HCA to roll out Key Event for first time buyers

The Homes & Communities Agency is to replicate its Key Event, piloted in Manchester in June, in Liverpool following a strong response from consumers.

The first Key Event brought together Plumlife, Greater Manchester's HomeBuy agent, 17 developers with unsold homes, four high-street lenders, and independent mortgage brokers to help people to get on to the property ladder.

Deborah McLaughlin, NW regional director for the HCA, said: "HCA and all the property experts were delighted by the response [to the first event]. The event was a huge success with a total of 123 leads being generated on the day, with 22 viewings and at least 3 definite reservations already.

"We are now planning a similar event in Liverpool with our partners, Liverpool City Council and [social housing group] Plus Dane on the back of the success in Greater Manchester. There is great enthusiasm from the developers and lenders for a Liverpool event and we will be announcing the date very shortly.

"The aim of the Liverpool event is to help people find the right property for them, and to provide clear information on the kinds of mortgage product that best suits their individual circumstances. We know it is a difficult market right now for buyers and developers and this event will provide real help for people wanting to get on the property ladder. The Key Event in Greater Manchester gave us an impressive blueprint to follow and we are aiming for even more success in Liverpool."

Commenting on the Manchester event, Duncan Bowman, residential director at Ask Developments, said: "We felt that the event was extremely worthwhile and are very keen to be included in any in the future. The event's main strength was the focus on local property and the available options for people to purchase, allowing for a new, unique way for us to communicate to our target market."