A government review has found that a scheme aimed at easing costs for first-time buyers generated £25 billion in social value across the UK in its final year, despite ongoing concerns about its cost-effectiveness and impact on housing prices. The audit suggests the program delivered "very high value for money," reinforcing arguments from senior officials to revive similar policies. Critics had previously questioned whether the initiative was worth its expense, but the findings highlight its broader economic benefits. The analysis could reignite debates over housing affordability and government intervention in the market.
Exclusive: George Osborne’s programme to reduce costs for first-time buyers delivered £25bn in social value in UK last yearGeorge Osborne’s scheme to reduce costs for first-time buyers represented “very high value for money”, according to a government review, bolstering the case of senior government figures who have been arguing to resurrect the idea.An official audit of the help-to-buy programme has calculated it provided £25bn of social value to the UK in the last financial year, despite criticisms it was overly expensive and only served to inflate house prices. Continue reading...
