Celebrating Poundbury Magazine Issue 5: Celebrating 25 years of Poundbury | Page 34

PROPERTY ¢ ¢ ¢ ¢ Extensive bespoke ranges Highly skilled fitters All work guaranteed for 6 years Trade and DIY enquiries welcome CGI of Vickery Court Experience matters 01305 772014 [email protected] www.kitchen-craft.co.uk Affordable housing is integral to Poundbury AFFORDABLE HOUSING A range of pioneering schemes in Poundbury has made housing affordable for generations to come. 7a Cambridge Road, Granby Industrial Estate, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 9TJ Kitchens | Living Spaces | Bathrooms | Studies | Replacement Doors | Worktops n State of the art diagnostics and treatments, with X-ray, ultrasound and endoscope suites n Separate cat and dog wards n Onsite laboratory facilities allowing quicker diagnosis of your pet n Surgeries in both Weymouth & Dorchester n 24 hour emergency cover Tel: [phone] Web: davecumbervets.co.uk Weymouth Unit D1 Link Park, Chickerell Link Road, Weymouth, DT3 4FL Dorchester 86, Mellstock Avenue, Dorchester, Dorset DT1 2BH 34 WWW.CELEBRATINGPOUNDBURY.CO.UK T oday’s economic conditions have made it even more of an uphill struggle to secure your first home, especially for young buyers. Thankfully there are innovative schemes available that make it easier to get the keys to a new home in Poundbury. In fact, more than 350 affordable homes have been built in Poundbury for families and young professionals in the past 24 years. Affordable housing has always been an integral part of The Prince of Wales’ vision for 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 affordable rent and shared ownership the new scheme – which ZeroC first pioneered on Poundbury in 2015 – means first time buyers can purchase properties with a 25-30 per cent discount. The buyer retains 100 per cent ownership of the property but must sell the home on with the same discount they received. The difference between The Discount to Open Market Scheme and ot her government starter initiatives is that the homes will remain discounted in perpetuity for future generations to benefit from. The Duchy of Cornwall says the future will see a further 355 affordable homes made available in Poundbury with 50 per cent available for rent, 25 per cent shared ownership and 25 per cent Discount to Open Market Scheme. Local first-time buyer, Toby Hall, 24, took advantage of the Discount to Open Market on a property at the Vickery Court. Toby said: “It’s designed for younger people like myself, as an incentive to get on to the property ladder. For me it was a no-brainer, as it was the only way I was going to be able to afford the mortgage.” Toby added: “It’s almost too good to be true. To have a property in Poundbury at that discounted rate. I didn’t want to rent and wanted to buy my own property. I then spent some time saving up for the deposit. “The selling points were the location and it’s an up and coming place. I now feel more than anything that it’s going to be a good investment.” Managing Director of ZeroC Peter Lacey said: “Providing housing of this kind opens up opportunities for a lot of people who otherwise would only be able to rent.” To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must register with the West Dorset District Council's Housing List or have a combined household income below £60,000 per annum. Priority will be given to applicants with a combined household income below £45,000 per annum. Many of the developers are now also offering Help to Buy Schemes which have proved very popular. Example interiors of the new homes AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEWS YARLINGTON In Autumn 2017 a four storey retirement complex will open on the Great Field offering shared ownership for the over 55s. EAST BOROUGH HOUSING TRUST Prince George House provides housing and support for five adults with learning difficulties. SHARED OWNERSHIP Shared ownership and housing for social rented schemes is offered by Magna Housing, Stonewater and The Guinness Partnership. WWW.CELEBRATINGPOUNDBURY.CO.UK 35