The frost is thawing on the housing market and first-time buyers could have a spring in their step, said a housebuilder this week.

Despite levels of first-time buyer activity across the market being historically low, savvy new homebuyers are simply holding out for the best deals from housebuilders reports Linden Homes.

And first-time buyers could have a spring in their step, said the builder, who has launched a range of initiatives this February to help them hop onto the ladder.

The housing market is showing signs of recovery as the frost thaws but first time buyers who are beginning to make their return to the market are being attracted primarily by developer deals that ease the cost of purchasing considerably.

At Linden Homes’ Fusion development of 76 one and two-bedroom apartments in Kingswood, Bristol, there has been a flurry of first time buyer activity, with all eleven units sold since the beginning of the year going to first time buyers.

Most have been tempted by a deal which makes it cheaper to buy than rent, allowing buyers to live at Fusion for as little as £395 per month. Linden Homes not only pays stamp duty and the 5% deposit, but they will also subside monthly mortgage repayments, allowing the majority of first time buyers to live at Fusion for only £395 per month.

Another range of deals are available at Telephone House, Southampton’s most anticipated city-centre regeneration project of 128 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, With the apartments not due for completion until the early next year, first time buyers have almost a year to save up with Linden’s help.

Philip Davies, Chief Executive of Linden Homes commented: "First time buyers who have been waiting in the wings are only being tempted by really worthwhile deals, so by offering a series of packages to assist with the costs of buying a first home, we can inject some life into the lower end of the market."