Residents looking to get on the property ladder are being offered a three-bedroom property for less than £53,000, thanks to the innovative Homestep Plus scheme.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is committed to doing all it can to provide good-quality, affordable homes that add to the quality of life of residents in the County Borough.
One of the ways in which it is delivering is Homestep Plus, made possible thanks to funding from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Heads of the Valleys Programme.
Homestep Plus is a key success of the Local Housing Partnership that has been formed by the Council, social landlords, private landlords, and more in order to ensure housing stock in Rhondda Cynon Taf is of the best-possible standard and is accessible to people from all walks of life.
It allows the purchase of properties that have been standing empty, which are refurbished to a high standard and offered for sale to first-time buyers on a retained-equity basis.
The latest Homestep Plus property is at 64 Coed Glas, Penywaun, which is semi-detached, has three bedrooms, off-road parking, gas central heating, double glazing, two reception rooms, kitchen, utility room and front and rear gardens.
It is offered to first time buyers for just £52,500, which is 70 per cent of the market value of the home, which is retained by Cynon Taf Community Housing Group. Buyers have the opportunity to purchase the outstanding equity at a later date if they wish.
Cllr Clayton Willis, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing, said: “We know how hard it can be for first time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder and know Homestep Plus can help them with this, offering affordable options and even no deposits.
“As well as offering good-quality first homes for those who need them the most, Homestep Plus is also encouraging the regeneration of areas, bringing empty properties back to life and encouraging young residents into communities.
“This is just one of the ways in which Housing partners are working together to create an attractive, appropriate housing stock in Rhondda Cynon Taf to meet need and demand.
“Find out more about the help, information and support available via the Housing Strategy website at www.rhonddacynontafhousing.co.uk|”
Homestep Plus is open to those who are over the age of 18 and either hold a UK passport or have indefinite leave to remain in the UK. They must be able to demonstrate they can afford a mortgage and the associated costs of buying a house and be able to raise a mortgage with a suitable lender.
For more information on Homestep Plus, contact the Housing Strategy Team on 01443 425388 or email [email protected]
