Housebuilders aim to increase supply of affordable homes in Essex

With affordable housing in critically short supply across much of Essex, councils in the county are working with new home builders and housing associations to increase the supply of new homes in Essex, including new build affordable homes.

Many house builders are committed to providing affordable homes in Essex and are continuing to work hard to identify opportunities so that they can meet the demand.

But the ability of the councils and new home providers to secure the number of affordable homes needed is constrained by the economic situation and the availability of government grants.

Notting Hill Housing, for example, one of the largest, most experienced, innovative and financially secure housing associations in the UK, was appointed by Havering Council last year to deliver 181 new homes in partnership with Countryside Properties in Hilldene.

But plans to build the new homes on 7.2 acres of former sheltered housing sites at Darlington and Chippenham Gardens in Hilldene, Harold Hill, Essex, have been disrupted by the coalition government's decision to change its funding policy for affordable housing schemes.

A spokesperson for Havering Council said that they remain extremely hopeful that the Notting Hill Housing will still be able to secure funding from the government's Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). But failing that, the council would "look at different options, including a change of new homes plans, if the leading housing association failed to get finance from the HCA".

John Hughes, group development director at Notting Hill Housing, said that his firm is keen "to work with the Council and local residents to reinvigorate the area for the benefit of the whole community in Harold Hill".

But despite the various challenges, many property developers are providing much needed new homes, including affordable homes for rent and shared ownership, together with homes for private sale.

The UK's largest house builder, Barratt Homes, held a first time buyer event last weekend on 10th and 11th September, at one of their new developments in Essex called Reflections located in Colchester. Potential buyers were invited to visit and see the new development and talk to the Barratt Homes team about the FirstBuy scheme available on the new homes.

The FirstBuy scheme is a shared equity scheme that makes buying a first home more affordable. Buyers can purchase the property for only 80% of the property sale price. The remaining 20% is loaned and funded by the house builder and the HCA.

"The FirstBuy scheme is great news for first time buyers looking to get onto the property ladder with a manageable deposit," said Rebecca Littler of Barratt Eastern Counties. "FirstBuy represents an outstanding opportunity to take their first step on the housing ladder."