An organisation called Orbit First Step has now been appointed as the region's HomeBuy Agent and they will provide a one-stop-shop for people who are interested in these schemes. You can phone Orbit First Step on 03458 50 20 50 or you can log on to www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk to register with them and to see current information about HomeBuy properties available in the region.
This information is constantly updated by Housing Associations as they complete new homes. When a new home becomes available, the HomeBuy Agent will tell the Housing Association about enquiries for a home in that area so that everyone on their register has an opportunity to apply for a suitable home.
Below is a brief overview of some of the HomeBuy products available:
New Build HomeBuy
New Build HomeBuy (formerly known as Shared Ownership) can help you to take your first step into home ownership. If you are eligible, you can buy a share of the property from a registered social landlord using a mortgage or savings and then pay monthly rent for the remaining share of the property.
First Time Buyers Initiative
The First Time Buyers Initiative Scheme (FTBi Scheme) can help you if you want to buy your first home but cannot afford to.
It can help you buy a new home with an affordable mortgage and financial assistance from the government. For the first three years of the FTBi home ownership you pay nothing on the money that the government has contributed. After three years, buyers will pay a fee of 1% per annum on the amount the government funded.
Social HomeBuy
If you are a social housing tenant and would like to buy your home, Social HomeBuy may be for you.
Tenants buy a share in their council or housing association home for a subsidised price and rent the remaining share from a housing association.
Your landlord sets the eligibility criteria for your area. It is not a statutory scheme and not all landlords will offer this scheme.
To find out if your landlord is offering Social HomeBuy and what the eligibility criteria are, please call your Housing officer who will advise you.
Ownership for people with long term disabilities (HOLD)
If you have a long term disability HOLD can help you buy a share in a home and pay rent on the remaining share to a housing association.
Your mortgage and rent will be funded by the benefits system. Orbit First Step can provide you with details on how to gain specialist financial advice.
Further information on all of these products can be found on the HomeBuy website www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk
