POTENTIAL first time buyers looking to get on the property ladder took advantage of Wiltshire Council’s Help to Buy Homes event this week.

More than 50 people attended the free event on Thursday between 3.30-7pm at County Hall in Trowbridge, with many of them getting one-to-one interviews with the Homes4Wiltshire team.

Wiltshire Council corporate director, Maggie Rae, said: “It was great to see local people who desperately want to own their own home but perhaps feel they are not in a position to do so, come along and get some great advice.

“They were able to hear about the many options open to them and the support available to help them realise their dream.”

There was information available on a range of affordable options and help to search and apply for a new home through the help to buy schemes, most of which only require a five per cent deposit.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for housing, Jonathon Seed, said: “I was delighted to join so many people at this really important housing event for the many residents of Wiltshire who do not qualify for social housing and who do not feel that they can afford to buy a house on the open market.

“It showed people just how they can realise their dreams and aspirations of local home ownership.

“A local thriving property market brings with it many opportunities for our residents and can only be a good thing for Wiltshire, so the more people we can help get on the property ladder, the better.

“There are help to buy schemes available to suit all sorts of circumstances.”