Affordable Housing
Help2Own properties are made available at discounted rates, typically around 30% below open market value (although the discount may vary from area to area). The discount occurs because either when the house was originally built the developer transferred a stake in the property to a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) or the local authority has received monies from Welsh Assembly Government to subsidise purchases. This stake is what is known as an ‘equity share’. The reason it is passed on to an RSL is to ensure that the discount stays with the property in the future for others to benefit, this is called ‘ensuring affordability In perpetuity’. You will not have to pay and interest or rent to the RSL, all you will have to do is pay back the equity stake, if you should decide to sell the property. You will be the freeholder of the property; you will pay your own mortgage and other costs associated with being a home owner.
The scheme was launched on the 5th September 2005 and has received a great response. The scheme is administered by the Housing Strategy and Enabling team alongside the RSL’s which are Seren Group (formerly Charter Housing Association) and Melin Homes (formerly Gwerin and Eastern Valley Housing Association).
For further information or to request an application form please contact:
Lesley Groves, Housing Enabling Assistant on 01495 766419 or email help2own@torfaen.gov.uk|
Alternatively there is information on the Welsh Assembly Government| website.