GETTING ON THE property ladder
Currently 35 per cent of housing in Poundbury is allocated between two housing associations
More than 350 affordable homes have been built in Poundbury for families and young professionals in the past 23 years
Affordable housing has always been an integral part of The Prince’ s vision of Poundbury. By the time it is complete, an impressive 35 per cent of all homes will be affordable housing. The founding principle is that affordable houses are indistinguishable from private housing in order to create a well-balanced and diverse community. In a time of shifting government housing policy, The Duchy of Cornwall and developer ZeroC have pioneered a discount to open market scheme to help local people get on the property ladder. Alongside existing shared ownership, the new scheme – which will lead the way nationally – means first time buyers can purchase properties with a 20-30 per cent discount. The buyer retains 100 per cent ownership of the property but must sell the home on with the same discount. The difference between this and other government starter initiatives is that the homes will remain discounted in perpetuity for future generations to benefit from. Managing Director of ZeroC Kim Slowe said:“ Providing housing of this kind opens up opportunities for a lot of people who otherwise would only be able to rent.” ZeroC have already completed eight discount to open market housing homes and will have another 16 available in 2017.
THE GUINNESS PARTNERSHIP IN POUNDBURY The Partnership has been involved in successful developing and managing homes in Poundbury since 1993. It completed its 250th home in Poundbury in 2015.
STONEWATER IN POUNDBURY Stonewater was formed in 2015 with the merger of Raglan and Jephson housing associations. Their homes in Poundbury consist of three-bedroom houses and start at £ 68,000.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SHARED OWNERSHIP OR HELP TO BUY EQUITY SCHEMES?
Local authorities set the criteria for both schemes. Buyers must have a household income of less than £ 80,000 for shared ownership or £ 60,000 for help to buy
Visit www. dorsetforyou. com for more information on both schemes
42 WWW. CELEBRATINGPOUNDBURY. CO. UK