First time buyers and council tenants who live or work in Wandsworth and want to get on the property ladder can find out more about the wide-ranging advice, support and financial assistance available from the town hall.

Attend to find out about the different home ownership options available. These include:

• The First Steps Shared Ownership Scheme for households with an income of less than £64,300 (for a one or two bedroom property) or £77,200 (for a three bedroom home).
• Council tenants can find out about buying their own home under Right to Buy, The maximum discount for this has recently been increased to £75,000.
• Tenants can use a House Purchase Grant to buy a home on the open market, to extend the home of a relative or put it towards buying a shared ownership property.

Representatives from local housing providers will be there, and independent financial advisors and solicitors will also be on hand to provide one-to-one advice on mortgages and the buying process.

Members of the council's Home Ownership Team, which has organised the event, will also be there. The team manages a list of eligible first-time buyers who live or work in Wandsworth. Many of the new homes being built in the borough can be purchased on shared ownership terms by local first-time buyers who live or work in the borough and who are on the list.

Cabinet member for housing Cllr Paul Ellis said: "Last year almost 1,100 people attended a similar open day and many were inspired by the dream of owning their own home. People like living in Wandsworth and want to be able to call their home their own. Demand for property is high because of the borough's excellent transport connections, schools, shops, restaurants, parks and open spaces plus great local services, combined with the UK's lowest council tax.

"If you are on a modest income and want to find out ways in which the council and other agencies can help you own your own home, then I would urge you to attend this special open day."

The affordable housing open day will be held at the civic suite in Wandsworth High Street on Thursday, October 25, from 2pm to 8pm.

For more information about the event or to learn more about home buying opportunities in Wandsworth visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/homeownership or contact the Home Ownership Team on (020) 8871 6016/6017 or housesales@wandsworth.gov.uk

September 27, 2012