Legal News

Craven District Council in the Yorkshire Dales has announced that it has bought its first newly constructed, two-bedroom house, to sell on a shared ownership basis.

Shared ownership allows first time buyers buy just a share of their home initially – usually 50% – and pay rent on the rest, resulting a smaller deposit and lower monthly housing costs.

The council also secured planning permission in November 2015 to build a further three homes on a former garage site – and has since successfully bid for grant from the Homes and Communities Agency to help fund building costs.

Leader of Craven District Council, Councillor Richard Foster, said:

“For many years, the council has watched new affordable homes being built, bought, managed and sold by housing associations – we have enabled their development through planning policy, strategic support and grant funding.

“Now for the first time in decades, the council is on a level footing with its housing association partners – and can take its place alongside them to deliver affordable housing directly.

“Already we are planning to buy two more shared ownership homes under construction at Sutton – and we are on the lookout for more opportunities.

“Planning policy means that sites above a certain size will include affordable homes for rent and sale – homes that can't come soon enough, at a time when waiting lists are growing, homelessness is on the increase and many local people on local incomes simply cannot afford to rent or buy in the Craven market.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise tenants in the private rental sector on a wide range of housing matters, including Landlord and Tenant disputes, tenancy agreements, lease extensions, disrepair and unlawful eviction.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our housing team can also advise on social housing and local authority housing matters, planning applications and appeals – as well as offering conveyancing services to homebuyers and advising on debt management issues and mortgage repossession.

For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.