How do I use the menu  To use the menu simply hover over the section you require and click to launch the page.

How do I use the news feeds To use the News Feed Section simply click on an article of your choice and it will load in a new page.

Community Council for Somerset Logo


A   A  A 

How do I use the text resizing To use the accessibilty text resize control simply click one of the three As to resize the text to the appropriate size. Alternatively you can resize the text using your browsers own controls by holding ctrl and scrolling the mouse wheel or pressing the arrow keys.

housing schemes straplineAffordable Housing - Scheme Types

 

Affordable housing is housing that will be available for people, whose income denies them the opportunity to purchase or rent houses which are generally available on the open market. This is as a result of the relationship between their income and housing costs. Affordable housing includes subsidised housing (reduced cost market housing and social rented housing). 

 

The different types of affordable housing are as follows:

 

Affordable Social Rented Housing


This scheme is developed, with subsidy, by Registered Social Landlords/Housing Associations.  It provides rented housing to households otherwise unable to afford market rents.

 

Reduced Cost Market Housing

 

This scheme is owner-occupied housing. It is provided at the cheaper end of the housing market (with associated financial subsidy, to make it affordable to assist households unable to resolve their housing needs in the housing market). Various models exist, and the projects are considered on a scheme by scheme basis (depending on housing need and affordability in the area). Models such as shared ownership or discounted market housing are included with this definition.

 

new affordable housing at WinshamShared Ownership

 

This scheme helps people with a regular income who want to buy their own home, but cannot afford to purchase outright. With shared ownership, just enough money is borrowed, to cover the share that is being purchased. This share is usually 50% but can be 25% - 75%. Depending on the model used, rent may be payable on the remaining share - which is normally owned by a Registered Social Landlord. On certain properties, further shares may be purchased. It may be possible to eventually progress to outright ownership. Others (usually in rural areas) restrict ownership to allow the Registered Social Landlord to ensure that future sales are to someone with a local need.

 

Discounted Market Housing

 

This is owner occupied housing, provided at the cheaper end of the market (with associated financial subsidy - by either a developer or a Registered Social Landlord). A discount is provided on the open market value. This is usually 25% (usually with the Registered Social Landlord withholding an equity stake in the property).

 

Low Cost Market Housing


This scheme is housing, provided without subsidy, at the cheaper end of the market (by private developers). The characteristics of this housing will ensure it remains affordable to subsequent occupiers. These properties help to create mixed and balanced communities. They may help to meet the needs of first time buyers or key workers.

 

Self Build


Self-Build housing is housing where the future occupants or the community, work together to build a property for themselves. This may involve the pooling of skills from various areas, or a 'train and build' scheme - where individuals learn new skills as the scheme progresses. Although the houses may be started from scratch, the group may simply work towards 'finishing' properties erected by professional contractors.

 

To view information about what is affordable housing click here

To view information about how the Community Council for Somerset can help click here

To view information about land click here

To see which areas we are currently working in click here