opening the door to your new home

Transcription

1 SPRING 2008 opening the door to your new home 30 DEVELOPMENTS FEATURED INSIDE! I NEW PRODUCTS I ELIGIBILITY GUIDE I PROPERTIES I EVENTS I

2 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 2 > Helping First Time Buyers Welcome to the Spring edition of Lea Valley Living This time of year is traditionally when people make the life changing decision to take their first step onto the property ladder. Thoughts turn to searching for a new home and Lea Valley Homes are here to help you with that search. There is plenty of good news for home buyers wanting to take that first step onto the property ladder. As announced in the recent Budget statement, the Government has introduced a new equity loan scheme from 1st April called MyChoiceHomeBuy. This new product will make home ownership a realistic proposition for many more people in Hertfordshire. Up to 50% of the value of a home on the open market will now be able to be financed with an equity loan! See page 16 for full details on MyChoiceHomeBuy. As prices of properties in Hertfordshire are so high we feel certain that MyChoiceHomeBuy will make a real difference to the number of Hertfordshire people who can fulfil their dream of home ownership. Further good news in the budget was when the Chancellor announced that stamp duty is no longer payable on New Build HomeBuy (Shared Ownership) until 80% ownership is achieved. For anyone making that initial first step into home ownership with New Build HomeBuy they will now not have to worry about the additional cost of stamp duty. With even more opportunities to access home ownership, our team at Lea Valley Homes are keen to help and advise you on all the HomeBuy products! Happy house-hunting. Neil Hadden - Chief Executive Scheme Information HomeBuy This is a Programme to help people buy a home of their own. Lea Valley Homes is the HomeBuy Agent, a one-stop-shop for advice and information on Low Cost Home Ownership in Hertfordshire. Lea Valley Homes will advertise Low Cost Home Ownership available in Hertfordshire via This initiative is Government led and is monitored by the Housing Corporation and Communities and Local Government (CLG). Products Available MyChoiceHomeBuy If you are a first time buyer and want to buy a home of your own but cannot afford to do so, or you are a previous home owner who is unable to buy without assistance following a relationship breakdown, MyChoiceHomeBuy may be just the answer! MyChoiceHomeBuy is a flexible equity loan scheme designed to help households earning between 20,000 and 60,000 per annum to buy their own home on the open market. You will own the home and our loan will be secured by a second charge against the property. How does it work? You will need to contact one of our panel of Independent Financial Advisors (see page 18). Your application will be assessed and, if approved, you can choose a suitable property on the open market. When the property you choose is approved by us, you pay a percentage of the purchase price with a mortgage and any savings or deposit you may have. We will give you an equity loan to cover the remainder of the purchase price between 15% and 50% of the property value, depending on your individual circumstances. You will need to obtain a mortgage through an independent financial advisor, bank or building society. There is a low monthly interest charge on the equity loan of up to 1.75% p.a. The loan is redeemed in full when the property is sold. Ownhome Another equity loan scheme is available through Places for People in partnership with the Co-operative Bank. Applicants will be required to obtain their mortgage only through the Co-operative Bank. New Build HomeBuy If you would love to be a home-owner but cannot quite afford it by yourself, New Build HomeBuy may be just the answer for you! A part buy - part rent scheme, you can purchase a share in a home (usually via a mortgage), and pay a reduced rent on the share you do not own. You may purchase a share from 25% to 75%, but generally it is from 40% upwards. If you wish, as your finances improve you may purchase additional shares (known as staircasing) until you own your home outright (please note that some fixed equity schemes do not allow staircasing). You own your own home! Lower deposit and mortgage! Lower income earners can get on the property ladder! Re-Sales 1500 TOWARDS MOVING COSTS! 1500 TOWARDS MOVING COSTS! NO STAMP DUTY! on initial share purchase < FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL > Previously owned shared equity properties will occasionally come up for sale. For more information see

3 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 3 > First Time Buyers Initiative LAST FEW AVAILABLE AT QUEENSGATE, WATFORD FTBi makes more affordable homes available to first time buyers. It is part of the Government s new HomeBuy Low Cost Home Ownership initiative and is available through Lea Valley Homes. FTBi enables aspiring first time buyers, who cannot otherwise afford to buy a new home, to purchase a property with an affordable mortgage and with Government assistance on a designated FTBi development. The Government then has an entitlement to a share of the future sales proceeds which will be equal to the initial percentage contribution required to assist the buyer. The purchaser must obtain a mortgage for a minimum 50% of the total purchase price on which they make repayments. We currently have only one FTBi site available which is at Queensgate, Watford although there may be forthcoming developments in the Hertfordshire area for the future. For the Queensgate development you will need a minimum household income of 35,000 per annum. See for future developments. Eligibility: First Time Buyers who cannot afford to purchase without assistance. Priority is given to key workers as defined under the governments key worker living definition. A maximum household income of 60,000 will apply. Social HomeBuy Social HomeBuy allows some social housing tenants to buy their current home. They may purchase it on a minimum 25% share and maximum 100%. The discount may vary depending on the location of the property, is proportional to the initial amount purchased and is offered on all shares purchased to the maximum discount for that area. i.e. maximum discount for Hertfordshire is 16,000 if 100% purchased. If 50% purchased you would receive 8,000 and so on. Only certain tenants will be able to take advantage of this scheme as their landlords must have decided to take part. Buy a share in your current home! Lower income earners can get on the property ladder! Who qualifies? Contact your housing association or local authority landlord direct to see if they are taking part in the scheme. Intermediate Rent A far more affordable option than private renting. Intermediate rent is a government funded scheme for Key Workers that offers rental properties at about 75%-80% of market rent rates. Tenancies are Assured Short Hold and linked to your Key Worker employment. These properties have a limited availability. More affordable than renting privately! On-going affordable tenancy subject to certain conditions. H.O.L.D. HOME OWNERSHIP FOR PEOPLE WITH LONG-TERM DISABILITIES H.O.L.D. is a low cost home ownership scheme for applicants with long term disabilities. You may be able to part buy and part rent a property, allowing you to choose your own home and giving you long-term security. A Registered Social landlord (RSL) may be able to help you by letting you buy a share of a property you can afford. Even if you have no financial resources of your own, if you are long-term disabled, it may be possible to get help from the Benefits Agency to pay your rent and mortgage, in order to help you buy somewhere better suited to your needs. For further details please see our web site. Do I Qualify? Maximum household income of 60,000 p.a. Social Housing Tenants and those on the housing waiting list. First time buyers unable to buy a home without assistance. Previous home owners or owner-occupiers who are going through a relationship breakdown (where the property is being sold or transferred to a sole name and they cannot afford to buy without assistance). The following public sector workers; NHS Medical Secretaries/Medical Receptionists, Teaching Assistants, Learning Assistants, Care Workers employed by Local Authorities. Public Sector Key Workers as defined under the Government s initiative Key Worker Living. - Clinical NHS staff (except doctors & dentists) - Teachers in state-funded schools & further education colleges - Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers - Highways Agency Service - Traffic Police Staff - Uniformed staff in Fire & Rescue Services (below Principal level) - Prison service staff (in certain roles) at HMP The Mount - Probation service staff (in certain roles) - Social Workers, Educational Psychologists and Occupational Therapists, Speech & Language Therapists, Rehabilitation Officers for the visually impaired and Nursery Nurses employed by Local Authorities or the NHS - Local Authority employed Clinical staff (e.g. Nurses) - Local Authority Planners (including Tree & Conservation Officers) - Environmental Health Practitioners - Education Officers for Looked After Children - C.A.F.C.A.S.S. employed Social Workers (Guardians) - Connexions Personal Advisors (employed by Connexions Partnership or Local Authority only) - Ministry of Defence Personnel (please apply to the HomeBuy Agent who covers the area in which your Headquarters is based) Please contact Lea Valley Homes for more information on individual scheme qualifications. < US AT [email protected] >

4 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 4 > MILTON KEYNES 2 LEIGHTON BUZZARD Bedfordshire DUNSTABLE 1 LUTON M1 LUTON AIRPORT LETCHWORTH HITCHIN 16 HARPENDEN 20 A1M STEVENAGE A19 A505 A602 HERTFORD ROYSTON 21 A BISHOP S STORTFORD 22 STANSTED AIRPORT Buckinghamshire A41 15 ST ALBANS A A111 Essex M25 POTTERS BAR Greater London Homes Available Now Below are details of schemes that are available for purchase or renting. Key toproperty Locations on Map 1 New Build HomeBuy 2 Key Worker New Build HomeBuy (Keyworkers only) 3 Key Worker Intermediate Rent (Keyworkers only) BEDFORDSHIRE 7 BISHOP S STORTFORD, TANNERS WHARF 20 REDBOURN, MEADOW VIEW 1 SHEFFORD, PRIORY MILL 8 9 BOREHAMWOOD, FURZEHILL SCHOOL SITE BOREHAMWOOD, GATE STUDIOS ROYSTON, CAIN COURT SAWBRIDGEWORTH, WILLOW COURT BUCKINGHAMSHIRE BUSHEY, LONDON ROAD CHESHUNT, ANDREWS LANE STEVENAGE, THE PAVILION WALTHAM CROSS, SAWYERS COURT 2 MILTON KEYNES, REDHOUSE PARK 12 GREAT ASHBY, KNOTT CLOSE 25 WATFORD, BEECHEN GROVE 13 HATFIELD, COMET WAY 26 WATFORD, QUEENSGATE HERTFORDSHIRE HATFIELD, WENHAM PLACE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, WOOD LANE END WATFORD, QUEENSGATE - FTBI WATFORD, VICARAGE ROAD 3 BISHOP'S STORTFORD, COX GARDEN 16 HITCHIN, SHARPS COURT, COOKS WAY 29 WELWYN GARDEN CITY, CHEQUERSFIELD 4 BISHOP S STORTFORD, JACKSON SQUARE 17 KINGS LANGLEY, HUNTON BRIDGE WHARF 30 WELWYN GARDEN CITY, WILLOW HOUSE 5 BISHOP S STORTFORD, MILLINERS WAY 18 LITTLE HADHAM, THE GROVE 6 BISHOP S STORTFORD, SOUTH STREET 19 MAPLE CROSS, DENHAM WAY < FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL >

5 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 5 > Bedfordshire 1 SHEFFORD, PRIORY MILL COMING JULY 2008! Aldwyck Housing Group are pleased to announce a prestigious development of homes for sale in the beautiful market town of Shefford. These beautiful homes are being constructed by Crestel Partnerships, a traditional local developer. Shefford is a small lively market town located in Mid Bedfordshire between Hitchin and Bedford. Shefford has excellent transport links being situated between the A1 and the M1. Properties include - 2 x 2 bedroom semi detached houses with an Open Market Value of 190,000. Available at a 50% share for 95,000, rent is pcm, service charge pcm. There will also be - 9 x 1 bedroom and 6 x 2 bedroom apartments available from September Guideline price will be an Open Market Value from 140,000. Available at a 50% share for between 70,000 and 83,000, rent and service charge TBC. Applicants should register with KeyHomes East the HomeBuy Agent for Bedfordshire at Open Market Sale - 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and 3 and 4 bedroom houses are also available on this development. For more details [email protected]. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 1 Buckinghamshire 2 MILTON KEYNES, REDHOUSE PARK ONLY THREE REMAINING! Aldwyck Housing Group has just 3 properties remaining on this development of 1,2 & 3 bedroom homes. Milton Keynes is a vibrant developing city, home to a variety of pubs and clubs, restaurants, stunning theatre and one of the largest indoor real ski slopes in Europe. The fantastic indoor shopping centre offers superb facilities including many large high street outlets. Milton Keynes also boasts large amount of green space, parks and lakes. All properties benefit from double glazing, off road parking and gas central heating. The remaining properties are 1 x 2 bedroom apartment - Open Market Value is 188,000 with a 50% share offered at 94,000, rent pcm, service charge pcm. 1 x 2 bedroom house - Open Market Value is 205,000 with a 50% share offered at 102,500, rent pcm, service charge pcm. 1 x 3 bedroom house - Open Market Value is 240,000 with a 50% share offered at 120,000, rent pcm service charge pcm. The next phase will be available towards the end of Applicants should register with Catalyst, the HomeBuy agent for Buckinghamshire at OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 2 < US AT [email protected] >

6 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 6 > Hertfordshire 3 BISHOP'S STORTFORD, COX GARDEN COMING MAY 2008! Griffin Homes have pleasure in offering 2, three bedroom houses available for part buy, part rent, due to be completed in May Features include fitted kitchen, double glazing, built in wardrobes, floor coverings and rear gardens. Part of a development of 27 properties, located in the historic market town of Bishop s Stortford with great transport links, close to London Stanstead Airport and between London and Cambridge, whilst enjoying plenty of green open space, museums and shopping centres. The full market value is 250,000 with a 25% share available from 62,500. The rent on the unsold equity is per calendar month. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 3 4 BISHOP S STORTFORD, JACKSON SQUARE AVAILABLE NOW! Paradigm Housing presents a selection of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments available on a Shared Ownership basis with equity shares at both 40% and 60%. Situated in the heart of Bishop s Stortford, City Heights benefits from a fabulous range of local amenities including shops, restaurants, cafes & bars schools and public library. The market town also offers local bus routes, direct rail links to London Liverpool Street and good links to Stanstead Airport. Apartments benefit from, double glazing, electric heating, kitchen with fitted cooker, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and NHBC warranty. One bedroom apartments have the full market value of 165,000 with a 40% equity share of 66,000. The rent on the unsold equity is and the service charge of A 60% fixed equity share is available for 99,000 with a service charge of The two bedroom apartments have a full market value of 195,000 with a 40% equity share of 78,000. The rent on the unsold equity is and the service charge of A 60% fixed equity share is available for 117,000 with a service charge of OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 4 5 BISHOP S STORTFORD, MILLINERS WAY AVAILABLE NOW! KEY WORKER INTERMEDIATE RENT Aldwyck Housing Group are delighted to present four highly desirable one and two bedroom flats, situated in St Michaels Mead, Bishop s Stortford. Monthly rent for the one bedroom flat is with a service charge of per calendar month, for two bedroom flats is with a service charge of per calendar month. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 5 6 BISHOP S STORTFORD, SOUTH STREET COMING JULY 2008! Aldwyck Housing Group are pleased to announce a stylish new development of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments near to the centre of Bishop s Stortford. The properties are being constructed by Weston Homes, a well respected local developer. Bishop s Stortford is a thriving market town close to the Hertfordshire Essex border. Facilities are excellent with a wide range of shops restaurants and bars all within walking distance of the town centre. The road and rail infrastructure is superb, with the M11 minutes away and the M25 just 12 miles south. Rail services are fast and frequent, with London Liverpool Street reachable in as little as 40 minutes. Apartments benefit from double glazing, gas central heating fitted kitchens and built in cooker with hood and allocated parking.1 x 1 bedroom apartment and 1 x 2 bedroom apartment available at a minimum 50% share with the option to staircase the percentage share up to 100%. Prices, rents and service charges TBC. 2 x 1 bedroom apartments available at a fixed 60% equity share with no rent payable on the remaining 40%. Prices and service charges TBC. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 6 < FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL >

7 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 7 > 7 BISHOP S STORTFORD, TANNERS WHARF ONLY FOUR REMAINING! Paradigm Housing Group have just 4, one and two bedroom contemporary apartments remaining, available on a shared ownership and fixed equity basis. The one bedroom apartment has a full market value of 152,500 with a 40% equity share of 61,000. The rent on the unsold equity is The two bedroom apartments have a full market value from 177,500 with a 40% equity share of 71,000. The rent on the unsold equity is A 60% fixed equity share is also available from 106,500. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 7 < US AT [email protected] >

8 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 8 > 8 BOREHAMWOOD, FURZEHILL SCHOOL SITE COMING SOON! Aldwyck Housing Group are pleased to announce a brand new development in Borehamwood. The development consists of 4, two bedroom houses and 4, three bedroom houses. The 2 bedroom houses have a full market value from 247,500 and are available from 99,000 for a 40% share. The rent is from pcm and service charge tbc. The 3 bedroom houses have a full market value from 325,000 and are available from 130,000 for a 40% share. The rent is from pcm and service charge tbc. Applicants must live or work in the Borough of Hertsmere. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 8 9 BOREHAMWOOD, GATE STUDIOS ONLY ONE REMAINING! Genesis Homes have just 1 remaining one bedroom apartment on a part buy, part rent basis. Located within an easy commute to Central London, Gate Studios offer a slice of cosmopolitan life with local coffee shops, stores and bars and all the big names from Central London on your doorstep. There are excellent transport links with Elstree and Borehamwood railway stations just a short walk away, and easy access to the A1 and M25. Door entry system, gas central heating, allocated parking and fitted kitchen with built in cooker and cooker hood, fridge/freezer and washer/dryer. The one bedroom apartment has a full market value of 185,000 with a 25% equity share at 46,250. The rent on the unsold equity is and service charge of per calendar month. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 9 10 BUSHEY, LONDON ROAD - from 90,000 ONLY ONE REMAINING! Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association have pleasure in offering a superb one bedroom apartment in Mayfield Court. The apartments consists of a fitted kitchen with built in oven, hob and hood, a fitted bathroom and parking. This desirable development is located in Bushey situated near the excellent shopping centre of Watford and close to the M1 motorway and railway station allowing easy access to London. Bushey is a residential town with excellent access to Watford. It has the full market value of 180,000 with a 50% equity share of 90,000. The rent on the unsold equity is and the service charge of OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION CHESHUNT, ANDREWS LANE - from 120,000 COMING SOON! Paradigm Housing Group are pleased to be able to offer 2, three bedroom family homes in the Borough of Broxbourne on a part buy, part rent basis. Cheshunt is located in the Borough of Broxbourne which is well served by the M25, and A10 trunk road which runs north to south providing direct access to Cambridge and London. The development is located near scenic countryside protected by the green belt and although urbanized with industrial and commercial activity, the whole area retains much of its rural charm. Benefits include, fitted kitchen with fridge/freezer, washer/dryer and built in cooker, allocated parking, double glazing and front and rear gardens. It has the full market value of 300,000, with a 40% equity share of 120,000. The rent on the unsold equity is OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 11 < FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL >

9 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 9 > 12 GREAT ASHBY, KNOTT CLOSE - from 64,000 LAST FEW REMAINING! Affinity Sutton have pleasure in presenting 16 two bedroom apartments for sale on a part buy, part rent basis, in a new development at Great Ashby. Walking distance to a new school, community centre, Doctors surgery and local shops. The properties benefit from a door entry system, fitted kitchen with built in cooker and washing machine/dryer, carpets and vinyl to wet areas. There is allocated parking. Applicants must live in the North Herts District Council or Stevenage Borough Council area. The apartments' full market value is 160,000 with a share at 40% of 64,000. The rent on the unsold equity is 200 pcm. The service charge is per calander month. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION HATFIELD, COMET WAY AVAILABLE NOW! Circle Anglia have pleasure in offering 8, one bedroom apartments on a part buy, part rent basis. This smart new development is situated in the central area of Hatfield. The properties benefit from a fitted kitchen with oven, hob and extractor hood in stainless steel, washer, fridge, door entry system, floor coverings, double glazing, lift and communal parking. One bedroom apartments have a full market value from 180,000 and are available as a 25% equity share of 45,000. The rent on the unsold equity is from per calendar month and service charge of OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION HATFIELD, WENHAM PLACE AVAILABLE NOW! Situated in the county of Hertfordshire, Circle Anglia have an exclusive collection of one bedroom apartments available on a part buy, part rent basis - just a short distance from either city life or country living. Apartments are available with allocated parking and finished to a high specification and benefit from door entry systems, communal gardens, gas central heating, fitted kitchen with built in cooker and hood, allocated garden and NHBC Warranty. A minimum 35% share is available from 51,450. It has the full market value of 147,000. The rent on the unsold equity is and the service charge of OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 14 < US AT [email protected] >

10 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 10 > 15 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, WOOD LANE END - from 87,500 RESERVE NOW! Hightown Praetorian are pleased to offer this development in Wood Lane End with a choice of two bedroom apartments. The apartments benefit from a fitted kitchen with cooker and hood, fitted bathroom, double glazing, NHBC Warranty, good sized bedrooms and parking. The development is in a fantastic location with excellent road links to the M1 & M25 and within 2 miles of the town centre. Offered on a part buy, part rent basis, the apartments have a full market value of 175,000 with a 50% equity share of 87,500. The rent on the unsold equity is and the service charge of OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION HITCHIN, SHARPS COURT, COOKS WAY AVAILABLE NOW! Homes2own UK is pleased to present a development of two bedroom contemporary apartments with a choice of ground, first floor and second floor apartments. Ideally located in attractive Hitchin, these apartments are ideally suited for commuting, with the mainline train station only a few minutes walk away, and easy access to the A1 and M1, with Luton airport within ten miles. Benefits include built in wardrobes, allocated parking, door entry system, communal gardens, electric heating, kitchen includes washing machine, cooker & fridge. These two bedroom apartments have full market value of 185,000 with a 40% share from 74,000. The rent on this unsold equity is 185 per calendar month, with service charge of OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION KINGS LANGLEY, HUNTON BRIDGE WHARF - from 28,125 AVAILABLE NOW! Assettrust are selling 22 properties for shared ownership, part of the Nicholas King Homes Chapter and Verse development. Only eleven, 2 bedroom apartments remain available. Approximately 2 miles from M25 (J19) 1.5 miles from Kings Langley Station and then 32 minutes in to London Euston, the transport links are superb. Kings Langley High Street has a host of restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs and the homes are close to some main shopping centres including Watford, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans. Benefits include integrated appliances, audio entry system to apartments and allocated parking. Reserve by 13th June and we are offering - Stamp Duty, legal costs to 1,000 and flooring throughout. Full values for the 2 bedroom apartments are from 225,000. For a 12.5% equity share of 28,125, the rent on the remainder is with a service charge of per month. Properties are selling fast with 50% already reserved. More details can be found at OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION LITTLE HADHAM, THE GROVE - from 64,500 COMING SOON! Circle Anglia are delighted to announce 2, two bedroom properties coming soon! The properties benefit from double glazing, floor coverings, front and rear gardens, gas central heating, fitted kitchen with cooker and hood, NHBC Warranty and allocated parking. The full market value is from 215,000 with a 30% equity share from 64,500. The rent on the unsold equity is from per calendar month. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 18 < FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL >

11 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 11 > 19 MAPLE CROSS, DENHAM WAY - from 107,500 COMING SOON! Hightown Praetorian are pleased to present this desirable development located in the picturesque village of Maple Cross which offers a mix of pleasant countryside and excellent local shopping and leisure facilities. All apartments come with built in wardrobes, fitted kitchen, including oven, hob and hood, fitted bathroom, good sized bedrooms and parking. They have easy access to the A40 linking London to Oxford and to the M25. The nearest train station is Rickmansworth with a train service that gets you into central London within 30 minutes. It has a full market value of 215,000 with an equity share from 107,500. The rent on the unsold equity is per calendar month with a service charge of OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION REDBOURN, MEADOW VIEW - from 50,000 AVAILABLE NOW! Circle Anglia have great pleasure in offering 3, two bedroom apartments and 4, one bedroom apartments in a manor style block set within 9 acres of landscaped grounds with stunning views. Redbourn was regional and overall winner of Hertfordshire Village of the Year and Hertfordshire Information Communication Winner in All properties benefit from door entry system, double glazing, gas central heating, fitted kitchen with cooker and hood, NHBC Warranty, communal gardens, off road parking and shower over bath. Meadow View offers excellent road access to most parts of the UK via M1 (close to Junction 9) and M25 and A1(M) motorways. Commuting to London Kings Cross via Thameslink Rail Services takes 30 minutes from Harpenden. Both Heathrow and Luton International Airports are easily accessible. The prestigious Redbourn Golf Club lies a mile from Meadow View. There are 4 Schools catering from Nursery to 6th Form Education. Redbourn has its own leisure centre with sports pitches, a fitness suite and sports hall. The one bedroom apartments have a full market value from 200,000 with a 25% equity share from 50,000. The rent on the unsold equity is from per calendar month, with a service charge of per calendar month. The two bedroom properties have a full market value from 240,000 with a 25% equity share from 60,000. The rent on the unsold equity is from per calendar month, with a service charge of per calendar month. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 20 < US AT [email protected] >

12 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 12 > 21 ROYSTON, CAIN COURT - from 65,200 LAST ONE REMAINING! North Hertfordshire Homes are pleased to present a development of 3 two Bedroom apartments available under New Build Home Buy. The apartments benefit from carpets throughout, with floor coverings in Kitchens and Bathrooms, all apartments are complete with Cooker and hob, fridge freezer and washing machine. Car parking is available at the development, there are also visitors parking bays available on site. Entry to the apartment block is secured by door entry with colour video control. Cain Court is situated in a quiet residential area of Royston, the Town Centre is a 10 minute walk away and offers a full range of shops and services. Royston Railway Station is nearby with good links to London Kings Cross and Cambridge, road links are good with routes towards Cambridge, London and Hertford nearby. Properties have a full market value between 163,000 and 168,000, with a 40% equity share between 65,200 and 67,200. The rent on the unsold equity is between and with a service charge of OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION SAWBRIDGEWORTH, WILLOW COURT COMING SOON! Circle Anglia are delighted to offer 2, one bedroom apartments being offered on a 60% Fixed Equity basis and 2 two bedroom apartments being offered on a 25% and 30% shared ownership basis. This is a smart new development in the centre of Sawbridgeworth, Herts. It is situated within walking distance of the mainline railway station with a fast service to London and close to shops, schools and Pishiobury Park for recreational use. All properties benefit from a door entry system, double glazing, floor coverings, gas central heating, fitted kitchen with cooker and hood, NHBC Warranty and communal parking. One bedroom apartments at a full market value from 172,500 with 60% equity share from 103,500 with a service charge of For the two bedroom apartments the full market value is 210,000 with 30% equity share from 63,000. The rent on the unsold equity is with a service charge of per calendar month. Also available is 1, one bedroomed apartment at 60% equity share at 96,000, with a service charge of OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION STEVENAGE, THE PAVILION COMING JULY 2008! Affinity Sutton are delighted to offer 12 one and two bedroom apartments for sale on a part buy, part rent basis. The apartments are on Nokeside near Broadwater overlooking a park. All apartments have balconies or a patio. Walking distance to local shops and close to bus routes. Benefiting from a door entry system, carpets and vinyl to wet areas, fitted kitchen with cooker and fridge/freezer, shower over bath. Parking available. Applicants must live in the Stevenage Borough Council area. One bedroom apartments at a full market value from 145,000 with an equity share at 40% of 58,000. The rent on the unsold equity is 185 pcm. The two bedroom apartments have a full market value from 165,000 with a 40% equity share of 66,000. The rent on the unsold equity is 210 pcm. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION WALTHAM CROSS, SAWYERS COURT AVAILABLE NOW! Metropolitan are pleased to offer a development of one bedroom apartments in Waltham Cross conveniently situated for amenities in the town centre. The main town is pedestrianised and has banks, shops and restaurants including Indian, Chinese and Italian. There is a shopping centre close to the development which includes a Sainsbury's. Five properties are available and have a full market value of 152,000 with a 25% share available from 38,000. The rent on the unsold equity is For the one bedroom apartments the minimum income is from 14,989 for single applicants and from 17,031 for joint applicants. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 24 < FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL >

13 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 13 > 25 WATFORD, BEECHEN GROVE COMING SOON! Griffin Homes are pleased to present 10 apartments consisting of 1 and 2 bedrooms, in this development of 88 private and social housing apartments. Minimum income from 23,039-34,498. Properties benefit from door entry systems, floor coverings, front gardens, electric heating, built in cooker with hood and fitted kitchens. The one bedroom apartments start from 172,500 with 25% equity share at 43,125 & monthly rent at 296 with service charge of 65. The two bedroom apartments start at 255,00 with 25% equity share at 63,750, monthly rent from 438 with service charge at 75 per calendar month. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION WATFORD, QUEENSGATE COMING SOON! Griffin Homes are delighted to present 6, one bedroom flats and 5, two bedroom flats in the popular town of Watford. The properties benefit from a video entry phone, fitted kitchens with oven, hob, extractor hood and washing machine, double glazing, ensuite shower room in the two bedroom apartments and NHBC Warranty. 1 bedroom apartments start from 170,000 with 25% equity share available from 42,500, the monthly rent on the unsold equity is 292 with service charge of The 2 bedroom apartments start at 255,000 with 25% equity share at 63,750, monthly rent from 438 with service charge at 90. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 26 < US AT [email protected] >

14 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 14 > 27 WATFORD, QUEENSGATE - FTBI LAST FEW REMAINING! FIRST TIME BUYERS INITIATIVE - Kings Oak is pleased to present a development of two bedroom apartments available on the FTBI. The apartments benefit from designer fitted kitchens with stainless steel oven, chimney extractors and hobs, spacious living/dining rooms, modern white bathroom suites with chrome fittings, video entry phones and private allocated parking. The apartments have a full market value in the region of 290,000 and are available as a 50% equity share for around 145,000. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION WATFORD, VICARAGE ROAD - from 93,750 ONLY ONE REMAINING! Hightown Praetorian are very pleased to offer a superb one bedroom apartment. The apartment consists of a fitted kitchen and bathroom, good sized bedroom and a living area. They also benefit from double glazing, gas central heating, parking and NHBC Warranty. The development has superb transport links to the M1, M25 and railway stations allowing easy access to London. The development is within walking distance of the town centre and the excellent Harlequin Shopping Centre. The one bedroom apartments have a full market value from 187,500, with a 50% share from 93,750. The rent on the unsold equity is per calendar month, with a service charge of per calendar month. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION WELWYN GARDEN CITY, CHEQUERSFIELD COMING SOON! Circle Anglia are delighted to announce this new development close to the centre of Welwyn Garden City. There is a mainline railway station with fast links to London, Kings Cross as well as a large selection of schools, leisure facilities as well as many bars and restaurants. Surrounded by the lovely Hertfordshire country side there is a very green feel to the area. Available on a part buy, part rent basis, there is 1 two bedroom and 1 three bedroom property. All benefit from a door entry system, double glazing, floor coverings, fitted kitchen with cooker and hood, off road parking and NHBC Warranty. The two bedroom property has a full market value of 205,000 with a 25% equity share of 51,250. The rent on the unsold equity is pcm with a service charge of pcm. The three bedroom property has a full market value of 255,000 with a 25% equity share of 63,750. The rent on the unsold equity is pcm with a service charge of pcm. OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION WELWYN GARDEN CITY, WILLOW HOUSE AVAILABLE NOW! Welwyn Garden City Housing Association are pleased to announce a quality development of one and two bedroom shared ownership apartments situated in Howlands, close to the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and so many of Welwyn Garden City's local amenities. Willow House benefits from an enviable position directly adjacent to open space with many apartments overlooking the nearby Willow trees. 2 one bedroom and 6 two bedroom apartments are available priced from 155,000 to 215,000. Shares of 40%, 50% and 60% are on offer, dependent on applicants' household income. The rent payable on the unowned equity will be dependent on the price of the property and the initial share purchased. Details of this together with the service charge will be supplied on application. Further information and a brochure is available at OR BY AT [email protected] MAP LOCATION 30 < FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL >

15 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 15 > Lea Valley Homes on the Road Since the last issue of Lea Valley Living, the Lea Valley Homes Team has been busy visiting all corners of Hertfordshire with our travelling road show. We have provided 20 drop in sessions at various locations and have been visited by over 270 people seeking information on Low Cost Home Ownership options. The drop in sessions have included a Teacher training event in Wheathampstead, visits to Police Stations in Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Hemel Hempstead and Hoddesdon plus a number of Hertfordshire Police briefing sessions in London Colney. An Independent Financial Advisor was at hand for many of these sessions, offering free advice on mortgages and affordability. Gail Boulter, HR Organisational Development Manager at Hertfordshire Police Headquarters, whose department helped organise these events, said These drop in sessions are extremely useful for providing information to both Police Officers and Police Staff on the assistance that is available to help them buy a home. The Lea Valley Homes Team also provided drop in sessions at various Hertfordshire Libraries, from Hemel Hempstead in the West of the county to Bishop s Stortford in the East. Rose Crossman, Sales & Marketing Manager for Lea Valley Homes commented These library sessions are vitally important in getting the message to prospective homeowners that help is available to get then on to the property ladder. As well as helping Key Workers, we at Lea Valley Homes are also able to assist other first time buyers to purchase a property and these sessions allow us to get the message to a wider audience. Look out for more drop in library sessions and our attendance at other major events in the Diary Dates section of this magazine. If you know of an event or a major Hertfordshire employer who may benefit from a visit from the Lea Valley Homes road show, please let us know by contacting us on or by at [email protected]. < US AT [email protected] >

16 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 16 > What is MyChoiceHomeBuy? MyChoiceHomeBuy is a government funded low cost home ownership programme. Its aim is to help social tenants, key workers and other first time buyers who cannot afford to buy a suitable home in the area where they live or work. MyChoiceHomeBuy is a flexible equity loan scheme designed to help households earning between 20-60,000 p.a. to buy their own home on the open market. You will own the home and our loan will be secured by a second charge against the property. Who can apply for MyChoiceHomeBuy? Eligibility for MyChoiceHomeBuy is targeted at groups such as social tenants and key workers. Most applicants are first time buyers; however, we can also help a number of people who have previously owned properties but are now unable to buy without assistance, for example in the case of a relationship breakdown. The government has prioritised the following groups for assistance under MyChoiceHomeBuy: Social rented tenants and housing association tenants. Local residents prioritised on local authority housing waiting lists. Public sector key workers. First time buyers who cannot afford to purchase without assistance. Who qualifies as a key worker? Key workers are defined by the government. To clarify your eligibility, visit How do I apply for MyChoiceHomeBuy? You will need to fill out an application form which you can do on which will prompt you to register your details and will then allow you to complete an application form. If you do not have access to a computer, you can phone Lea Valley Homes on and we will send you an information pack. Once your application has been received by Lea Valley Homes we will be in touch within eight working days with further details. How does it work? You choose a suitable property (probably through an estate agent) on the open market. You will need to obtain a mortgage through an independent financial advisor, bank or building society. When the property you choose is approved by us, you pay a percentage of the purchase price with a mortgage and any savings or deposit you may have. We will give you an equity loan to cover the remainder of the purchase price between 15% and 50% of the property value, depending on your individual circumstances. There is a low monthly interest charge on the loan of up to 1.75% p.a (reviewed annually). The loan is redeemed in full when the property is sold. You may wish to speak to an independent financial advisor for guidance on mortgages, the equity loan and the terms of repayment. Can I pay back part of my equity loan? You can pay back all or part of your equity loan after one year of owning your home. Your home will be valued by an independent surveyor who is a memebr of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). If you decide to proceed, it will be at a price based on the valuation at that time. The monthly charge that you pay will be reduced proportionately - to zero in the event that you pay back your loan completely. Do I need to have any savings? We estimate you will need about 3,500 to cover legal fees, mortgage fees, stamp duty and other costs associated with buying and moving into a property. How much loan is available? This will be from 15-50% (up to a maximum of 140,000) of the property value and depends on your household income, family size and property values in the area where you live or work. < FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL >

17 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 17 > When I sell my home, how much do I have to pay back? The loan you receive through the MyChoiceHomeBuy scheme represents a percentage of the purchase value of your property. When you sell, you will repay the same percentage based on the property s value at the time of sale. If I need to move home, do I have to repay the loan? There are certain circumstances where key workers are allowed to transfer their loan to another property. However, in general this is not allowed and you will have to repay your loan if you wish to move. Do I have to make monthly repayments? Yes, you must maintain your home and pay all bills including amenities, council tax and buildings insurance. You are responsible for mortgage repayments and the charge of up to 1.75% p.a. on the equity loan. Apply today! For more information call or visit

18 < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 18 > Diary Dates Lea Valley Homes will be offering free help and advice on affordable home ownership schemes at the following events and drop-in sessions. Thursday 17th April Hitchin Library 5.30pm 7.30pm Thursday 24th April Bedford New Homes Show, Park Inn Hotel 2pm 8pm Saturday 26th April Watford Central Library 10.30am 12.30pm Wednesday 7th May Kettering New Homes Show, Kettering Conference Centre 2pm 8pm Wednesday 14th May Rickmansworth Library 4.45pm 6.45pm Thursday 15th May Hoddesdon Library 5.30pm 7.30pm Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May Hertfordshire County Show, Dunstable Road, Redbourn 9am 5.30pm Sunday 8th June Stevenage Day, King George V Playing Fields 1pm 5.30pm Saturday 14th June Welwyn Garden City Library 10.30am 12.30pm Thursday 19th June Hemel Hempstead Library 5.30pm 7.30pm Thursday 26th June Borehamwood Library 6.00pm 7.30pm Saturday 5th July Broxbourne Community Open Day, Churchgate, Cheshunt 2pm 5pm Thursday 10th July St Albans Library 5.30pm 7.30pm Saturday 12th July Hertford Library 10.30am 12.30pm Saturday 19th July Kaleidoscope Festival, Stanborough Park, Welwyn Garden City 12pm 6pm Saturday 26th July Stevenage Library 10.30am 12.30pm NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY! Our List of Independent Financial Advisors The following is our list of independent financial advisors currently on our panel. For Best Advice Freecall or [email protected] For Potter & Ford Limited Freephone or [email protected] This list is presented in alphabetical order for your convenience and you are free to choose who you wish to contact. If you experience any problems with this process please contact us immediately. For SPF Sherwins Freephone or [email protected] For SRC Financial Services Limited or [email protected] For Uniform Mortgages Ltd Telephone or [email protected] < FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL >

19 Clifton Road < LEA VALLEY LIVING / 19 > MARKETING SUITE NOW OPEN! RIVER VIEW, SHEFFORD Stylish design traditional heritage A507 To Ampthill (A6/M1) A600 To Bedford > Crampton Road Ampthill Road Ampthill Road Bloomfield B658 Old Bridge Way High Street Old Bridge Way Southbridge Street B658 Elm Road Clifton Road A507 Churchill Way We look forward to welcoming you to Priory Mill, Shefford. This is a superb development of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, 3 and 4 bedroom homes including integrated white goods. A507 Shefford Road Shefford Road A507 Hitchin Road Chapel Road Hitchin Road To Baldock (A1M) A507 Pre Show Home Prices starting from 145,995 Assisted Move scheme available For more information please call: [email protected] Lea Valley Homes, 6 Houghton Hall Business Park, Porz Avenue, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, LU5 5UZ Contact Us If you are interested in any of the schemes, products or properties, contact us to find out how we can help you. If you are an employer, Lea Valley Homes can supply a range of leaflets and posters to help promote housing opportunities to your staff. We are also happy to arrange open sessions for your employees to meet with our staff and discuss options. Feedback and Contributions We welcome feedback about the newsletter and suggestions for future articles. If you would like to comment or contribute, please contact [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you! If you are looking for Low Cost Home Ownership or Key Worker Intermediate Rent, check for the latest information on affordable homes, products, events, frequently asked questions, an application form or apply on-line. < US AT [email protected] > Lea Valley Homes, 6 Houghton Hall Business Park Porz Avenue Houghton Regis Bedfordshire LU5 5UZ T: F: E: [email protected] Design:

20 YOU CAN NOW APPLY ONLINE The one-stop-shop for HomeBuy in Hertfordshire Helping you get on the property ladder! Help and advice on low cost home ownership schemes for first time buyers in Hertfordshire New Build HomeBuy properties for sale Resales - previously owned properties First Time Buyers Initiative properties for sale Intermediate Rent properties Apply on line at Check out the latest news and events Search for properties for sale and rent Contact us on [email protected] Aldwyck Housing Association, 6 Houghton Hall Business Park, Porz Avenue, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire LU5 5UZ All applicants are required to meet Lea Valley Homes' eligibility criteria. Full terms and conditions available on our website: