Lack of quality affordable housing is one of the main causes of inequality and poverty in the UK. Bridport is a very desirable place to retire to or have a second home, leading to significant housing pressure and leaving many younger residents with few options to find homes of their own.
Hazelmead has added 53 more homes to the local affordable housing supply – homes which are designed to have low running costs. In addition, residents benefit from sharing resources such as cars and washing machines, and everyone has access to the communally grown vegetables.
Through our partnership with Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA), we are able to provide a range of housing options to suit different incomes.
26 homes at Hazelmead are rented through BCHA to people on the housing register. These include one-bed flats (for single or double occupancy) and two- and three-bed houses. Of these, six homes are reserved for Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust nurses.
The other 27 homes were developed by Bridport Cohousing and BCHA for leasehold purchase.
Bridport Cohousing has sold its fourteen two-, three- and four-bed houses for 80% of the market value, keeping hold of the remaining 20% equity to ensure affordability in the future.
BCHA has sold six one-bed and seven two-, three- and four-bed houses for between 25% and 75% of market value through the government shared ownership scheme. Rent is paid to BCHA on the unsold equity, and there is the possibility of later ‘staircasing’ up to 80% ownership.
All our homes are currently occupied and non-resident members can join a waiting pool, should a suitable home become available. Email info@bridportcohousing.org.uk for more information.