Wera Launches New Social Housing for Rent and Low-cost Ownership

1 June 2018

BATH’S newest affordable housing provider is celebrating this month after officially launching its first homes in the city.

Alliance Homes is the newest affordable housing provider to own and manage homes in Bath and North East Somerset, already managing more than 6,500 homes in North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Found on the outskirts of Bath, The Chill is Alliance’s newest scheme made up 38 homes (14 shared ownership and 24 homes available for social rent) aimed at families and professionals working in the city. Wera Hobhouse MP joined Alliance Homes, and developers Linden Homes and Bloor Homes, at a celebration event held at the scheme this morning.

Louise Swain, Chief Executive at Alliance Homes said:

“We’re delighted to own and manage our first homes in Bath, as we look to expand our portfolio of great quality homes in the West of England. We want to meet the needs and aspirations of our communities by offering affordable shared ownership and rented homes in areas where it’s tougher than ever to get a foot on the housing ladder.”

The new homes at The Chill have been developed through a Section 106 agreement with developers Linden Homes and Bloor Homes. Both developers have completed many new homes for outright sale at the former Ministry of Defence site at Lansdown since 2015.

Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath said:

“It’s no secret that Bath desperately needs more social housing and housing that families can afford. Alliance has done what some other developers have been unable to do in recent months: to deliver truly affordable homes in Bath. Alliance should be commended for providing 24 homes for social rent.”

Sue Scholfield, sales and marketing director for Linden Homes said:

“Ensleigh is a stunning development in a fantastic location and we’re delighted to be creating beautiful new homes to suit a range of budgets and buyers. We’re not surprised that the properties have proved so popular and look forward to continue seeing the development take shape.”

Rowena Adams, Regional Sales Director at Bloor Homes South West, said:

“The demand for homes in Bath remains high and we are proud to have delivered much needed affordable housing for the area at this new Alliance Homes scheme.”

In this year’s National Housing Federation regional report entitled Home Truths 2017/18: the housing market in the South West it was revealed that housing associations in the south west built over 4,200 homes and started 2016-2017, and started a further 4,100. However, the region still isn’t building enough homes. Between 2012 and 2016, there was a shortfall of over 21,000 houses across the south west.

The report concluded that the average house price in Bath and North East Somerset is estimated to be £381,089 and the cost of renting in the private sector in the local authority stands at £1,190 per month.

Buyers looking to purchase a one-bedroom shared ownership home at The Chill would expect to pay in the region of £80,000 for a 40% share. A three-bedroom house is priced at approximately £150,000 for a 40% share. People can look to the government’s Help to Buy scheme to help them get a foot on the housing ladder at The Chill.