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Issue Date: 22nd June 2006
FIRST BUYER MOVES THROUGH INNOVATIVE PROPERTY CONVERSION SCHEME IN NORTH BENWELL
The first buyer in an innovative property refurbishment scheme in North Benwell has received the keys to his new home.
Sadaruddin Lund is the first person to move into a property renovated through the HomesFirst Scheme. Funded by Bridging NewcastleGateshead and delivered by North East-based Home Group, one of the largest providers of affordable homes in Britain, the scheme has seen eight boarded up flats and one empty house converted into five affordable family homes.
All of the properties have been extensively renovated with new fitted kitchens and bathrooms as well as gas central heating, double glazing and security locks and alarm systems. The homes were priced for affordable sale between £90,000 and £125,000 and as a result, all five properties were snapped up by eager buyers within just one week of going on sale.
Mr Lund, who was previously renting a property on Condercum Road and is now moving into his own property just a few doors along on the same street, commented:
"I have lived in North Benwell for around three years and I really like living here. There's a great community and it's close to local amenities as well as the city centre. The price of this house was particularly attractive and as it was for sale at such an affordable cost, I have been able to get on to the property ladder."
The renovation work has been carried out by Cameron Builders and the properties were sold through Sarah Mains estate agent. It is expected that the buyers of the other four properties will move into their new homes in the next few weeks.
Anne Mulroy, Director of Bridging NewcastleGateshead commented: "North Benwell is an area on the up with a strong community spirit, and much work has been done to bring positive change to the area. The North Benwell Neighbourhood Management Initiative for example has had a profound impact on the community through its excellent work.
"That these new homes have been sold so quickly bears testament to the work that has been done in the area over the last two years and the fact that people want to live in good quality, affordable homes in North Benwell."
It is hoped that in the future, more properties in North Benwell will be converted in this way, allowing more buyers to get on the property ladder.
Zoey Hawthorne, Head of Development for the North East with Home Group said: "The news that the homes in the first phase were snapped up like 'hot cakes' is great for the partners and affirms that we were right in prioritising affordable homes for local people in this area.
"It's tough to get on the property ladder, especially if you are on a low income, and we see our role as giving local families the help they deserve to afford their own home."
The success of this scheme in North Benwell follows the announcement earlier this year that crime in the area has fallen by 30% and the number of empty homes by 32% in the year to September 2005.