First-time buyers looking to get onto the housing ladder can find out more about opportunities to own their own home at a free council-run event this month.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will host a Low Cost Home Ownership event at the Civic Offices in London Road, Basingstoke between 3pm and 7pm on Thursday 26 September.
Aspiring local homeowners will be able to drop in to get advice about various schemes including the council’s Own Home Loan scheme, First Homes, shared ownership schemes and the council’s home ownership register.
The council’s Own Home Loan scheme helps first-time buyers to purchase new or existing homes up to the value of £250,000 with loans of up to £30,000 or up to 20% of the value of the property. So far, nine households have been supported to purchase their own home through the scheme.
There will be representatives from housing associations, independent mortgage advisors and solicitors on hand to answer questions at the event. The council’s Green Team will also be there providing advice on how to stay warm for less this winter, including the opportunity to sign-up for free home energy surveys, as well as garden surveys which provide hints and tips to attract wildlife into their garden which is beneficial to wildlife as well as the gardens.
As well as attending the free event, residents are now able to book one-to-one appointments with the council’s low cost home ownership team to get information and guidance on the process and things they will need to consider when buying their first home.
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “We understand how difficult it is for those who feel trapped in paying high rents and want the security of owning their home but are struggling to get onto the housing ladder. That is why we are doing everything we can to speed up the delivery of affordable homes, including more opportunities for low cost home ownership.
“Our dedicated low cost home ownership team is here to provide advice and support first-time buyers, who often don’t know where to start, through the process. We have received great feedback from residents coming to us for help as part of our new one-to-one appointment service which is already making a big difference in supporting people looking to own their own home.
“Alongside our dedicated appointments, this free event will give residents the chance to meet independent mortgage advisors and solicitors and find out more about the options available to them and answer any questions they may have.”
Residents can get regular updates on local low cost home ownership opportunities that are available by signing up to the council’s register at https://basingstoke.homeconnections.org.uk/
For more information about low cost home ownership, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/low-cost-home-ownership
To book a one-to-one appointment with the low cost home ownership team, email lcho@basingstoke.gov.uk or call 01256 845173.