The purchasers of one of BCHA’s newly built shared ownership properties in Prospect Farm Swanage are delighted with their new home
For first time buyers, getting on the housing ladder in Dorset is becoming more of a dream and less of a reality as house prices continue to escalate due to the high demand for rural property.
When Malcolm and Betty Biggerstaff’s daughter moved to the popular seaside town of Swanage in Dorset, they had high hopes of joining her there too, but the high property prices put that dream out of reach.
With Betty retired from her job as a pre-school teacher and Malcolm nearing retirement as a driving examiner, they were unable to afford a mortgage.
But a helping hand appeared in the form of charitable housing association BCHA who had acquired a small development of five flats and two newly built, two-bedroom, semi-detached houses at Prospect Farm in Swanage, thanks to a Section 106 agreement between Dorset Council and Bayview Developments.
BCHA were able to offer the houses on a shared ownership basis, allowing purchasers, such the Biggerstaff’s, the chance to own a property, which would otherwise have been unaffordable on the open market.
Malcolm and Betty are delighted with their shared ownership purchase and are enjoying settling in to their new home, saying:
“We have always wanted to live by the sea and we are really happy with the house. Its location means that we are much closer to our daughter and the property’s design is ideal for us as we near retirement.
“Shared ownership isn’t just for young people wanting to get on the property ladder, it’s ideal for all ages and we are grateful to BCHA for helping make our seaside dream come true so quickly and for facilitating our speedy house move.”
BCHA’s Head of Property Development and Acquisitions, Colin Salisman, said: “We are proud to bring a block of five flats and two new-build shared ownership homes to the high value area of Swanage as part of a Section 106 agreement with Dorset Council and Bayview Developments, who have both been a pleasure to work with. In addition, these properties have given people the opportunity to have their own home for the first time and move closer to their families and loved ones.”