Home Improvement Loans

Fareham Council is committed to help improve living conditions for those in private sector housing, ensuring that properties are safe and secure.

 

Assistance for Owner Occupiers

Many owner-occupiers who are in receipt of an income-related benefit have difficulties accessing the necessary finances to undertake necessary improvements in their homes even though there is substantial ‘equity’ in the property.  The Home Improvement Loan offered by the Council is intended to provide funding to undertake the works, with repayment of the interest free loan being deferred until the sale of the dwelling. The equity in the property is then used to repay the loan together with a small administrative charge.

Subject to the financial resources of the applicant and the availability of funds, Fareham Council will consider providing an interest free Home Improvement Loan of up to £10,000 to help vulnerable home owners meet the cost of remedying disrepair, eliminating serious hazards, installing modern facilities or an efficient heating system. 

This may include measures to reduce the likelihood of serious injury or harm from electrical hazards, damp and mould, excessive cold and the prevention of accidents from trips and falls and the replacement or repairs to key building components.

A free Home Maintenance Advice Inspection will be offered to identify any eligible work. You will receive a schedule detailing the identified work, application forms and a copy of the conditions that relate to the approval of a loan.

 

Who Is Eligible?

Applicant’s must have an owner’s interest in the property and be 18 years of age or older on the date of application.

The property must be in Council Tax Band A, B, C or D.  As a Secured Charge is made against the property it must be registerable with Land Registry. Owners of Mobile Homes and Houseboats will not therefore be eligible.

Applicants must be in receipt of (and eligible to receive) one or more of the income-related benefits below:

• Income Support,
• Guaranteed Pension Credit,
• Council Tax Benefit (not including discount for single occupancy or disability discount)
• Income Related Job Seekers Allowance,
• Working Tax Credit (with an income less than £15,460)
• Child Tax Credit (with an income less than £15,460)

 

Assistance for Owners of Empty Homes

Home Improvement Loans may also be available to the owners of empty dwellings that have been unoccupied for more than six months on condition that the accommodation is made available to tenants referred by the Council's Housing Options Team for the period of the loan.

 

Assistance for Private Landlords

A further type of Home Improvement Loan is available to private sector landlords on condition that the accommodation is made available to tenants referred by the Council's Housing Options Team for the period of the loan.

For further information please contact the Customer Service Centre on tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail customerservices@fareham.gov.uk