Barratt Developments, one of the UK's biggest housebuilders, has signed up to a new scheme which will allow borrowers to defer stumping up cash for a deposit when they buy a new-build property.

The move, which will potentially make it easier for homeowners to buy a new-build home, comes amid fears of a slowing housing market due to the fall out from the Northern Rock crisis. Barratt said last week its sales had fallen in midSeptember as consumers became more cautious.