Rural shared ownership highlighted at national park scheme

Published by awalsh for Sanctuary Housing Association in Housing

Parish councillors have found out more about a new housing development in the North York Moors National Park helping to give young people the chance to own a home of their own. 

On the run up to this year’s Shared Ownership Week (18^th to 24^th March) members of Hawsker cum Stainsacre Parish Council visited new homes in Stainsacre near Whitby by leading housing and care provider Sanctuary Group.

The properties were built following a Parish survey which revealed that there was a need for more affordable housing to help people, with a local connection to the parish, continue living in the area.

And with an average first-time buyer deposit in Yorkshire and Humberside currently at £23,262, the three new shared ownership homes will offer people a more affordable option to buy a property within the village.

Parish Council chairman Cllr John Cummins said: “Creating these new homes in the village will give young people the chance they need to buy a home of their own without having to move out of the place where they grew up and have family.  We need young people to come back to this village to provide support for the school - and this is just the help they need.

“I am very pleased with the new houses which are of a very high standard and very well equipped.”

Helen Wright, head of development for Sanctuary in the region, said: “This scheme is big news for the community of Stainsacre. Providing much needed affordable housing in a rural location like this not only helps people continue living close to where they grew up, it will also give them the chance to get their foot on the housing ladder.”

North York Moors National Park Planning Authority, who supported the development, said: “We are delighted to have been involved in the delivery of this high quality scheme which will have a positive impact on the community by providing affordable homes for local people.”

The project was part funded by the Homes and Communities Agency.  Craig Johns, Area Manager at the HCA said: “It is fantastic that HCA investment is supporting and protecting the development of rural communities. Our investment ensures that our partners will provide new homes, including some for Shared Ownership, that are targeted at local people who could not otherwise afford to live in these areas.”

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 Shared Ownership opportunities can find out more by calling 0800 916 1444.