LAWRENCE Bellamy talks Help to Buy in his latest scheme.

THE Government Help to Buy Scheme has now yielded more 7,000 houses sold in the UK for the mortgage guarantee element.

There were concerns that it would overheat the housing market but recent figures indicate a slowing down of price rises and the likelihood of a ‘bubble’ reducing.

Approximately 80 per cent of mortgages supported under the scheme went to first time buyers, which is good news.

Take up across the UK has been at different rates however. The South East and the North West regions have shown the largest proportions of houses sold under the scheme, each with 14 per cent.

In areas where business is performing well there is confidence for people to purchase.

Warrington house prices remain comparatively affordable, with the majority of homes currently for sale under £200K.

However housing stock within the UK remains in overall short supply and for areas such as Warrington increasing demand could drive up prices if development schemes do not progress.

New houses in Warrington currently start from £70K for a one bed flat, a first step for some.

If affordability is to continue then there is a need to make land available and brown field sites still provide the most affordable solution.