Swaythling Press Releases

Swaythling’s first Mortgage Rescue saves family from homelessness

Swaythling Housing Society, part of Radian, has helped save a Basingstoke single-parent family from the threat of repossession and homelessness by their mortgage lender.

In the very first successful Mortgage Rescue in the South East of England, Swaythling, working in conjunction with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council (BDBC), stepped in to buy the family’s home when they could no longer afford the repayments after the breakdown of her marriage. The mother of three is now able to rent her home back at an affordable price and without the fear of repossession.

“This is a great weight off my shoulders.” She commented, “I am very pleased that my family is now secure for our future”.

The government recently launched the new Mortgage Rescue Scheme, which enables home owners facing severe financial difficulties to sell all or part of their property to a Housing Association and remain in their home.

Mark Fisher, BDBC Specialist Housing Officer added, “Without a close working relationship between BDBC & Swaythling, it would not have been possible to overcome the obstacles within the time-frame required in order to avoid repossession of the property. Once the process was underway, Swaythling worked hard to ensure excellent communications between all the parties concerned whilst also maintaining a sensitive, supportive and caring approach towards our customer, which was critical to ensure their continued engagement.”

Lynda Lines, Sales and Marketing Manager, Swaythling said: “This case has involved a lot of cross organisation working to ensure that it went ahead, with thanks going to all partners who helped to co-ordinate the rescue.”

For additional information contact:
Maz Garside, Public Relations Manager for Radian 01730 403080 or 07515 067764 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Alternatively call Greg Morton at Marketing Impact on 0208 399 7400 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Down on the Farm

The latest phase of the Dowd’s Farm development was officially opened this week. In this penultimate phase, Swaythling Housing Society, part of Radian, has provided another 62 much needed affordable homes for the local community. The final stage has now commenced and once completed, the development will boast 765 homes, of which 230 will be available for affordable rent and shared ownership.

As with all Radian new-builds, consideration has focussed on environmental impact and Dowd’s Farm has achieved an Eco Home rating of ‘very good’. The land it is built on was formerly a green field site and much work has been done to minimalise the disturbance to the existing wildlife on site. These concessions even include one of the blocks of flats containing a ‘bat void’ which provides a safe environment for bats to roost.

In addition to the residential facilities on site, Dowd’s Farm also includes a new Primary School, a new 16 acre park and there are plans for a Community Centre. The site was developed in partnership with Eastleigh Borough Council and all homes comply with the Homes & Communities Agency funding conditions.

“The results of this project so far has been a combined investment of over £13million in the local economy but most importantly, the creation of homes that people want to live in and a major contribution to what we all hope will become a strong and vibrant community. Swaythling has an on-going commitment to do all that we can to help residents make this happen.” Ralph Facey, Director, Swaythling Housing Society

Cheerleaders invite local residents to join them

Residents in Mansbridge are invited to join the Southampton Vixens Cheerleading Squad for an evening of chants, jumps and dance each Wednesday for the next four weeks. The six-time National Champions are giving free, hour-long, taster sessions to members of the local community at Mansbridge Primary School at 7pm on April 22nd, 29th, May 6th and 20th.
 
The sessions have been organised for local residents by the Mansbridge Residents’ Association. Backed by Swaythling Housing, the association has been tirelessly campaigning for the last 15 years to improve services and the rights of residents in the area. It has been investing its time and resources in the community, securing funding for youth workers, holiday clubs and playgrounds as well as organising a host of activities in the area to help build community spirit.
“Mansbridge Residents’ Association is always looking for new initiatives to involve the local community, we spoke to several people of various ages and the suggestion of cheerleading came up. We very much hope that people will come along and join in the fun.” Carol Winkworth, Chair, Mansbridge Residents’ Association.

Having previously supported Tai Chi, Salsa, Belly Dancing and self-defence lessons, and already catering for the football and basketball fans, the increasingly popular sport of cheerleading was proposed, so the Residents’ Association was delighted to recruit the Vixens to give sessions for any locals above the age of eight to try.

The sessions are running every Wednesday for the next four weeks at Mansbridge Primary School, Octavia Road, Mansbridge, Southampton SO18 2LX. The sessions are from 7pm – 8pm and anyone interested in attending can just turn up in casual clothes and join in.

The Southampton Vixens is an all girl, university based squad, with members from both Southampton Solent and Southampton University. The club formed 13 years ago to support the University’s American Football team and then progressed to competition level, becoming six-time National Champions.
 “The squad always seems to grow as the years go on, with many of the girls having never done cheerleading before. It is a fun and energetic sport that is constantly on the increase in the UK. The few training sessions at Mansbridge will allow you to learn cheers, chants, jumps and dances. It is fun and it increases your co-ordination as not only do you have to do the motions...you have to have a smile from ear to ear!” Natasha Wood, President Southampton Vixens Cheerleading Squad.

Photo caption – Southampton Vixens’ champion cheerleading squad

Swaythling appointed to help Hampshire Homebuyers

Swaythling Housing Society was yesterday reappointed as the Local HomeBuy Agent for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight area by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). As Local HomeBuy Agent, Swaythling acts as a first point of contact for families and single households seeking to buy a home through the HCA’s HomeBuy affordable home ownership products.

Potential applicants can attend one of the many HomeBuy Shows held over the coming months throughout Hampshire to promote further awareness of the government-backed affordable schemes available. These include: Newbuild HomeBuy, My Choice HomeBuy, Own Home and the new HomeBuy Direct that was recently launched jointly by the government and house builders to stimulate the industry.

On Thursday, over 350 prospective buyers took advantage of the HomeBuy Show held at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton, to benefit from the expert financial and legal advice, details of the financial schemes ion offer and the available properties in the local area, all under one roof.

Swaythling, part of Radian, initially establish if applicants meet eligibility criteria, before assessing applicants’ financial circumstances to ensure that they can afford home ownership longer term. Swaythling will also help people to consider their housing options and assist them to make the right choice to meet their housing needs.

Vicky Griffin, who works in Public Relations for the Primary Care Trust, was renting a shared  house with friends but has recently been able to buy a Newbuild HomeBuy apartment in the local area.

“I thought buying was going to be too expensive for me, but was really pleased when I found out that I could own my very own 2 bed city centre apartment for under £650 per month! I got to choose which apartment I wanted, which was great, so I opted for the top floor. I’ve got a lovely large hallway and L-shaped living area which gives me that bit of extra space. The bedrooms are a good size too and it’s great to be able to just move in without having to decorate!”

Vicky couldn’t wait to choose new furniture for her apartment, and is delighted that she now has a place that she can call her own; a home that she previously thought unattainable.

On the announcement that Swaythling would continue in its role as Local HomeBuy Agent, Jessica Pike, Swaythling’s Head of Home Ownership said, “We are very excited to have been selected again to lead this very important project on behalf of the government. Now we have an enormous challenge ahead of us to ensure that the government’s initiatives help those critically important first time buyers, at a time when the housing market desperately needs them.”

Richard Hill, Director of Investment and Renewal, responsible for the National Affordable Housing Programme at the HCA, said, “HomeBuy continues to help thousands of people into homeownership, in an affordable and sustainable way, and continues to be an important stimulus in the market. I am pleased that local consumers in Hampshire will continue to have a clear route to the best product available to them in their area.”
For more information on the HomeBuy Show, or any of the current initiatives please call Swaythling’s specialist team on 023 8062 8004 or visit: www.homesinhants.co.uk

Photocaptions:

[Prospective buyers benefit from free advice at a recent HomeBuy show]
[Delighted first time buyer Vicky Griffin in her new City Centre home]