More than 70 first-time buyers took the opportunity to get in-person support at a dedicated low cost home ownership event hosted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council last month. 

 

The free drop-in event on Thursday 25 June is part of the support the council offers throughout the year to help more people take their first steps onto the property ladder. 

 

First-time buyers who came along to the event at the council’s offices were able to speak directly to a wide range of experts, including solicitors, mortgage advisors, housing associations and the council’s housing team, about the options available to help them buy their first home. 

 

That includes learning about help such as the council’s Own Home Loan scheme, First Homes, shared ownership and the borough’s low cost home ownership register. 

 

Mortgage advisers were particularly popular on the day, with many aspiring first-time buyers keen to understand what they could afford and how to get started. 

 

Attendees could also request to book themselves in for one-to-one appointments with a specialist in the council’s housing team for more in-depth advice about getting on the property ladder. Residents who weren’t able to make the event can also book in for these free sessions by emailing lcho@basingstoke.gov.uk  

 

Feedback was extremely positive, with all attendees saying they were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the event and that they would recommend it to friends and family. 

 

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “We know that buying your first home can feel confusing and, at times, out of reach, particularly as rising costs continue to impact household finances. 

 

“That’s why it was so encouraging to see more than 70 people come along to our event to speak directly to experts, ask questions and start to understand what might be possible for them. 

 

“It’s also fantastic to see such positive feedback, with everyone who attended saying they would recommend the event. Events like this are a great way for anyone thinking about getting onto the property ladder to explore their options, and they reflect the support we offer all year round through our low cost home ownership schemes and advice.” 

 

Residents can stay up to date on low cost home ownership opportunities by signing up to the council’s register at http://basingstoke.HomeConnections.org.uk and at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/low-cost-home-ownership