An ‘affordable’ development in Ipswich comprised of 88 homes has been launched by Legal & General and contractor United Living.
The Sampson Green scheme includes 71 houses available to buy through shared ownership, where customers buy part of the home and rent the rest, while they can buy a greater share over time.
The Top Site on Sandyhill Lane was previously home to a fertiliser works and had been vacant for 30 years.
Anette Simpson, director of development and partnerships at L&G’s affordable homes division, said: “This site has gone unused for decades and we’re proud of our part in bringing it back to life with much-needed homes, play spaces and new landscaping.
“It is fantastic to see L&G, United Living and Ipswich Borough Council working together to deliver the homes the community needs, and we very much look forward to welcoming our first residents later this year.”
The houses are two, three and four bedroom, and come with solar panels and EV charging points, while they are designed to support lower bills with features like electric panel radiators and water cylinders.
Each property comes with at least two parking bays, a private garden and appliances – all designed to support modern living standards.
Cllr Alasdair Ross, portfolio holder for housing at IBC, said: “Any increase in affordable homes for local people is good news. Alongside this site, the council is working hard on its housing strategy to prevent and tackle homelessness, build more high quality council housing and support all our residents who call Ipswich their home.”
Homes are available to buy from a £5,000 deposit and £100,000 for a 40% share for a two-bedroom house. The price for a three-bedroom house starts at £122,000 for 40% share (full price £305,000) and for a four-bedroom house the starting price is £146,000 for 40% share (full price £365,000).
To be eligible buyers must be 18 years old, not own other property, and have annual income below £80,000.
On 13 October there was a launch event, with councillor Alasdair Ross, portfolio holder for housing at IBC and ward councillors for Gainsborough, councillor Lynne Mortimer and councillor Martin Cook. They attended the event alongside Anette Simpson, director of development and partnerships at L&G’s affordable homes division, and Tim Carpenter, managing director at United Living, the contractor delivering the scheme.