Priority for essential workers and first time buyers at new Dorset sites
The Council's building properties at Alderholt and Verwood
Essential workers and first time buyers are being given priority for housing at two new sites in Dorset.
Dorset Council's First Homes scheme will see 18 properties built in Verwood and 7 homes in Alderholt.
They'll be sold at a minimum discount of 30% of their market value, and applicants will need to be local people with a household income of under £80,000.
Gill Taylor, Cabinet Member for Housing and Health at Dorset Council said:
“It can be challenging to get on the property ladder in Dorset, but First Homes give people the opportunity to do just that and to live, work and raise their families locally.
"Prioritising key workers and local residents at both these fantastic developments, will help the local economy and retain skills along with the long-standing connections people have to the area.
"The First Homes model complements other tenures of affordable housing, such as rented and shared ownership homes, and we are fully supportive of increasing the supply of all these tenures."
Matt Dukes, Managing Director at developers Pennyfarthing Homes, said:
“We were thrilled to showcase the value of the First Homes scheme and the high quality of properties available to local first-time buyers. As a business that remains firmly committed to the family values on which it was founded back in 1977, Pennyfarthing is delighted to be supporting so many local buyers to take that all-important first step onto the property ladder here in Dorset.”
Properties at both sites will feature a combination of Air Source Heat Pumps and cylinders, allocated parking and EV charging points.
The red brickwork of the houses and grey weatherboarding of the apartments echo the architectural heritage of the local area, while interiors have been designed to provide spacious, open plan living with plenty of natural light.