A LEADING property development firm, which has a site in Westbrook, is tipping the Government's Help to Buy scheme to continue helping residents get on the property ladder.

Miller Homes' Barley Green site, on Kingswood Road, has benefitted from the initiative since it was launched in 2013.

It has noticed an increase in first-time buyers, who may have struggled to save for a deposit, being able to buy a property.

Help to Buy allows potential buyers, who only have a small deposit of around 5 per cent, to apply for an additional 20 per cent equity loan from the Government, meaning they need to secure up to a 75 per cent mortgage from a bank or building society.

It is available on all of Miller Homes' developments in England and Wales, including Barley Green.

Samantha Johnson, associate sales director for Miller Homes in the north west, said: "The Government's Help To Buy scheme is great for first time buyers and we're thrilled to be able to offer it.

"Since the launch we have noticed a definite increase in home hunters now being able to afford their dream home thanks to the scheme."

Research has revealed that around half of first time buyers now use the Help to Buy equity loan or mortgage guarantee schemes to overcome the 'barrier' of having a small deposit to secure their first home.

To help house-hunters find out more about the scheme, Miller Homes is also offering access to free independent financial advisers who can share their expertise on Help to Buy.

For further information visit the Westbrook site from 10.30am to 5.30pm between Thursdays and Mondays or visit millerhomes.co.uk.