Keyways

Keyways have added a new COVID-19 section under the Information tab to keep customers updated with relevant information relating to Allocations and Lettings during the Covid-19 pandemic. We will keep this page up to date to include the latest government guidance on house moves and lettings, as well as any changes to our procedures due to the public health emergency.  

Corby and Kettering Borough Council Landlord & Tenancy Services teams have recently added information which explains the amended viewing and sign-up process that they are following for new lettings of their council properties.  Information from other social landlords will be added shortly.  

In the meantime if you have any questions regarding our way of working during Covid-19 then please contact the local authority that manages your Keyways application. Our contact details can be found here.

 

Phase 2 of the Hampden Crescent refurbishment, Hamilton House, is due to complete by the end of May 2020.

The development will comprise 18 one and two bedroom flats which will include 2 two bedroom ground floor fully wheelchair accessible flats and 2 one bedroom ground floor disabled adapted flats. The remaining 14 flats will be a mix of one and two bedroom flats.

All flats will be modernised throughout to a high standard to mirror the success of Montrose House, which was completed last year.

Working in partnership with Lovells, the building itself will be refurbished with a new air-flow district heating system, insulation and sound proofing throughout, photo-voltaic panels on the roof and a modern external finish. The flat interiors will benefit from modern kitchens and bathrooms and a smart new look to ensure they are perfect for modern living.

An Open Day is being held at Kettering Borough Council on Thursday 5th March from 2-8pm where you will be able to find out more information, view floor plans, ask any questions and find out how to be considered for an allocation at the scheme.

The flats will be advertised on Keyways at the beginning of March and ready to move into around June.

*Image of phase 1 of Hampden Crescent, Montrose House. Hamilton House will mirror design.

 

 

 

 

 

• Are you renting privately, from the Council, or a Housing Association, or living with relatives?
• Do you need to move and hope to buy a home in the future?

A new Rent to Buy in Wellingborough is NOW taking applications.

Rent to Buy gives you the chance to save up for a deposit by paying 20% less than market rent while living in the home you plan to buy.

The Rent to buy homes on Lakeland Meadow Penrith Drive could be perfect for local people who:

• are in work or training;
• have been saving for a deposit or would be able to do so

3 Brand new energy efficient 2 bedroom house available to move into in January 2020.

Greatwell Homes (a locally based Housing Association operating in and around Northamptonshire), in partnership with the Borough Council of Wellingborough is giving priority to applicants who:

• meet the eligibility assessment;

• have a local connection; and

• are on the Wellingborough Housing register; or

• are moving out of a social housing tenancy.

If your application is accepted, you will be granted a 6 month Assured Shorthold renewable tenancy, month by month, and the rent will be set at 80% of the market rent. This will include any service charges and maintenance

until you can afford to buy your home.  After 5 years you will have the option to buy your home for the market value.

Other Terms and Conditions apply - Please apply in good time - There is no guarantee of an offer.

How to Apply

For further information on Rent to Buy at Lakeland Meadow Penrith Drive, Wellingborough and an application form please go to www.greatwellliving.org.uk/rent-to-buy.htm or email: living@greatwellhomes.org.uk ; or telephone 01933 234450.

If you want to be considered for one of these houses, then please submit your application form before 5pm on 24th December 2019

Anyone who qualifies, and not offered a property in the first phase (Or submits an application after 24th December 2019) will be added to the waiting list for future Rent to buy properties in Wellingborough.

We can also let you know of any similar schemes in Northamptonshire.

Assessment Criteria / Determining Qualifying Applicants

Greatwell Homes will be responsible for completing the following validations to determine qualifying applicants:

• an in-depth affordability assessment of every applicant. This will include a credit check and checks on income, debts, savings and outgoings as well as landlord or mortgage references

• a conclusive Local Connection check. This will include checks on address, employment and/or care and support needs or provision

Prioritising applicants

Greatwell Homes will be responsible for awarding priority to Qualifying Applicants, shortlisting and allocating to vacant Rent to Buy units in the following order (i.e. all Qualifying Applicants who meet criteria (a) will be considered first no matter their source, then criteria (b) etc.)

1. a. applicants to whom Borough Council of Wellingborough has accepted a
2. b. applicants on Borough Council of Wellingborough Housing Register in the Emergency Band
3. c. applicants on Borough Council of Wellingborough Housing Register in Band A
4. d. applicants on Borough Council of Wellingborough Housing Register in Band B
5. e. applicants who are surrendering a social housing tenancy in the Borough Council of Wellingborough Area to downsize
6. f. applicants who are surrendering a social housing tenancy in the Borough Council of Wellingborough  　
7. g. all other Applicants who fulfil the Qualifying Criteria for in Wellingborough (including those who do not have a reasonable preference as per the BCW Allocations Policy, and who make a direct application to Greatwell Homes).

Where there are insufficient applicants with a Local Connection to the Borough Council of Wellingborough, Greatwell Homes will agree a suitable alternative approach with Borough Council of Wellingborough for the letting of remaining properties (such an agreement will not be unreasonably withheld).

Other Terms and Conditions apply - Please apply in good time - There is no guarantee of an offer.

Please note: Rent to Buy operates outside Borough Council of Wellingborough’s Allocations and Choice Based Lettings scheme and is not subject to the same legislation.

Greatwell Homes will allocate all properties in accordance with the Lakeland Meadow Rent to Buy Lettings Policy and deal with any complaints via their Formal Complaints Procedure.

Corby Borough Council are excited to announce that a very prominent building at the entrance to Corby town centre will soon be advertised on Keyways.  The council acquired the site from PA Housing and has designed a scheme to improve the façade and interior. A major refurbishment of the building is currently underway with CAFOS Ltd. The scheme is planned for completion around October/November 2019 and will provide 12 two double bedroom maisonettes for affordable rent.

Properties will be advertised through Keyways and will have a Local Lettings Policy (LLP) applied.  Properties will be allocated in priority band order, however, the main and / or joint applicant must be in paid employment / apprenticeship at the point of the nomination. 

 

Kettering Borough Council recently undertook consulatation on proposed changes to the Keyways Housing Allocation Scheme.

Each year Kettering Borough Council reviews its Housing Allocation Scheme to ensure it accommodates new legislation, remains fit for purpose and accurately reflects current housing need in the Borough. Annual reviews are also necessary to ensure the Council continues to make best use of social housing stock and continues to meet the duties owed to homeless households.

The changes were heard at Executive Committee on 12th June and were unanimously approved. The new Keyways Housing Allocation Scheme was implemented on 19th June 2019. A copy of the policy can be found on the Information page, under Allocation and Local lettings Policies.