Homes with extra energy efficiency measures for shared ownership

Thursday, 28 September 2023 08:13

By Alexander Chadwick @thisisyo1

Cllr Pavlovic at one of the energy-efficient homes for shared ownership

An innovative new scheme to help more people in York afford a more energy-efficient home of their own is launching.

15 extra homes have been bought by the council for shared ownership They originally had Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) D or below and, using funding from the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities, the council has installed energy efficiency measures which has brought them up to EPC C or above.

Key workers have been invited to apply for these homes, together with other eligible residents.

The energy efficiency measures added depend on each property’s construction and condition. Among those measures are photovoltaic solar panels to generate free electricity, new boilers and/or radiators, hybrid heat pumps, double glazing, underfloor or external wall insulation.

These improved homes are in a number of locations across the city and include four, three and two-bedroomed houses and two-bedroomed bungalows.

Applicants can buy between 25-75% of the home, with the option of buying more shares as and when they can afford to. Rent is paid on the proportion of the house still owned by City of York Council.

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing at City of York Council, said: “The average house price in York is 10.9 times more than the average wage, making it very difficult for people who are essential to the city, to afford to buy here. I’m particularly glad that we’ve invited eligible key workers to bid for these shared ownership homes.

“These homes not only make getting on the property ladder more of a reality, they can be heated more efficiently and with will less carbon emissions now and for generations of occupants to come.”

To be eligible, applicants must:

have a combined household income of less that £80,000 per year
be first time buyers, or former home owners, or military or ex-military personnel
be unable to afford to purchase a suitable home at market value
not own a share of, or own any other property - unless you have a shared ownership home that you wish to move from to meet a change in your housing need
have a minimum 5% deposit and be able to cover the cost of buying a property
have secured a mortgage offer.

Anyone eligible and interested should visit www.york.gov.uk/SharedOwnership or email sharedownership@york.gov.uk.

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