30 September 2024
The Minister for Housing is making changes to existing social housing and assisted home ownership eligibility policies to make it easier for Islanders to access a home in Jersey.
The first policy change is the lowering of the age that someone without children can apply for social housing. From today (Mon 30 September) Islanders who are aged 25 and over who do not have children can apply for social housing. This is a move which follows on from the Housing Minister's previous change on this policy in March this year, when the age for islanders to apply for social housing without children was brought down to 30 from 35. People who have children who wish to apply for social housing can do so from the age of 18. Islanders can also apply at 18 if they have a medical, physical or mental disability and be in need of a special type of housing.
Separately, the Minister has agreed a policy change to make it easier for Islanders to apply for an assisted home ownership scheme. The policy change formally recognises that households may wish to purchase a property when they are older, and gives the Minister discretion to allow someone to purchase a home with a larger income if they cannot access a sufficient mortgage term or borrowing due to their age. The person will need to be able to provide evidence of their need for assistance to purchase a home suitable for their needs.
Speaking about the changes, Housing Minister Deputy Sam Mézec said: “These changes that I have enacted today will make it easier for more Islanders to access the right home for them.
“Reducing the age threshold from 30 to 25 to apply for social housing is a step towards making social housing a tenure of choice for as many Islanders as possible, providing desirable homes for people from all walks of life in thriving communities. Young people should not be excluded from social housing, so I am very pleased to be making this change now.
“We've been able to make this change as a result Andium Homes' investment in building new homes for Islanders, with over 1,000 homes to be delivered by 2027. As even more of these homes become available next year, it is important for Islanders to know that they now have the opportunity to access these homes and apply for social housing through the Affordable Housing Gateway.
“I also recognise that age should not be a barrier to buying your first home. The Government of Jersey supports home ownership and wants it to be within the reach of as many Islanders as possible. The change in policy I have enacted today regarding applications to the assisted home ownership schemes will help those slightly older Islanders who are struggling to get a mortgage they can afford."
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