NEW affordable homes have been reserved for people local to Portland.

Seven one-bedroom flats, seven two-bedroom houses and one three-bedroom flat have been built in Easton.

Wimborne-based housing association East Boro Housing Trust, a part of the Aster Group, is now ready to hand over the keys to the new occupiers

All of the homes have been reserved for local people with a strong connection to the local area.

Nine properties will be available to rent on an affordable basis, the remaining six houses, were available to purchase through shared ownership, and have already been 'snapped up'.

East Boro chief executive, Kevin Hodder, said: “Like many coastal areas across the south, short-term lets and Airbnbs are pushing up prices and making it increasingly difficult for local residents to remain living here. 

"So we know that these 15 affordable homes are going to make a difference to this local community.

“The homes for affordable rent will enable local people, with a connection to the area, the opportunity to live in a brand new home, close to family and friends.

"The six shared ownership homes have all been snapped up showing how high the demand is for affordable homes to buy for those looking to step onto the housing ladder or move away from privately renting into something more secure.”

Shared ownership is a secure alternative to private renting which provides an affordable way onto the housing ladder. Buyers purchase a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share.

This reduces the size of the initial deposit required and if they want to, purchasers can buy more shares in their property, in most cases leading to outright home ownership.

East Boro worked with local developer Betterment Properties Ltd who built the new homes in the Windmills.

The rented homes will be managed by East Boro, and to apply for one visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/housing/housing 

More information on the shared ownership homes, which will be managed by Aster Group, can be found at www.aster.co.uk/sales/developments/dorset

For further information on East Boro Housing Trust visit www.ebht.org.uk or its parent company, Aster Group, visit www.aster.co.uk.