Latest news with #LeasingSchemeWales
Pembrokeshire Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
New station car park opens in Whitland with 25 new spaces for rail users
A NEW affordable housing initiative has been launched to help first-time buyers in Pembrokeshire take their first step onto the property ladder. Homebuy Pembrokeshire, delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council, offers eligible applicants an equity loan of up to 30% of a property's value—providing vital support for those struggling to bridge the gap between mortgage offers and rising house prices. Funded by revenue from the Second Home Premium, the scheme aims to tackle one of the key challenges faced by prospective homeowners in the County: affordability. While many first-time buyers are able to save for a deposit and secure a mortgage, the actual cost of properties in Pembrokeshire can still be out of reach. Homebuy Pembrokeshire is designed to address this by offering an interest-free loan secured against the property as a legal charge. The repayment value is linked to the market value of the property at the time of repayment, giving buyers flexibility to repay when they are financially able. The scheme applies to homes purchased on the open market across Pembrokeshire, with additional support available for those choosing to purchase empty properties. Unlike similar initiatives elsewhere in Wales, which are often limited to new-build homes, Homebuy Pembrokeshire is tailored to the County's general housing market. Councillor Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: 'The launch of Homebuy Pembrokeshire is part of this administration's commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing across all tenures. 'We understand that despite saving for a deposit, many people still find themselves priced out of home ownership. This scheme aims to remove that barrier and give first-time buyers a real chance to own their own home. 'It forms part of a broader strategy to address the housing crisis, alongside our development and acquisitions programme, Leasing Scheme Wales, and support for bringing empty properties back into use.' To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a local connection to Pembrokeshire and meet other eligibility criteria. The pilot phase of the scheme is backed by £1 million in funding, with all repayments reinvested into the County's wider affordable housing programme. For more information about the scheme and how to apply, visit the Homebuy Pembrokeshire webpage or contact the council's affordable housing team via email at affordablehousing@ or call 01437 764551.
Pembrokeshire Herald
3 days ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
New housing scheme to support first-time buyers in Pembrokeshire
A NEW affordable housing initiative has been launched to help first-time buyers in Pembrokeshire take their first step onto the property ladder. Homebuy Pembrokeshire, delivered by Pembrokeshire County Council, offers eligible applicants an equity loan of up to 30% of a property's value—providing vital support for those struggling to bridge the gap between mortgage offers and rising house prices. Funded by revenue from the Second Home Premium, the scheme aims to tackle one of the key challenges faced by prospective homeowners in the County: affordability. While many first-time buyers are able to save for a deposit and secure a mortgage, the actual cost of properties in Pembrokeshire can still be out of reach. Homebuy Pembrokeshire is designed to address this by offering an interest-free loan secured against the property as a legal charge. The repayment value is linked to the market value of the property at the time of repayment, giving buyers flexibility to repay when they are financially able. The scheme applies to homes purchased on the open market across Pembrokeshire, with additional support available for those choosing to purchase empty properties. Unlike similar initiatives elsewhere in Wales, which are often limited to new-build homes, Homebuy Pembrokeshire is tailored to the County's general housing market. Councillor Michelle Bateman, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: 'The launch of Homebuy Pembrokeshire is part of this administration's commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing across all tenures. 'We understand that despite saving for a deposit, many people still find themselves priced out of home ownership. This scheme aims to remove that barrier and give first-time buyers a real chance to own their own home. 'It forms part of a broader strategy to address the housing crisis, alongside our development and acquisitions programme, Leasing Scheme Wales, and support for bringing empty properties back into use.' To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a local connection to Pembrokeshire and meet other eligibility criteria. The pilot phase of the scheme is backed by £1 million in funding, with all repayments reinvested into the County's wider affordable housing programme. For more information about the scheme and how to apply, visit the Homebuy Pembrokeshire webpage or contact the council's affordable housing team via email at affordablehousing@ or call 01437 764551.
Business News Wales
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Neath Port Talbot Council Set to Host Landlord Support Event
Neath Port Talbot Council is set to host a free event for landlords who rent out properties within the county borough. The Landlord Support Event will take place at Neath Town Hall (1-2 Church Place, Neath, SA11 3LL) on Tuesday 13th May between 4pm and 7pm. Guest speakers from Rent Smart Wales, National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and Neath Port Talbot Council will be present to share their expertise. This will include guidance on handling common issues and Leasing Scheme Wales, a scheme offering guaranteed rent payments for five to 20 years. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with other landlords and speak directly with other support services. The itinerary for the event includes: · 4pm – 5pm: Informal drop-in session with the opportunity to speak to experts that can provide advice and guidance · 5pm – 6pm: Presentations from National Residential Landlords Association and Rent Smart Wales · 6pm – 7pm: Informal drop-in session with the opportunity to speak to experts that can provide advice and guidance The event is for established landlords who may have a portfolio of rental properties, newly established landlords and accidental landlords – someone who may have unexpectedly found themselves owning a home they are able to rent out. Cllr Alun Llewelyn, Neath Port Talbot Council's Cabinet Member for Housing & Community Safety, said: 'The Landlord Support Event is an opportunity for landlords to find out about how they can access essential information and resources that could be of real benefit to them. 'We know that private landlords play a fundamental role in the local housing sector and we are keen to work closely with them.' To secure your space at the event email Sarah Maybery-Thomas, .
