- Total rental value: £14,400 pcm
Investment Opportunities
Alongside recently completed schemes, we are currently marketing a number of investment opportunities across Oxfordshire, including two developments in Kidlington (here and here) that are already fully occupied and producing income. For investors seeking immediately exposure to the Oxfordshire market, both schemes offer the benefit of established tenancies and proven demand.
AT A GLANCE
- 2 investment opportunities
- 14 apartments (7 per development)
- Fully occupied
- Established rent roll
- Rents ranging from £1,495 to £1,800 pcm
- Strong tenant demand
- Immediate income-producing assets
- Oxfordshire location
With rental demand continuing to perform well, these opportunities provide investors with access to income-producing assets in one of the UK’s most resilient regional property markets. If you would like to discuss either opportunity in more detail, or learn more about similar investment opportunities across Oxfordshire, please get in touch with our team.
