Affordable housing boost

There’s more good news for Herefordshire people who can’t afford their own home because of the high cost of housing.

In partnership with Barratt Homes, Herefordshire Council has secured a further 12 properties to be sold at a 30 per cent discount from market value.

The homes will form part of the Centurion Walk development on the former SAS campsite, off Bullingham Lane, Hereford.

“We’re delighted to be able to be providing two one-bedroomed apartments, five two-bedroomed houses and five three-bedroomed houses,” said Cllr Olwyn Barnett, Cabinet Member (Social Care and Strategic Housing).

“One of our Council aims is to put people first, and as an authority we’re acutely aware of the sharply rising cost of housing and the disparity with the level of wages in Herefordshire.

“These houses will come as good news for those who find themselves trapped and unable to get on the housing ladder,” added Cllr Barnett.

The cost of the homes, including the discount, is: One-bedroomed apartment – from £76,982; two-bedroomed home - from £95,375; three-bedroomed home - from £107,725.

When the properties are sold in the future, the 30% discount is continued through a legal agreement – which means the properties will continue to be more affordable than open market housing for generations to come.

The properties are being made available from January (2006) via Home Point, the Council’s choice-based letting scheme. Only people registered with Home Point can apply for one of the homes.

Anyone wanting to register should contact Home Point on (01432) 359500.

So far 160 homes have been built on the former SAS campsite as part of the Saxon Gate/ Centurion Walk housing complex. 

Fifty eight of those homes are affordable properties including 19 for rent, 10 shared ownership and 29 discounted.

Work has now started on phase two to build a further 285 homes on the site. Of that total 51 will be discounted, 16 shared ownership and 35 for rent. 

To be eligible to buy one of the 12 new properties as part of phase one, potential buyers must meet the following criteria:

• The property must be your principle home
• Be able to get a mortgage and/or have a lump sum available to cover the purchase price
• Be unable to afford to purchase a property on the open market
• Live, or work for more than 16 hours a week, within Herefordshire and have been resident for at least 12 months, or need to move to Herefordshire to provide or receive a proven need of support

Richard Gabb, Head of Strategic Housing, added: “This provides more evidence of the efforts Herefordshire Council is making in providing more affordable housing and tackling the extreme housing pressures faced in the country.”