Up to £15,000 to Help Ribble Valley First-Time Homebuyers

The First-Time Buyer Grant aims to address housing affordability, as well as tackle climate change.

The grants will help first-time buyers currently purchasing a property, or who have bought a house within the last two years, make it more energy-efficient or address significant disrepair.

The scheme was launched just a few months ago and already has three completed applications, a fourth with works underway and a further five being processed.

To qualify, properties must be over 10 years old, in the council tax bands A to C and located in Ribble Valley.

They must have an energy performance certificate of D to H and the proposed works must increase the rating to C or above.

Applicants must be a first-time buyer aged 18 or over, with a Ribble Valley connection and income under £60,000, or combined household income under £80,000, and intend occupying the property as their main residence.

Rachael Stott, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s housing strategy officer, said: “We have the highest house price to income ratio in Lancashire and one of the highest in England, which is forcing many young people out of the communities they grew up in.

“This funding will enable first-time buyers with a local connection to consider purchasing properties in need of renovation at the lower end of the market, rather than just newbuilds.

“The grants are also available for properties purchased within the last two years and already occupied that need significant repairs or works identified on their energy performance certificate, which will ensure they are energy-efficient at a time of spiralling energy costs.”

The size of the grant depends on the cost of the works required and is at Ribble Valley Borough Council’s discretion.

The grants will cover 50 per cent of the cost of the works up to a maximum of £15,000 and works already underway or completed will not qualify.

Further details and application packs are available at ribblevalley.gov.uk.