Flats transfer deal for mhs homes

Published by Sarah Crowdy for MHS Homes in Housing and also in Environment

Chatham based Heart of Medway Housing Association has bought 24 tenanted properties from Town and Country Housing Association for £1.25 million which included an £800k grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency. The homes are situated in Haig Avenue, Chatham, Kent.

Heart of Medway is the registered provider subsidiary of mhs homes which was set up to support growth, either by building more new homes with grant, or by taking on properties from other housing associations.

Town and Country Housing Group, a Tunbridge Wells-based association, wanted to transfer its tenants to a more locally-based provider.

As Medway’s largest housing provider, mhs homes owns and manages more than 8,000 homes in the Medway Towns. Based in Chatham it is situated in the immediate vicinity, is experienced and geared up to manage the homes.

The transfer of the properties was subject to consultation with tenants and consent from the Homes and Communities Agency before the purchase was completed.

The properties, four low level blocks of flats, will be managed as part of the normal day to day operations by mhs homes.

Gary Clark, Operations Director at mhs homes said, “We are delighted to have been successful in buying these homes which are in the centre of an area where we already own more than 500 tenanted properties. We have visited every household to meet the residents, identify any special service requirements they may have and offer any advice they may need.”

Mark Jerreat, who has lived in his two bedroom flat for five years said, “I am pleased that Heart of Medway Housing Association, a part of mhs homes, has taken over our flats. I had heard quite a lot about mhs homes because they own lots of homes in Chatham. The chap who came to see us was a nice person who took the time to explain everything to us. For us, it makes sense, mhs homes is well-established with a good track record. The transfer of our flats to a locally-based landlord who is able to give us a good service will mean value for money and can only be good for us all. This acquisition is part of our overall strategy to increase the number of homes in the area by 400 over the next three years.”