Affordable homes in Corfe Mullen handed over to local residents

Local housing association East Boro Housing Trust (EBHT), part of the Aster Group, has handed over the last set of keys to customers moving into a collection of new affordable homes in Corfe Mullen. The properties, located on Wimborne Road and Platinum Way, are exclusively for residents from the local community or those with a strong connection to the area.

The mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom houses and one-bedroom flats are available on an affordable basis – five for affordable rent and three to purchase through shared ownership.

Highlighting the demand for an affordable route onto the property ladder, the shared ownership homes were quickly snapped up by residents with a connection to East Dorset – with two now completed and one under offer. The rented homes, allocated by Dorset Council to those on its Housing Register, were completed and handed over to local residents in 2023.

Shared ownership is a secure alternative to private renting and also provides an affordable way onto - or back onto - the housing ladder. Buyers purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share. This reduces the size of the initial deposit required and if they want to, purchasers can buy more shares in their property (known as staircasing), eventually leading to full home ownership.

Commenting on the new homes, Kevin Hodder, Director of Partnerships and Engagement at Aster Group who also oversees EBHT’s development programme, said: “Like many villages across Dorset, house prices and rents push home ownership and private rental out of the reach of many. We know the difference receiving keys to a brand new affordable home means to people in the local community. They now have a secure home to call their own providing long-term stability and a sense of belonging within a community they are connected to.”

Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Housing and Health Councillor, Gill Taylor, said: “It’s good to hear that residents who moved into affordable rented homes will be welcoming their new neighbours with the imminent handover of the last shared ownership home.

“All these residents have a local connection to the village and are within easy access to a range of amenities including shops, pubs, and restaurants, as well as a library and community centre.”

East Boro will manage the rented homes with the shared ownership homes managed by Aster Group.