Purpose

In recent years the Council and St Leger Homes of Doncaster (SLHD) have been jointly involved with the delivery of a property acquisition programme. St Leger Homes currently administer the programme on behalf of the Council in which property purchases and conveyance is undertaken by the Council, the properties are brought into housing stock and are Council owned. St Leger Homes then facilitate necessary repairs to appropriate standards and, subsequently, let and manage the property.
The purchase has been considered in line with the need to address the high demand for affordable rental properties, including 3-bedroom properties in many areas across Doncaster where there is an under supply of properties.
It is felt that this property meets both the immediate and long-term requirements of the Council in terms of providing suitable housing for families requiring affordable homes.

Decision

To support the proposal for the purchase of 3-bedroom semi-detached property for purchase via the Acquisitions Scheme.
The purchase price is xxxxxxxx and provisional inspections have concluded that no further investment is required due to the current standard of the property. The property is required to be maintained with ongoing gas and electrical testing carried out to meet regulations.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – Approve the property purchase – (recommended option)
This option will support the acquisition programme by utilising available funds to maximise the opportunity to provide additional housing provision across the borough.
Option 2 - Do Nothing
This option would lose the opportunity to deploy approved funding to help ease the demand for properties on the housing waiting list.