A DEADLINE for the government’s Help to Buy scheme has been pushed back in a bid to stop purchases falling through.
Hundreds of first-time buyers faced losing their intended homes after construction delays meant homes would not be completed by a December 31 deadline.

However, the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has now confirmed the deadline has been extended until January 31 for work to be finished.

The Help to Buy scheme meant first-time buyers could purchase a home with a 5 percent deposit, backed by a 20 percent government-backed loan.
While registrations for new applicants closed on October 31, the rules stated construction of the homes must be finished by the end of the year.

But amid labour and supply chain issues, the deadline has been extended.
A Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said enabling the purchases was a ‘priority’.
“Supporting aspiring homeowners is a Government priority. We have extended the Help to Buy deadline to make sure people do not lose out because of delays to completing their homes,” they said.
“House builders must ensure they finish building work on all properties by January 31. The legal completion deadline remains March 31.”
Despite the extension, the deadline for new applications will not be extended.