By Markelia Rumble

A special $1 billion Young Owners Deposit Fund will be created within the National Housing Trust (NHT) under a future People’s National Party (PNP) government.

This, according to Opposition Leader Mark Golding.

He made the announcement during his contribution to the 2025/2026 Budget Debate in Parliament yesterday.

According to Mr. Golding, the fund will provide young people under 35, who have contributed to the NHT for at least two years, with access to a $500,000 deposit grant to help them purchase homes.

Meantime, the Opposition Leader says public sector employees will have three months before they commence repayment of NHT loans under a PNP administration.

Currently, NHT borrowers are required to start repayment the month after loan disbursement.

Mr. Golding also proposed increasing the NHT’s debt servicing ratio (DSR) for public sector workers from 33.3% to 40% of their gross salary.

He said this will allow workers to borrow larger amounts for home purchases.