23 new Braintree homes on a shared ownership scheme ready for residents

Eastlight Community Homes is pleased to have taken ownership of the 23 new homes for shared ownership in Braintree’s town centre.

The new homes on Manor Street form part of Braintree District Council’s Victoria Square town centre regeneration project.

The apartments are a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes, which are spacious and finished to a high specification, each coming with its own parking space.

Shared ownership gives people the opportunity to buy a share of their home to get on the property ladder.

Emma Palmer, Chief Executive of Eastlight Community Homes, said: “We’re really pleased that the Manor Street apartments are now complete, bringing much-needed, truly affordable homes to the area. Together with our partners and working closely with local communities, we are proud to be building 298 homes across Essex and beyond throughout 2022.”

Cllr Kevin Bowers, Cabinet Member for Housing, Assets and Skills at Braintree District Council, said: “We’re really pleased with the standard and quality of these affordable homes and we hope the new residents on Manor Street are too. We know more and more towns are seeing the benefits of bringing residential homes into town centre locations. The increase in footfall benefits businesses and the local economy and enhances the vibrancy of high streets and town centre locations.”

The £30 million town centre regeneration project at Victoria Square also includes a 70-bedroom Travelodge, Livewell hub, pharmacy, restaurant or café, bus interchange, public toilets and a twin-level car park.

Tayla Hoyt, moved into a one-bedroom shared ownership property in Manor Street in April. 

She said: “The fact I could get a mortgage by myself was what initially attracted me to the shared ownership model. In the long run, it works out cheaper than to rent – although the initial outlay is obviously more. But more importantly it’s great to have somewhere that’s my own. 

“Manor Street is such a great location – it’s so close to the train station and, thinking longer term, I can see it increasing in value. Working with the shared ownership team at Eastlight was great. They were attentive and nothing was a problem.” 

Find out more about shared ownership here.