Potential homeowners and tenants in North Wales are being urged to join a new online affordable housing register to increase their chances of buying their own home.

The Tai Teg register has been launched in a partnership between the region’s housing associations, local authorities, and the National Park Authority to simplify how people apply for an affordable home.

A number of schemes are available for those in employment and earning between £16,000 and £45,000, with some options catering for those earning up to £60,000.

Grwp Cynefin is leading the project. In addition to Grwp Cynefin, partners include The Snowdonia National Park Authority, as well as seven local authorities: Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council, Flintshire County Council, Gwynedd Council, Powys County Council, Wrexham County Council, and Isle of Anglesey County Council.

The other associations involved are Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd, Pennaf Housing Group, North Wales Housing, Wales & West Housing, and Cartrefi Conwy.

An affordable home is one that is provided at less than market value, either for rent or purchase. Tai Teg does not include social housing, with people advised to continue to access the relevant council housing register in their area.

Grwp Cynefin chief executive Shan Lloyd Williams said: “Tai Teg will streamline the process of registering for and securing an affordable home in North Wales and Powys.

“I urge individuals who are seeking to rent or purchase an affordable home to sign up. Even if you have registered in the past, you must re-register but your original registration date will remain.

“A number of innovative schemes are available that will help people get onto the property ladder or secure a rented home. Interested parties can also find out more about the criteria and available properties on a dedicated website for Tai Teg.

“We would also like to speak to developers about how affordable homes can play an important role for them on their individual sites.”

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age – you must be over 18 years of age.
  • Financial – Annual gross household income between £16,000 to £45,000
  • Income – we only consider tax credit. We do not consider benefits as income.
  • Employment – applicants must be in employment (part-time or full-time but must have an income of £16,000 – £45,000 gross per year) or if purchasing with savings and can’t buy on the open market without help. (You will have to prove that you have income towards running the property).
  • Affordable – you can’t afford to rent on the open market and / or buy a property that suits your needs.
  • Accommodation – to be either a first time buyer or if the current home is unsuitable and does not meet your family’s needs e.g.

  • in need due to relationship breakdown
  • specific needs
  • affordability
  • due to family size

  • Local Connection – you will be required to have a local connection with the area you choose to live e.g. live, work or with family, close family connection.
  • Exemption – Service Personnel – we do consider applications even if the `Service Personnel ‘ income is ‘ zero ‘ – but there is a need to have a local connection as specifed above

The register will be used to comment on planning applications and support local authorities and housing associations to plan for future developments.

To find out more and register interest in a home, visit www.taiteg.org.uk.