Birmingham to help army veterans buy homes

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Local Government

Birmingham City Council claims to be the first local authority in England to offer a "homebuy" scheme to army veterans.

The Veterans’ "Homebuy scheme" will allow former servicemen and women to buy their home with the help of the council which will offer assistance through a shared equity loan – allowing buyers to pay a smaller deposit.

The loan will enable veterans to purchase property through the Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust, the council’s house building initiative.

Cllr John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “For the first time there is a home buying scheme for those who have put their lives on the line for their country. 

“The scheme will help ex-service personnel to purchase an affordable house, giving people the chance to put down roots and build a new life outside of the forces.”

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Anita Ward, said: “I’m honoured to be involved in such a positive initiative which not only helps ex-armed forces personnel gain a foot on the property ladder, but it also seals the relationship between the military, charities, voluntary organisations, local people and the City Council.”

The new scheme was announced yesterday at the launch of Birmingham City Council’s Armed Forces Community Covenant – aimed to build a “symbiotic relationship” to ensure stronger cooperation between the military and the community.

At the end of last year, housing minister Grant Shapps pledged to make it a duty for councils to put military personnel who want a home in their area at the top of the local waiting list.

Last week, Southwark Council announced plans to give all army veterans priority for council housing.