The HELP to Buy scheme has helped 3,500 homebuyers in Wiltshire get on the property ladder since it launched in 2013.

First time buyers made up 79 per cent of people who benefitted from the scheme where buyers put down a five per cent deposit on a new home.

The Government then lends them 20 per cent of the value of the property as a five year loan to allow people struggling to raise money for a deposit the chance to own a property.

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes, said: “While Help to Buy is available for first time buyers and those moving up the housing ladder the statistics reveal what a massive help it has been to those looking to buy their first home in particular.”

“It’s vital that we keep spreading the word that buyers need just a five per cent deposit to buy a new home so we can help even more first time buyers this year.”

In Wiltshire 2333 people have been helped onto the property ladder, with 1827 of those being first time buyers, with a total of 1245 buyers helped in Swindon, of which 995 were first time buyers.