Helping first-time buyers move in without full deposit

GOOD TO see new homes agent Gerry Leahy coming up with a novel way of allowing cash-strapped first-time buyers to move into their own apartments.

With the average young buyer needing a deposit of around €30,000, a new payment plan called “Easy Steps” allows them to put down an initial deposit of €5,000 and then move in.

Under the deal they will continue to pay monthly instalments and, at any time up to two years, they can complete the purchase by means of a mortgage.

Seamus Newcombe of Easy Steps explains that because buyers often can’t afford to pay rent at the same time as saving for a deposit, they would now be able to occupy the apartments on a rent-free basis. With mortgage rates at their lowest ever level for first-time buyers, the new plan will obviously appeal to many young buyers.

The developments offering the Easy Steps scheme are Belmarine in Stepaside, Hazel Hatch, Celbridge, Adamstown Castle and The Paddocks in Lucan and Rathbourne Village in Ashtown.