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Discounted houses will be available to first-time buyers for almost a third off the market price under a new government scheme that launches today.

According to MHCLG, the First Homes scheme will help local first-time buyers – including key workers – onto the property ladder by offering homes at a discount of at least 30% compared to the market price.

If 2020 has shown us anything it is that property remains resilient as an investment asset, having perhaps taken many of us by surprise by not just withstanding the pandemic, but, on the whole, positively thriving.

For landlords and tenants alike, there is no question that it has been an incredibly challenging year. And while the government has implemented a series of measures to help protect tenants and keep them in their homes, at ground level, this responsibility has never been greater for UK landlords.

Poor credit history and not having a large enough deposit remain the biggest hurdles for prospective first-time buyers trying to get a foot on the property ladder, as new research from Aldermore reveals that just one five were able to get a mortgage on the first attempt.

It seems like yesterday we were discussing last year’s burgeoning holiday lets market and now we’re experiencing the same trends for 2021. Deterred by the thought of quarantine hotels, country restrictions and the likelihood of catching the coronavirus itself, Brits are once again preparing for a summer of staycations.

Despite Britain making clear strides with its vaccination rollout, foreign travel still looks set to remain somewhat uncertain this year. Many Brits are expected to opt for a staycation over a holiday abroad, mirroring the staycation boom that we all got to enjoy last summer. Because of this, those with a second home or money to invest are increasingly viewing holiday letting as an attractive property investment to consider.