A NEW financial scheme has allowed for a couple in their early 20s to buy a home “years before they could otherwise afford to”.

Rural housing can be an issue for locals living in Dwyfor Meirionnydd with affordable accommodation difficult to come by.

In Penygroes, for example, the market price of a home to buy is lower than the cost of building it.

However, an innovative housing partnership is helping Robart Williams, 21, and Gwen Jones, 20, to buy their first home together.

Housing association Grwp Cynefin and Gwynedd Council have formed the Local Homes Scheme, to deliver affordable homes in rural Gwynedd.

They are launching the scheme at Grwp Cynefin’s new development at Mynytho.

The first couple to benefit has praised the partnership for enabling them to buy years before they could otherwise afford to through shared ownership.

Robart still lives with his parents in Pwllheli, while Gwen lives with her family in Pencaenewydd.

Robart said: “We can move in together sooner, because we can afford to buy our own home through this scheme.

“Grwp Cynefin owns a share of the property, which makes the remaining share affordable for us to buy.

“We can also continue to live locally. Our house in Mynytho is just five minutes away from where Gwen works, whereas I work in Caernarfon.”

For more information, or to register, visit www.taiteg.org.uk or grwpcynefin.org.uk.

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