The Low Cost Housing Scheme A Guide for Prospective Purchasers

What is the Low Cost Housing Scheme? The low cost housing scheme provides properties for sale, at a reduced price. The level of discount varies, depending on the location. Potential purchasers have to meet certain criteria, in order to be eligible to purchase a property in the scheme. These restrictions on sale price and purchaser exist in perpetuity, and are applied each time the property is sold. How much is the Discount? The level of discount varies, depending on the location of the property. Currently, the discount ranges from 17%-40% of the Open Market Value. The discounted value is the maximum for which a property can be sold. Who is the Scheme for? The scheme is designed to assist people on low income to purchase a property. It is not aimed solely at first time buyers, but is open to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria. What are the Eligibility Criteria? There are three criteria that prospective purchasers have to meet: 1. You must intend to use the property as your only or principal home. 2. You must, in the opinion of the Head of Housing, be in need of assistance through the scheme. 3. You must have close links with the Borough of Chorley. Please note: the residence criterion varies, depending on location. For properties in Eccleston, you must have a close link with the parishes of Eccleston or Heskin. Please ask for further details. Which properties are included in the scheme? The scheme covers properties in the following locations: Beechfields, Eccleston Middlewood Close, Eccleston Langton Close, Eccleston Foxglove Drive, Whittle -le-Woods Lea Road, Whittle-le-Woods Saville Street, Chorley Coltsfoot Drive, Chorley Clayburn Close, Chorley Burghley Close, Clayton-le-Woods Bingley Close, Clayton-le-Woods Ashdown Drive, Clayton-le-Woods

Chartwell Close, Clayton-le-Woods Wood Beech Gardens, Clayton-le-Woods Spendmore Lane, Coppull Please note: Not all properties on these streets are covered by this scheme. New properties are included in the scheme on a regular basis, and new builds are expected in Adlington, Chorley and Buckshaw Village in the near future. How do I find out if a property is for sale? Most properties in the scheme are sold through an estate agent, the same as any other property. The sales particulars should clearly state that the house is part of this scheme. How do I apply? Once you have seen a property in which you are interested, complete a low cost housing form. These forms are available from the address at the end of this form. Applications are dealt with in date order. The Council does not prioritise applicants under this scheme, and will approve more than one buyer for any property. The final decision to determine to whom the property is sold to lies with the owner. How long do the restrictions apply? The restrictions apply in perpetuity, and for each sale. For some properties in the scheme, it is possible to buy-out the Councils’ interest. Please ask for further details. What if I want to sell? If you want to sell your property, you must write to the Council, at the address below, with a completed Valuation Request Form. We will then arrange to visit your property and advise you of our opinion of the current Open Market Value, and the maximum discounted price. If you disagree with this valuation, a referral can be made to an independent valuer. Is there a Waiting List? There is no specific waiting list but if you are interested in receiving notifications of when Low Cost Properties become available please provide the following information to the (contact by phone, email or post, details on following page): Name, Address, Telephone Number, Email (if available), Property Size, Location/ Area. Alternatively if you wish to apply for a Low Cost Housing scheme home you can fill out the application form which is available via the website.

Who should I contact for more details? Strategic Housing Officer Strategic Housing Chorley Council Civic Offices Union Street Chorley PR7 1AL (01257) 515552 E-mail: strategichousing@chorley.gov.uk

This information can be made available to you in larger print or on audio tape, or translated into your own language. Please telephone 01257 515701 to access this service.