Homebuy Pembrokeshire, a Pembrokeshire County Council affordable home ownership scheme, has received a significant boost following unanimous approval by Cabinet Members to continue and expand the programme after a successful 12-month pilot.
Pembrokeshire faces significant housing affordability challenges, particularly for first-time buyers seeking to purchase a home in the county. Homebuy Pembrokeshire helps overcome these barriers by providing an equity loan that bridges the gap between available mortgage lending and the cost of a suitable property.
The scheme enables eligible buyers to access home ownership while retaining the opportunity to benefit from any future financial investment in the property.
Drawing on the experience of similar initiatives elsewhere, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Housing Team developed a local scheme to help overcome the challenges faced by first-time buyers seeking to purchase a home that meets their needs in an area of the county where they have a local connection.
Successful 12-month pilot
Homebuy Pembrokeshire was introduced as a pilot project in June 2025 and supported by £1 million of funding generated through the Second Homes Council Tax Premium. The scheme originally aimed to assist up to 15 households during its first year.
The pilot has exceeded expectations in its first 12 months, supporting 18 households to purchase homes in Pembrokeshire, with a total investment of £814,000.
Applicants to the scheme are required to demonstrate a local connection to Pembrokeshire, meet specified income and property criteria, and show that they can sustain the financial commitments associated with home ownership.
Cabinet Member for Housing, Councillor Michelle Bateman, said: “Homebuy Pembrokeshire has provided an important opportunity for local buyers to access suitable homes that meet their needs. The scheme has made a positive difference to households across the county and supports the Council’s wider commitment to increasing housing choice and improving access to affordable housing.”
Continued investment
Following Cabinet’s recent approval, the scheme will continue with a number of enhancements designed to reflect changes in mortgage lending and housing market conditions, building on the success of the first year.
Cabinet Members also confirmed that, subject to satisfactory delivery, Homebuy Pembrokeshire will receive a further £2 million of funding over the next two years.
Councillor Bateman added: “This is a clear demonstration of how income generated through the Second Homes Council Tax Premium can be used to support housing opportunities in Pembrokeshire. Homebuy Pembrokeshire helps people who have savings and access to mortgage finance, but who are unable to secure a suitable home because of challenging market conditions.”
One household who benefited from the scheme said: “Using the scheme to purchase a property has massively helped my family as we have been able to own a property, as well as creating a space for us to grow.”
Homebuy Pembrokeshire will continue to play an important role in supporting affordable home ownership and strengthening the Council’s wider commitment to providing a range of affordable housing options across the county.
For further information about the scheme, visit www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/housing/Homebuy-Pembrokeshire, email [email protected], or call 01437 764551.
