DDC's Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Pamela Brivio with Leader Cllr Kevin Mills at the homes in Sholden
New affordable homes which will help people get their foot on the property ladder have been added to Dover District Council’s housing stock.
DDC has acquired five three-bed homes from the new Sholden Pastures development off Sandwich Road in Sholden near Deal, and these are available to people through the council’s shared ownership scheme.
Shared ownership is a more affordable way to buy a house for those who would like to own their own home but can’t afford to do so on the open market.
The council has also acquired two four-bed properties at the Sholden site to be let at affordable rent, which means tenants will pay less than the local market rate.
These homes will be added to DDC’s growing number of council houses. DDC has recently delivered more than 80 affordable homes and a further 60 look set to be delivered over the coming year. The council also continues to explore new opportunities to provide more council homes.
Cllr Pamela Brivio, DDC’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer these new homes under the shared ownership scheme to people who wish to own their own home but can’t afford today’s high property prices.
“As a council we are working hard to deliver all types of homes to suit the needs of our communities, whether that’s homes for social rent, shared ownership or temporary accommodation for those facing homelessness.
“Nothing is as important as having a roof over your head and we are committed to growing our council house numbers so we can provide secure homes to our residents who need them.”
Notes
What is shared ownership?
Shared Ownership gives first time buyers and those who do not currently own a home the opportunity to purchase a share in a new-build or resales property.
Shared owners only pay a mortgage on the share they own but also pay a subsidised rent to the council on the remaining unowned share and a service charge.
As shared owners only require a mortgage for the share they own, the amount of money needed for a deposit is usually lower compared to purchasing a property outright, therefore making it a more affordable route to home ownership for some households.
What is affordable housing?
Affordable housing includes social and affordable rented homes, provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market.
It also includes shared ownership, which supports first-time buyers into home ownership.
There are different types of rent. Social rent is paid to registered providers or local authorities. It is low-cost and set by a government formula.
Affordable rent is rent that is set at up to 80% of market rent.
Posted on 06 May 2025