More homes are set to be made available under the scheme in Somerton. Picture: Bloor

Discount homes on offer in Somerton – if you qualify: See the rules

Paul JonesApril 1, 20250 Comment0

A SCHEME designed to help locals looking to buy a home in Somerton has been launched.

A partnership between Bloor Homes and Somerset Council is offering parish locals the chance to buy a new home at 65% of the Open Market Value.

Residents who have been identified by Somerset Council as in need of affordable housing, who are ordinarily a resident within the parish and can demonstrate strong connections to the town, will benefit from a discount market value on a new, energy efficient home at the new Somerton Mead development.

Eligibility criteria also include people whose permanent employment is within Somerton and the adjoining parishes of Charlton Mackrell, Compton Dundon, High Ham, Kingweston, Kingsdon, Long Sutton, Pitney and Walton, and any person registered on the Homefinder Somerset Register, or such low cost homeownership registration required by the council.

The aim is to help residents who have lived here most or all of their lives to find a home they can afford while staying close to their families and places of work.

First, they need to satisfy Somerset Council’s criteria to be able to apply.

Current availability under the scheme includes a one-bedroom maisonette available at £99,125 instead of £152,500, and a two-bedroom mid-terrace house available at £178,750 instead of £275,000.

Both homes are also well under the Stamp Duty threshold, while more homes are set to be made available under the scheme in the autumn.

The homes are sold at a significant discount making them more accessible to first-time buyers and those with moderate incomes. The discount is held in perpetuity ensuring the homes remain affordable for future purchasers.

Cllr Fran Smith, associate lead member for adult social care and housing, said: “This scheme is to ensure local residents continue to have access to high quality housing whilst keeping local communities together.

“Once people can show they satisfy the criteria they are eligible to purchase a new home at a 35% discount, while also benefitting from the lower costs associated with owning a new home built using modern materials and to the latest energy efficiency standards.”

For more information about home ownership via Somerset Council’s Discount Open Market scheme, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/housing-support/affordable-housing-in-somerset/affordable-homeownership.