It was a proud moment for us considering we were the first to build at Poundbury
The Prince of Wales hands over the keys to the first Guinness Partnership house in 1993
It was a proud moment for us considering we were the first to build at Poundbury
Simon Dow, the group Chief Executive of The Guinness Partnership
One of the founding principles of Poundbury was that affordable housing would be interspersed with private housing and there would be no divide. Currently 35 per cent of the housing is built for two housing associations – The Guinness Partnership and Stonewater. This housing is either used for rental or shared equity purchasing by people on the West Dorset District Council housing list. For many key workers, young professionals and families the shared ownership scheme is the only way onto the property ladder. It allows the owners to buy forty percent of the property and then more shares can be purchased every year. In May 2015, The Prince of Wales, who is patron of The Guinness Partnership, handed over the keys to the 250th affordable home to the Dunford family.
The four-bedroom house on Peverell Avenue East will be the new home for Nathan and Sarah Dunford and their four children. Sarah said:“ It’ s been incredible and it is such a great house inside and out. " We feel very lucky to be able to buy this home and be part of this community." Simon Dow, the group Chief Executive of The Guinness Partnership, said:“ It was a proud moment for us to see a family move into the 250th home, especially considering we were the first to build at Poundbury.” He added that the principles they have learnt at Poundbury have been used elsewhere in the UK. The Duchy and the developer ZeroC are pioneering a new type of affordable housing sold at a 30 % discount to the purchaser. The purchaser retains 100 % ownership of the property but can only sell on the home for a 30 % discount to the market value. These homes start at £ 85,000 and are available to purchasers on the Housing Register or with a combined income of less than £ 60,000.
The Guinness Partnership in Poundbury
The Guinness Partnership was founded in 1890 by Sir Edward Guinness and is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. The Partnership has been involved in developing and managing homes in Poundbury since 1993. It completed its 100th home in 2005 and celebrated 20 years at Poundbury in 2014. By the end of next year, The Guinness Partnership will manage 195 social rent, 28 shared ownership and 34 affordable rent homes in Poundbury.
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