Would-be home buyers urged to take up advice offer

POTENTIAL first-time buyers are being urged to take up free advice on how to get onto the housing ladder before the scheme ends in the autumn.

Barnsley Council chiefs said the HomeBuy scheme, which is funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, had already helped "scores of people".

But funding for the borough will be reviewed in September, and the authority said it wanted as many people as possible to benefit from loans made by the scheme before then.

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An event will be held in Barnsley town centre,on Saturday between 11am and 6pm hosted by Plumlife, the government-appointed HomeBuy agency for South Yorkshire.

HomeBuy Direct can provide a government-backed, interest-free loan of up to 30 percent of the total value of new homes. Working people with a household income of under 60,000 can apply.

According to the council, the Plumlife road show, aims to "raise awareness of the massive choice of homes available to buy right now before it's too late".

Plumlife staff will also be joined by at the roadshow, who will explain how aspiring home owners can take advantage of the scheme. Mortgage advice will also be available.

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Coun Bill Newman, Barnsley Council's cabinet spokesman for development, said: "We are very pleased to welcome Plumlife to Barnsley. This is great news and an excellent opportunity for people in the Borough to find out information about how HomeBuy can help them take their first steps onto the property ladder. Barnsley Council is committed to making this initiative a resounding success."

The Plumlife first time buyers' road show will be opposite Top Shop, in Barnsley town centre. Child entertainment and free refreshments are provided.