New measures aim to boost first time buyers in Bath

25-May-2005

Properties being bought to let and transformed into student houses could be protected in Bath as part of a scheme to boost the city's first time buyers.

Click here for our first time buyers guide

Aspiring homeowners could get a push onto the property ladder under the plans to block landlords from buying up properties which they then turn into student flats.

The local council has become fed up with private landlords buying up property in the area, in doing so pushing up house prices and leaving little opportunity for first time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder.

Although the scheme has been considered controversial by some in the housing industry, it could be a vital programme to bring aspiring homeowners into the property market.

Click here to ask about the legal costs of house-buying or to ask a legal question specific to your own situation

If the pilot scheme proves successful, it could be taken up across the UK where university students are taking up property that could be bought by local first time buyers, as the government looks to solve the deepening problems of a lack of affordable homes across the country.

It has been suggested that the scheme could result in some students clubbing together with friends to enter joint ownership deals to get a very early foot on the property ladder.

See what's in our unique, comprehensive and detailed joint ownership guide

Click here to find out about the finances of borrowing with friends

2008: May | Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan

2007: Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep | Aug | Jul | Jun | May | Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan

2006: Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep | Aug | Jul | Jun | May | Apr | Mar | Feb | Jan

2005: Dec | Nov | Oct | Sep | Aug | Jul | Jun | May | Apr | Mar