First-time buyers should feel comfortable negotiating when considering a shared equity scheme, according to one advice service.

Katy John, spokesperson for affordable homes group Pricedout.org.uk, said many developers have built an excess of one-bedroom flats which they are struggling to sell, giving buyers leverage when naming their price.

"If the developer or seller is offering a year's free council tax or similar, it's because they are very keen to sell their properties, so first-time buyers can afford to make cheeky offers on the flats available," she advised.

Some of the shared equity schemes have a number of extras thrown in, added Ms John, meaning buyers should take advantage to get the best deal possible.

Housing association Moat is running a series of free sessions to give first-time buyers in the south-east of England tips on the options available to them when taking their first step on to the property ladder.

Source:Direct News 30/07/09