| 57 T T Karen Phelps New path to home ownership Habitat for Humanity has 24 Progressive Home Ownership homes due for completion this year in Whangarei. Habitat for Humanity - Northland REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Habitat for Humanity is challenging the perception that home ownership is out of reach for working families in Whangarei, with three Progressive Home Ownership developments offering an innovative path to property ownership for households earning under $150,000. “People often think there is no way they’re going to own a home, and give up. We see this across the country,””says Conrad LaPointe, Habitat Northern Region CEO. “As we are a charity, I believe many working families often think they are not the right fit for our home-ownership programme, or there are more deserving families. But we work with families across the affordability scale and for our home-ownership programme a certain level of income is required.” The Progressive Home Ownership programme operates on a rent-to-buy model, requiring no initial deposit. “The home is valued at the time the family moves in, and that’s what they owe Habitat – that figure doesn’t increase. As they pay the market rent, any surplus becomes a deposit,” explains Conrad. This innovative approach is made possible through government support, with zero per cent interest loans covering 50% of the development costs. However, the window of opportunity may be closing. “The current government has sadly ended the funding. So if people want to take advantage of the opportunity, we encourage them to contact us now,” says Conrad. The programme spans 10 years, with the first five years dedicated to rental payments. After this period, families can sign a long-term sale and purchase agreement. “We’re generating equity for them in the house because the value uplift in the 10 years is theirs to keep,” says Conrad. Habitat for Humanity has 24 Progressive Home Ownership homes due for completion this year in Whangarei, with locations including Tikipunga and Kensington. The three-bedroom homes have already been taken but still available are two-bedroom properties measure 92sqm – well-specified, quality homes close to the town centre, says Conrad. The charity maintains strict eligibility criteria to ensure the programme reaches those that can benefit most. Applicants must be firsthome buyers, either young couples or small families, with existing KiwiSaver accounts. Two-bedroom homes are limited to a maximum of four occupants. “It’s a great opportunity for people. If they can afford market rent they can afford one of our homes and it can be theirs,” explains Conrad. He says the approach represents a significant shift in addressing New Zealand’s housing challenges, offering a middle ground between renting and traditional home ownership. The programme provides not just housing, but a pathway to financial security and long-term stability for working families, who might otherwise find themselves locked out of the property market. Boutique built environment practice specialising in urban design, planning and engagement Lisa Mein, Director, MNZPI, UDIA Registered Urban Designer 027 483 3224 lisa.mein@mudp.co.nz GET IN TOUCH
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