The Housing and Planning Minister, Brandon Lewis, has set out plans to enable applications for development for Starter Homes on under-used or unviable industrial and commercial land, on sites not previously earmarked for housing by the local planning authority.
Starter Homes should be offered for sale at a minimum of 20% below the open market value of the property, and are expected to be offered to people who have not previously been a home buyer and want to own and occupy a home, and who are below the age of 40 at the time of purchase.
To deliver the minimum 20% discount, the Government’s advice encourages local planning authorities not to seek section 106 affordable housing contributions or any tariff-based contributions to general infrastructure within the area.
If you would like further advice on the Government’s Starter Homes Initiative or think that you may have an eligible site, then please contact us and we would be happy to help.