FIRST-TIME buyers faced with paying thousands more for a home in the Malvern Hills than last year have been reassured there is a plan to turn their fortunes around.

Concerning new Land Registry figures have revealed first-time buyers in the Malvern Hills spent an average of £265,000 on their property in June- £17,000 more than a year ago.

Those wanting to buy their first home in the Malvern Hills are also having to pay £42,000 more than in June 2019. 

But Cllr David Harrison, who is the portfolio holder for planning, flooding and regulatory services at Malvern Hills District Council, has assured first-time buyers the authority is working to deliver affordable housing for them in the area. 

The Land Registry figures have also revealed property prices in the area have grown by 6.2 per cent over the past year. 

However, there is cause for optimism, as house prices dropped by 2.7 per cent in the Malvern Hills in June compared to May.

The data has shown the average house price in the area in June was £322,615, down from around £331,325 the month before. 

Owners of flats saw the biggest fall in prices in Malvern Hills in June, dropping 3.3 per cent in price, to £173,589 on average. 

However, over the last year, flat prices rose by 2.6 per cent in Malvern.

Over the last year, the Malvern Hills is eighth among West Midlands’s 30 local authorities with price data for annual growth.

Cllr David Harrison said: “In its Five Year Plan, Malvern Hills District Council has committed to ‘Work with housing partners to maximise delivery of affordable housing, to meet local needs’.

"This includes ensuring, based on local need, that new developments include affordable home ownership options, such as First Homes, specifically for first-time buyers, Discount Market Sales (DMS) and shared ownership.

“In 2023/2024, we supported the delivery of 283 affordable homes (including social rent, shared ownership, and DMS). 

"More information on these options can be found on our website - www.malvernhills.gov.uk/housing. 

"We have also worked with partners across the county to develop a Worcestershire Housing Strategy to deliver an increased supply of suitable and affordable housing”.