One of the new owners of the first shared ownership properties ever built by Haringey Council was today officially handed the keys to her new home.
Cllr Alan Strickland, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning and Chris Liffen, Managing Director of Homes for Haringey, were on hand to welcome Cristina Andronache to her new home in Brewery House, Whitbread Close in Tottenham.
With shared ownership, home-owners buy a share of between 25% and 55% of the property and pay rent on the remaining share. They have the option to increase the share they own in the future, making this a great way for first-time buyers to get a foot on the housing ladder, when they are priced out of buying a home on the open market.
Owners have now moved into the four new two-bedroom properties in Whitbread Close, built on the site of a former council car park. The new homes are of a high quality, promoting sustainable development, energy efficiency, and affordability.
The homes will be managed by Homes for Haringey, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the council’s housing stock. These properties are among 31 new homes being completed this year on former garage and car park sites in seven locations across the borough.
Cristina Adronache said: “Being a home owner is a dream come true thanks to the shared ownership scheme and I will always be grateful for this opportunity and for my friends who encouraged me to consider the scheme and supported me though the process.
“Shared ownership means I could get on the property ladder despite having a smaller budget, whilst benefitting from the high standards of modern living in an energy-efficient flat.”
Cllr Alan Strickland, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning said, “We’re determined to tackle Haringey’s housing crisis and help local residents to get the homes they deserve. It’s crucial that we build a variety of new homes to suit different needs and budgets – including new social rented housing, affordable homes to buy and rent, shared ownership and private housing.
“Shared ownership is a great way for people to still get into the housing market even if their budget won’t stretch to buying 100% of the new home. The Whitbread Close properties are part of our drive to increase the number of affordable properties in Haringey and it was a real pleasure to welcome Cristina to her new home.”
Chris Liffen, Managing Director of Homes for Haringey, said, “Homes for Haringey recognises the need for affordable homes in neighbourhoods where people want to live and can thrive. The shared ownership scheme at Whitbread Close is a great example of how Haringey is continuing to provide affordable housing solutions for local people. I wish Christina all the best in her new home.”
