Council affordable homes drive passes 150 mark

A council drive to buy and rent out affordable homes to Croydon families has topped the purchase of 150 properties.

In July 2017 the council set up Croydon Affordable Homes (CAH) to provide at least 250 homes for Croydon residents that cost no more than 65% of the average market rent. This means a two-bedroom flat that usually costs £1,380 per month is instead at the Local Housing Allowance of £900.

So far, the council has bought 167 mainly two- and three-bed flats and houses, plus a four-bed house and a five-bed house, all of which are for Croydon families previously in temporary accommodation and have been made possible by CAH, a charity set up by the council.

In addition 96 properties which were purchased by the council and used for temporary accommodation were transferred to CAH, and nearly 300 new-build affordable rented properties will be delivered for CAH through Brick by Brick, the development company set up by the council that is building homes across the borough.

All rooms in the CAH-run homes meet the Mayor of London’s space standards, and tenants get an assured shorthold contract instead of the usual six months with private landlords.

“The council set up this charity to increase the number of local homes for Croydon people at affordable rents, so to reach the 150 mark in just over a year is hugely encouraging.

“Every new property we buy means another family will get a newly-refurbished, good-sized home with security not offered on the private rental market, and it also reduces the cost to the council of placing people in expensive temporary accommodation.”

Councillor Alison Butler, deputy leader and cabinet member for homes and Gateway services

2018-11-09T15:51:43+00:00 November 9th, 2018|Recent news|