HOUSE hunters are being urged to sign a new register to help boost the amount of quality homes in Dorset.
The Home Ownership Register has been launched as part of the Opening Doors campaign to encourage more housing, especially for younger local working people.
The ambitious campaign aims to build 20,000 new homes by 2033, encouraging housebuilding at a much faster pace whilst creating a mixture of affordable, open market and rented accommodation.
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, West Dorset District Council and North Dorset District Council have joined forces for the Opening Doors initiative.
They are among a number of councils nationwide working to find solutions to the housing crisis.
The register will play an important role in this work by gauging the type of housing required. It is predominately for those seeking to buy but also for anyone renting.
Questions cover such factors as number of bedrooms, price, preference for shared ownership, affordable and open market properties, garden size and choices between flats or houses.
The register will give insights into the type of homes people want, which the council will be able to pass onto developers.
Anyone signing up will also receive the Opening Doors newsletter with the latest news about developments and new homes for sale in the area.
Cllr Gill Taylor, Weymouth & Portland Borough Council housing spokesman, said: “There is a quick and simple online form to fill in which means people will have all of the latest property news while playing their part in combating the housing shortage.”
Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, North Dorset District Council leader and housing spokesman added: “We want to hear from anyone thinking of buying, whether they are looking to get on the housing ladder or are an existing homeowner on the move.”
The Home Ownership Register is for people who are ready to buy a home. This is different from the Dorset Home Choice Housing Register which is for people in need of social rented properties.
Sign the Home Ownership Register online at dorsetforyou.gov.uk
You can also visit www.openingdoorsdorset.co.uk to find out more information and click through to sign the register.
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