Housebuilders are supporting the government’s plan to introduce a series of shared equity schemes aimed at increasing first time buyer levels. The chancellor announced the introduction of a new three-pronged homebuy scheme - open market homebuy, social homebuy and new build homebuy - as part of his pre-Budget report. Linden is already running its own scheme for first time buyers and Barratt is planning to introduce a shared equity model next spring, which will complement the government’s plans. Linden chief executive Philip Davies explained: "Linden Homes’ Easy Start Plan gives first time buyers the opportunity to buy their new home with up to 20% of the asking price deferred for up to ten years. There is no rent to pay and no interest charges and the remaining 20% can be purchased in 5% instalments or in full when the property is sold." Responding to the pre-Budget report, Barratt group chief executive David Pretty said: "As the chancellor implies, we at Barratt are working constructively with the government to drive through ideas and initiatives that will help more people get on the home ownership ladder. The government is listening to what the industry has to say, and talking seriously to us …