Homeless and looking for accommodation
Shared Ownership
Shared Ownership is a government-sponsored scheme to enable
people to buy their own property, who otherwise would be unable to
afford to do so.
The scheme works whereby the applicant buys a share of a
property from a local housing association, whilst renting
the remainder. The rent is subsidised by the government.
The share purchased is usually between 25 and 75 %. The applicant
can then purchase further shares of the property at a later date,
if they are in a financial position to do so.
There are many different schemes run up and down the country but
they are usually targeted at assisting the local community.
The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea supports several
local schemes. Some schemes require the applicant to be registered
on the common housing register or CHR [see
Council
housing waiting list].
Notting Hill Housing Trust runs the main Shared Ownership scheme
in Kensington & Chelsea.
For further details contact:
Notting Hill Home Ownership
Grove House
27 Hammersmith Grove
London W6 OJL
Tel: 020 8357 5000 [main switchboard]
Fax: 020 8357 4499
Website: www.nhhg.org.uk
There are various other low cost housing schemes and initiatives at
any one time. For instance, initiatives are being developed for
key workers, such as teachers and nurses.
In conjunction with Government's Starter Home
Initiative, Housing Associations are looking to provide
subsidised homes to buy in the capital for key workers. The Notting
Hill Housing Trust runs schemes across London, including in
Kensington & Chelsea. The scheme is aimed at workers such as
nurses, social workers and teachers For further information contact
Notting Hill Housing Trust as above.
Another scheme is called Homebuy. The government
funds Homebuy to assist council and housing association tenants buy
a home of their own.
Under Homebuy, you can choose a property anywhere in England and
the scheme will give you a loan 25% of the cost which you can chose
when you when you pay back or on the sale of the property.
In order to qualify you must be a council or housing association
tenant willing to give up your tenancy and be registered on the
common housing register [see
Council
housing waiting list].
Further information
Further information on
all Shared Ownership schemes and other low cost housing initiatives
in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea can be obtained
from:
RBKC
Housing Initiatives Team
Town Hall
Hornton Street
London W8 7NX
Tel: 020 7361 3228
www.rbkc.gov.uk
Schemes in neighbouring areas
If you live in neighbouring West London Boroughs of Hammersmith
& Fulham, Ealing, Hounslow or Richmond, there is a Shared
Ownership scheme run by Shepherds Bush Housing Association.
For further details contact:
Shepherds Bush Housing Association Ltd
1
Essex Place Square
Chiswick
London W4 5UJ
Tel: 020 8996 4200
Fax: 020 8996 4242
www.sbhg.co.uk
NHS Accommodation Bureau
If you work in the NHS, then the NHS Accommodation Bureau can
give you information on subsidised schemes for renting and
buying open to health employees. It is open Monday to
Friday 9am to 5pm.
NHS Accommodation Bureau
The Old Fire Station
20 Purcroft Road
Chertesy
Surrey KT16 9HL
Tel: 01932 571 999