The report sets out the findings of the detailed research undertaken to better assess key aspects of the VRTB, such as profiling of tenants and stock, and the level of demand. The report underlines our experiences in working with the five associations, NHF and Department for Communities and Local Government to bring the VRTB Pilot to life. The findings of the report and lessons learnt from the Pilot will be invaluable to those considering taking part in the second VRTB Pilot, due to start this year.
Some of the key research findings identified were:
1) There was a fairly strong level of interest in VRTB as a proportion of those tenants who were living in eligible properties to apply.
The Report sets out that 27% of tenants in eligible properties expressed an interest with 6% going on to make an application. These figures would likely be higher in a national VRTB roll out which would be likely to include portability and wider property exemptions.
2) The average valuations of VRTB properties varied widely, reflecting marked local housing market differentials between the pilot areas.
We expect this to be a key factor in the implementation of the VRTB nationwide affecting the number of overall sales: we anticipate a real north/side divide as has been demonstrated by the figures in the Pilot.
3) By treating the discount as a deposit lenders were prepared to offer mortgages at relatively high multiples of household income, raising concerns about future financial risk for some applicants.
Many commentators have expressed doubt that eligible tenants will be able to obtain mortgages to purchase their homes. Our experience on the statutory RTB schemes is that mortgages are readily often available to purchasing tenants and the research shows that this trend has continued with the VRTB Pilot.
Our work on the scheme design, implementation and sales process for the VRTB Pilot means that we are uniquely placed to assist organisations who are considering taking part in the second VRTB pilot due to start this year (for more details click here).
For more information
A summary of the report can be found here and the full report is available here.
For further information please contact Emma Holmes or Jonathan Cox. Alternatively take a look at the housing section of our website.
It has been another difficult few weeks for many of us, especially those who find themselves under tier 3 restrictions.
We have submitted our response to the White Paper Consultation based on the discussion held at the “Planning for the Future - what does this mean for affordable housing” webinar we held on Fri 9 Oct
Anthony Collins Solicitors is pleased to have been ranked as a Band 1 firm once again.
Since March 2020, commercial property owners and occupiers across many sectors, whether housing associations, charities, care providers or local authorities, have been impacted by the rules regulating how they deal with their tenants and their landlords. It seems each week there is a change in policy, regulation or legislation, governing how they must respond.
On 18 September 2020, the High Court gave its decision regarding the Judicial Review of Simply Learning Tutor Agency Ltd & Others v Secretary of State for Business.
A key element of the Bill is the establishment of a duty holder regime and requirement to maintain the ‘golden thread of information’ throughout the life cycle of high-risk residential buildings
We have been working with care homes to update their contracts and advise on the risks of charging the resident a regular “top-up” or additional fee where a resident is funded through NHS CHC
The parliamentary processes are complete and the Restriction of Public Exit Payments Regulations 2020 (“the Regulations”) which cap exit payments in the public sector at £95,000 will be in force from 4 November.
As the UK’s social housing sector recovers from the initial Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown, now is the time to focus on the challenges that may emerge next.
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