THE Minister for Social Care has said he is "impressed" by the size and standard of first time buyer houses in the Island.

Seven of the 17 first time buyer homes at the Archallagan Terrace in Foxdale were completed last week and 16 homes are nearing completion at Cronk Grianagh in Braddan.

Martyn Quayle MHK said: "I am pleased to see the completion of these first time buyer homes as part of my Department's programme to provide more affordable housing across the Island.

"I recently visited the site at Cronk Grianagh and I was impressed by the size and standard of the homes being developed. 42 new first time buyer homes have already been completed at the Steadings, Douglas, and at Ballacottier in Braddan so far this year.

"My Department hopes to complete more such houses this year than ever before showing Government is playing its role in helping people secure a suitable home as well as provide valuable work for the local construction sector."

Both sites have been developed as part of the Government strategy to assist first time buyers in purchasing their first home. Houses have two and three bedrooms and there are two bungalows at Archallagan specifically designed for first time buyers with disabilities.

Malcolm Blackburn of Parkinson Ltd - the company building the houses - said: "The Isle of Man Government and local banks should be congratulated for maintaining confidence in the Manx construction industry and enabling these projects to proceed to completion at a time when such investment is not happening elsewhere in the British Isles and Europe."

Also see: Government on target to provide record levels of affordable housing

What do you think? Do you feel the Government are providing enough homes for first time buyers? Let us know by leaving a comment below.