Dafydd Hardy helps Gwynedd first-time buyers through new scheme

A family is enjoying life in their first home this month, thanks to Dafydd Hardy and a new first-time buyer scheme.
Michelle Holroyd and Gwyn Jones, together with their two-year-old son Osian, are the proud new owners of a house in Penygroes near Caernarfon.

They are the first buyers in Gwynedd to receive a First Time Buyer Mortgage Deposit Loan from Gwynedd Council, for purchasing empty properties in Gwynedd.

Dafydd Hardy is part of the scheme and helped the family find the home and arrange the necessary finance to add to the deposit loan.

The three had been previously living with Gwyn’s parents while trying to save for a place of their own. Like many, they were struggling to save for a deposit while juggling living costs for a growing family.

Michelle, 24, said: “We had been saving for a deposit for two years, ever since we had been living with Gwyn’s family. We knew we wanted to buy a house and were reluctant to rent, because it can be so expensive.

“Without the scheme, we wouldn’t have been able to do it – there is no way we could have saved a 10% deposit.
“Being able to move into our new home feels fantastic.”

Carys Morris, who works in Dafydd Hardy’s Caernarfon branch, said: “We are delighted that the Empty Homes Scheme has helped a young couple buy their first home.

“This innovative scheme will enable a number of first time buyers to realise their dreams of taking their first step on the housing ladder and owning their own home.

“We are obviously very proud to have played our part in this positive housing story and look forward to many more success.”

The £800,000 First Time Buyer Mortgage Deposit Loan scheme was launched in December 2012 for Gwynedd residents to purchase empty houses in Gwynedd. At least half of this amount is still available.

Applicants can apply for a 20% deposit loan to purchase properties up to the value of £150,000. Applicants must prove they have lived or worked in Gwynedd for a continuous period of 5 years before making the application.

The Council is working with estate agents such as Dafydd Hardy to help more first-time buyers realise their dream of owning a new home.

If you are interested, call our Caernarfon branch on 01286 677 774.