Rochford Housing celebrates shared ownership work in the district

Published by awalsh for Sanctuary Housing Association in Housing

Getting a foot on the housing ladder could soon be a step closer for many residents, as the finishing touches are put on Rochford Housing’s first shared ownership properties.

To celebrate National Shared Ownership Week (18^th to 24^th March), Rochford District Council’s Jeremy Bourne helped Rochford Housing’s Emma Keegan fit the kitchens to four shared ownership properties being built at the former Stratford House site in Rayleigh.

Over the next few years Rochford Housing, part of leading housing and care provider Sanctuary Group, is looking to develop around 60 shared ownership properties across the district.

Work has already started on seven shared ownership homes in Brays Lane, Ashingdon, which are being built in partnership with Bellway Homes, and work is due to begin on seven new shared ownership properties in London Road, Rayleigh this summer.  

In total, Rochford Housing has plans for more than 300 new homes for either affordable rent or shared ownership over the next few years through an investment from Sanctuary Group and the Homes and Communities Agency.

Rochford Housing is also working closely with Rochford District Council to make sure the new homes are allocated to people most in need of help from the shared ownership scheme.

Emma Keegan, Rochford Housing’s managing director, said: “It is great to see these first shared ownership homes coming together with many more new homes planned over the next few years.

“Shared ownership is a great way to give more people the chance to get a foot on the housing ladder when house prices continue to mean that many struggle to afford the deposit needed to buy their first home.”

Jeremy Bourne from Rochford District Council added: “The Council is committed to delivering affordable homes in the District and we are working very closely with Rochford Housing to deliver them.

“Shared ownership is a great way for local people to take that all important first step on the housing ladder and I’d encourage anyone who is interested in finding out more to get in touch.”

Organised by the National Housing Federation, Shared Ownership Week aims to demonstrate the important, and growing, role shared ownership can play in today’s housing market.

Shared ownership allows people to purchase a property from 25 per cent to 75 per cent of the home’s value and pay rent on the remaining share. People can then choose to buy further shares in the property over time.

Anyone interested in buying a shared ownership property in Rochford should call 0800 916 1444.