It will bring together “political and industry expertise” to address the “growing barriers” for first-time buyers

A “commission” aiming to help first-time buyers has been launched by Enfield Council.

It has been created in response to concerns that existing approaches have “failed to deliver meaningful change” for first-time buyers locally, with more “effective alternatives” needed.

The commission will meet for the first time tomorrow (Thursday 29th) and will bring together “political and industry expertise” to address the “growing barriers” preventing first-time buyers from owning their own homes.

Led by Enfield Council, with support from London homes developer Pocket Living and a raft of other industry experts, the commission will gather evidence and make proposals aimed at helping first-time buyers get on the property ladder.

It will be chaired by Labour MP Chris Curtis, who represents Milton Keynes North. Curtis sits on parliament’s housing, communities and local government committee and is also co-chair of the Labour Growth Group.

Ayten Guzel, the council’s cabinet member for housing who will also sit on the commission, said: “Too many local people who want nothing more than the chance to own their own home are hitting a brick wall. From high interest rates to tight borrowing limits, hefty deposit requirements to rigid affordability assessments, the barriers are more than just financial.

“For an entire generation, owning a home feels less like an achievable milestone and more like a far-off fantasy.

“This commission is about restoring hope and giving first-time buyers a fair chance in today’s housing market. By bringing together expertise from across the sector, we want to develop bold, practical solutions that will genuinely help first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder.

“Enfield is proud to be leading this work and pushing for the change that is urgently needed.”

Labour MP Chris Curtis said: “I’m delighted to chair Enfield Council’s First-Time Buyers Commission at a moment when home ownership is out of reach for too many young people and families.

“By bringing together voices from across politics and the housing sector, the commission will focus on the real barriers first-time buyers face and the practical, deliverable reforms needed to help more people get a foot on the housing ladder.”

The commission aims to publish its final report in the spring.

In response to a question from the Dispatch about the cost of the commission, a council spokesperson said the cost would be “minimal” as the people involved are not being paid for their time.

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