Access Ownership

The Access Ownership Scheme has registered its first success. Fiona lived in a suitable property close to her family, but she was struggling with mortgage payments as she had periods when she was unable to work due to the nature of her disability. This put a strain on family relationships, as the family had to help with mortgage payments when Fiona was unable to work. The Access Ownership scheme provided the solution - Fiona has become a shared owner of her property. She still owns 57% of the house and the Housing Association owns the remainder, for which they charge a monthly rent. This rent payment can be met by Housing Benefit if Fiona is unable to work. She now has no mortgage to pay due to the equity she had in the property.

Access Ownership is a form of shared ownership. Shared Ownership schemes have been available in Scotland since the 1980s and have proved popular with homebuyers. The Link Group has set aside £1m of its own reserves to assist disabled people with home ownership.

Access Ownership can enable disabled people to have more choice about where to live and can make a suitable house more affordable. Access Ownership can help people to buy a suitable home or reduce their financial commitments in their current home.

The scheme is open to all disabled people and their parents and carers. All referrals to the scheme must be made through Ownership Options. Ownership Options will go through an assessment process with each individual to see if the scheme is appropriate for their particular circumstances.

Under Access Ownership the disabled person owns a share in the property (up to a maximum of 75%) and the Link Group owns the remaining share. A monthly occupancy charge is paid to the Link Group. In most cases this cost will be covered by Housing Benefit.

Link also offers a full repairs and maintenance service the cost of which can be included in the occupancy charge.

You can download an Access Ownership brochure here. Please note that the contact telephone number for Ownership Options should read 0131 661 3400.

If you think Access Ownership might be suitable for you please contact Ownership Options for more information.