FAQ’s
Got a question? The chances are that we’ve got the answer right here. If you still need some friendly advice though feel free to get in touch by e-mailing enquiries@mysafehome.info or calling us on 08000 121 333.
Please click on an question below to view the answer.
Q – I am on benefits but my partner is not – can I still qualify for the scheme?
A – Yes, but if your partner is working then this could impact on SMI and housing benefits. Contact a benefits professional such as CAB, Welfare Rights or your local Job Centre Plus to find out more.
Q – Can you visit us to do a presentation?
A – Yes, after you’ve located a property to purchase and received confirmation from the Housing Association that you can proceed with the purchase.to find out more.
Q – Can we get a mortgage to extend our property so that our son/daughter can continue to live with us?
A – No, the applicant needs to be MOVING to a property that’s better suited to their needs.
Q – How long will the process take?
A – Once the mortgage arrangement meeting has taken place and all of the required documentation is in place it will take approximately 3-4 weeks until you receive a mortgage offer. After that you can probably expect to move in within 2 months.
Q – What level of capacity does the applicant need to have?
A – To obtain a mortgage they need to be able to understand, with help from family/support team, the following 5 key points:
- They are buying their own home.
- They haven’t got the money (up to £100,000) to do this.
- They need to borrow the money from a bank.
- They don’t need to pay the mortgage as benefits will pay.
- They will need to be able to sign to say that they understand this.
Q – I don’t have the money for the initial set up costs, is there any way around this?
A – You will need to find the set up costs. If you do not have the money yourself then consider finding it from family, care providers, local authorities etc.
Q – Can I buy a property without a Housing Association?
A – Yes, but you’ll need to have at least 25% deposit and the maximum mortgage is still up to £100,000.
Q – How do I find a Housing Association that works in my area?
A – Simply visit our
interactive map. If you can’t find what you’re looking for try the
Homes and Communities Agency website or telephone 0300 1234 500. Choose your region then telephone to ask for the most suitable Housing Association.
Q – What benefits do I need to be on to qualify for the scheme?
A – You need to be on DLA and one or more of: Income Support, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pensions Credit. Download and complete our application form for an assessment.
Q – Can I buy a property with my friend?
A – Yes. It’s better if you have a history of living together and you must choose to live together. It is also preferable if you’re both in receipt of benefits
Q – I live in Scotland/Ireland. Can you help me get a mortgage?
A – No, we only work in England and Wales. If you’re in Scotland you can contact Ownership Options on 0131 661 3400 or e-mail them at
info@oois.org.uk.
Q – What happens if I go back to work?
A – If you work for less than 15 hours per week in paid employment there should be no impact on your benefits. If you work for more than 15 hours per week you will lose some or all of your benefits and will become responsible for paying your own mortgage. In this case we were able to reduce your share of the property and increase the Housing Association’s share. This will reduce your monthly mortgage payments and should make your home affordable once more; in fact we actually have some buyers who work for just 16 hours per week who are also paying their own mortgages.
Q – I have four children, one of them has a disability, can you re-house us all?
A – No, the scheme’s only for people with disabilities and support needs and they need to be over 18. Only one extra bedroom can be considered for a carer.
Q – I’m an appointee for the applicant. Can I sign the paperwork for the house purchase/mortgage application for the applicant or do we need to “appoint a deputy” via the Court of Protection/Guardianship office?
A – You’ll need to be appointed as a Deputy.
Q – I’ve approached a Housing Association and they’ve turned down my application for shared ownership because I don’t have a job/earnings, can you help?
A – Yes, if you refer the Housing Association to our website they can then contact us for further clarification.
Q – Can you send me more information?
A – You can download our brochure which is on the website.
Q – The house I live in is fine except I want to own my own property (for better security). Can shared ownership work for me?
A – No, you need to be MOVING to a property better suited to your needs.
Q – I’m renting my property from a private landlord/local authority can you organise a mortgage for me to buy this property?
A – No, you need to be MOVING to a property better suited to your needs.
Q – Is there a way to transform my current home into a shared ownership property?
A – No, you need to be MOVING to a property better suited to your needs.
Q – Can this work for people with high support needs?
A – Yes. We’ve already helped people with profound physical and mental health needs.
Q – What are the MySafeHome fees and other set up costs?
A – MySafeHome fees are up to £1,500 for The MySafeHome Solution (see the
Home Purchase Fees page of our website)
Q – What are the interest rates for the mortgages?
A –Currently 6.08%. This varies with the SMI benefit rate
Q – What is the maximum mortgage allowed?
A – Regulation allows mortgages of up to £200,000 (Jan 2009), however the mortgages that MySafeHome arrange are £100,000 maximum.
Q – What do I do if none of the Housing Associations can help me?
A – E-mail enquiries@mysafehome.info giving the areas that you wish to live and we’ll try to help.
Q - What can I do if there aren’t any grants available in my area to support the purchase of a home through a Housing Association?
A - In this situation it’s still possible to buy a home using our model but the funding needs to come from you, your family/friends or other sources related to you. A minimum investment of £30,000 is needed. For further details on this please refer to our section on
Buying a Home.
