How first-time buyers can get on to the property ladder at fraction of the cost

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Stepping on the property ladder tends to be much more difficult for first-time buyers today. Not only are house prices generally much higher than they were a few years ago, but mortgages are also less affordable due to higher interest rates.

New-build homes are an increasingly popular option for first-time homeowners across the UK. As well as the houses themselves coming with many benefits such as better energy efficiency and 10-year warranties, there are some helpful schemes available that make buying a brand new home much more appealing.

These schemes are specifically designed to help first-time buyers onto the property ladder, with smaller deposits and discounts on the purchase price.

The three main schemes available for new-build homes are Deposit Unlock, Shared Ownership and First Homes. READ MORE: Three-bed house in attractive village priced at £110,000 - but it comes with a warning Here we look at what each financial support scheme means, with some expert advice from Zoopla.