I propose to take Questions Nos. 124, 125 and 136 together.
In December last, the Government approved the priority drafting of the Affordable Housing Bill 2020, which will provide a legislative basis for a number of new affordable housing measures, one of which is the Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme. Once enacted, the Bill will deliver on key affordability commitments in the Programme for Government. To advance this legislation and operationalise the scheme, my Department is working closely with partners in Government, the Housing Agency and is also engaging with representatives of the retail banks.
The detailed design of the scheme is currently ongoing including consideration of the administrative and funding structures as well as any interest rate arrangement that may apply. It is intended that, when finalised, the scheme will be open to new build homes, subject to regional price caps, and targeted at first time buyers.