Getting families on the housing ladder – new community in Dewsbury provides affordable homes for families on a low income

A new pioneering rent to buy scheme in Dewsbury has helped 49 family’s move into brand new homes.

Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) teamed up with Kirklees Council and housing investment company Quality Social Housing (QSH) to deliver the development, which has provided 49 two and three bedroomed brand new homes at Heath View in Chickenley.

The development is based on a rent to buy model which means customers renting the properties will have the opportunity to purchase them at a discounted rate within the next five years. A percentage of the rent they pay will go towards the deposit to buy the house.

Joanne Bartholomew, interim Chief Executive Officer for KNH said “This development has provided an opportunity for families who may be on a lower income to not only rent a brand new house, but also get on the property ladder and be part of a great community at Heath View.

“The development has now been completed and all the residents have moved into their fantastic new homes. The homes are well designed, sustainable, eco-friendly and are part of an excellent community which is great news for residents.

“It’s fantastic to see development projects like this that gives families the option to achieve their dreams of owning their own home in Kirklees and our plan is to work with partners to deliver more developments like this. “

Cllr Cathy Scott, Cabinet Member, Housing and Democracy, Kirklees Council said: “This partnership has delivered 49 fantastic family homes, all at affordable rents. The added bonus is that tenants will be able to purchase their property with a discount set against the rent they’ve paid.

“We’re delighted at the outcome which demonstrates how the Council is working with institutional investors to find innovative funding solutions that can deliver high quality affordable housing across Kirklees.”

Paul Hardisty, CEO for Quality Social Housing said, “QSH is proud to have completed the Heath View development in Chickenley, which represents our 5^th and largest investment in the Kirklees Council area and a continuation of the partnership with Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing.

“We’re particularly pleased with the continued success of the rent to buy option, which gives first time buyers the opportunity to purchase their own home with an essential deposit, or the flexibility to continue renting a great property, should that be the option they prefer.  We look forward to funding many more.”

Charlotte Ackroyd, a resident living in the Heath View development said, “We love the house which has large spacious rooms finished to a high standard, plenty of kitchen storage plus room for a dining table and a downstairs toilet which is ideal with a toddler!

“It also has large lawned garden areas both to the front and to the back of the house which is great in the summer. The development is made up of friendly hard working people, it’s very quiet and the children are safe to play on the cul de sac, or in each other’s front gardens which is great to see.

“We wouldn’t have been able to save for a deposit whilst paying rent previously so the rent to buy scheme is perfect for us, its affordable and being able to buy our first home is finally within our reach.

“It’s by far the best decision we made and we certainly feel at home in our lovely new house”

For more information on Rent to Buy schemes –  http://bit.ly/KNHRenttoBuy