MY SAFE HOME
BENEFITS HOLD THE KEY TO HOMEOWNERSHIP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
For many of us, buying a home of our own is one of the great milestones in life. But for people with a disability, who also rely on benefits for all or the majority of their income, this used to be an impossible dream...
9 In possession, or in the process of arranging, a suitable care and support package. This can either be with a local authority, a private care provider or their family 9 Able to prove their mental capacity or have Court of Protection or Lasting Power of Attorney in place 9 Looking to live on their own – you can share but with caution 9 Able to put down a deposit and pay fees associated with buying their new home – this costs around £15,000 to £20,000 (this figure includes a minimum 10% deposit on the property, PLUS getting them ready for homeownership and ensuring it’s sustainable) AND able to contribute to their housing costs of around £30 per week. NB: Mortgage products and deposit requirements can and do change, so please contact MySafeHome Limited for the latest information. You can contact MySafeHome Limited by phone on 02476 402 211 or send an email to enquiries@mysafehome.info. You can also visit the website mysafehome.info to find out more about how homeownership for people with disabilities works
people still think that this is simply too good to be true, they refuse to believe that you can be on benefits and still qualify for a mortgage. But more than 1,600 happy homeowners prove that this isn’t the case.” ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to apply for one of the specialist mortgage products that make homeownership possible, applicants must be in receipt of the Enhanced or Standard Daily Living Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) equivalent and: 9 18+ years old with clean credit history and no outstanding debts 9 In receipt of the Universal Credit Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity (LCWRA) element or ESA Support Group payments 9 Unable to work in conventional employment for more than 12 hours per week
Back in 1999 though, a small group of determined professionals from the health, social care and financial services sectors got together to create a model of homeownership that made these dreams a reality. Thanks to a select number of supportive lenders and tailored interest- only mortgage products (arranged through specialist mortgage broker MySafeHome Limited) people with disabilities can now enjoy the choice, control and security of tenure that only homeownership provides. Since 1999, MySafeHome has supported more than 1,600 individuals, friends, siblings, couples and families, and some of these homeowners are now celebrating 25 years in their own home, proving just how robust this model of homeownership really is. But many people with disabilities and their families are sadly still unaware of what’s possible, as MySafeHome’s Managing Director, David Abbey, explains, “Even though we’ve been in business for more than a quarter of a century now, many
LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX!
Behind all of the facts and figures are real people, like Max, a young man in his early 20s who has autism, a severe learning disability, epilepsy, verbal and motor dyspraxia. Back in 2020, with the support of registered provider SO Resi and MySafeHome, he purchased a two bedroom flat, near to family and friends and close to the college he attends, giving him the chance to really live life his way. “I was living with my parents,” explains Max, “and I really wanted to be more independent. Also my parents wanted me to have a safe and secure home for my future as they are a bit older.” His Mum, Donna, echoes her son’s words, “As an older parent it’s so good to know that Max now has a safe and secure home – it’s given me much greater peace of mind.” When it comes to the difference that homeownership has made to his life, Max is passionate, “I am very proud of my new home. I know that I have somewhere safe to live for me and my dog Coco. I feel more grown up and I really enjoy having my friends round too.” These are sentiments that most first time buyers would undoubtedly share and, thanks to the special mortgage products available for people with disabilities, hopefully many more will go on to “live life to the max”.
32 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software