A government programme to help Bermudians become homeowners has so far enabled 34 families to own “a piece of the rock”.

The Bermuda Housing Corporation’s Home Start programme was launched in 2019 in partnership with Clarien Bank, providing 100 per cent mortgages for first-time homeowners or those who have never owned more than a 25 per cent share in any property.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, told the House of Assembly that an additional four families were in “the final stages with the financial institution to conclude the purchase”.

“This programme is proving incredibly popular, and as I have said before, we are looking to expand the programme through other financial institutions.

“Of course there is the Mortgage Guarantee Programme offered by Bermuda Commercial Bank that provides the lowest mortgage rates on island.

“This Government is committed to our people. We will continue the work to increase adequate housing options for all Bermudians.

“I must stress that these are not all the options we are currently exploring — discussions on a number of other options to increase the housing stock are under way and will be reported publicly when those discussions conclude.

“I would like to publicly thank the Bermuda Housing Corporation board, ably led by MP Chris Famous, management and staff for the hard work they continue to do to further deliver on the BHC’s mandate of providing affordable housing for Bermudians.”