People struggling to take their first step on the property ladder are being asked to get in touch with their local council.
District of Easington Council is looking at new ways of increasing the amount of good quality, affordable homes in the area and wants to hear from local residents so it can assess demand.
The move follows the authority’s introduction of an Affordable Housing Policy, which states that at least 20 per cent of all new housing developments of 15 properties or more should be affordable.
The council is considering a number of ways of ensuring there is more low cost housing across the district, including the provision of more social rented housing, part buy/part rent properties and discounted home ownership.
Ian Morris, Head of Housing, said: “Although we recognise the need for more affordable housing in the district we want to assess the actual demand among residents before we decide on the best way of providing it.
“We’re also asking residents to contact us because we would like to know whether they’re interested in owning a property, would consider part-owning one or would prefer to rent.
“All this information is necessary because the way we put the new policy into action needs to meet the housing requirements of the residents themselves.”
Low cost home ownership can be provided by a private developer or RSL and can be offered in a number of ways, including part-ownership, where the resident purchases a percentage of the property and pays a small rent on the remaining share.
Other options could include Discounted Home Ownership, whereby newly built properties are made available for purchase at a discounted percentage of the market value.
To express an interest in low cost home ownership or to receive further information call (0191) 527 0501, select ‘option 2’ then request ‘Housing Services Support’ or e.mail jill.waite@easington.gov.uk or emma.regan@easington.gov.uk
News article created on the 06 March 2008