An open day for first-time home buyers and keyworkers has been hailed a success after more than 500 people attended the town hall to find out more about buying an affordable home in Wandsworth.

The council's Home Ownership Unit organised the event in partnership with several local housing associations which included Servite Houses, Moat Housing Group, Tower Homes, Notting Hill Housing Group, Threshold Key Homes, Thames Valley Housing and Assettrust.

People were able to get expert advice on a range of housing schemes including the successful shared ownership and Homebuy initiatives. A series of key worker presentations were held throughout the day and people were also able discuss low cost rental schemes with the housing associations.

Independent financial advisors and solicitors were also on hand to provide one-to-one advice on mortgages and the buying process.

Shared ownership makes buying more affordable by enabling the individual to buy an agreed share in the property and then pay rent on the remainder. Homebuy is a Government scheme that offers loans of up to £55,000 towards buying a property in the private sector.

Cabinet member for housing Cllr Martin D Johnson said: "The supply of affordable housing in Wandsworth is currently standing at record levels.

"More than 2,000 new affordable homes are currently planned or already being constructed in the borough. Most of these new homes can be purchased on shared ownership terms by key workers and local first-time buyers registered with the council.

"Many of the others that are being built by both the council and housing associations will be available for renting by local people in housing need.

"Wherever you are in Wandsworth there are new affordable homes being built. The council is committed to ensuring that new development provides a mix of opportunities for people on all incomes."

The council's planning policies insist that, on all but the smallest sites, one in four of the homes should be affordable.




November 15, 2005