Home loan programme

We provide access to affordable home improvement loans through the Kick Start scheme.

Home owners who are unable to source finances from high street lenders can access funding to pay for essential repairs and maintenance to their home.

A range of support is offered, including information, advice and assistance to access the necessary funding.

What is the Kick Start scheme?

The scheme has been introduced by us with money provided from the Regional Housing Board. The aim of the scheme is to enable owner occupiers to fund improvement work needed to their property.

Who is the scheme designed to help?

The scheme is designed to help owner occupiers whose homes need work to be carried out to meet the 'Decent Homes Standard', but who are unable to fund the work themselves from banks, building societies or savings. So, if you are in receipt of benefits or on low income the scheme may be able to help you.

What is the 'Decent Homes Standard'?

The Decent Homes Standard is a Central Government directive. It states that all housing should, by 2010, be wind and weather tight, be warm and have modern facilities.

Who will decide if my home qualifies for the scheme?

After completing an enquiry form, a City Council Technical Officer from the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit will determine if your property qualifies for the scheme based on a survey which will take place if you decide to proceed.

How do I repay the loan?

The loan is based on a percentage of the equitable value of the property. There are no repayments and there is a guarantee of no repossession for the term of the loan. Repayment of the loan is made when the property is sold, changes ownership, is vacated by the person with whom the original loan was agreed, or sometime earlier by agreement. The amount repayable at anytime will depend on the current equitable value of the property. So if the property has increased in value, so also will the amount that is to be repaid.

How will I know if I qualify for a loan?

Loans are available to owner occupiers who are on benefits or low income and who are unable to secure a loan from responsible lenders such as banks and building societies, and do not have enough savings to carry out the work themselves.

Specialist Loan Officers from our financial partners ART Homes will assess your income and expenditure. They will take into account issues such as the value of your home and any outstanding mortgage.

How does the work get done?

We have a partnership with the Heantun Care and Repair Home Improvement Agency. Heantun Care and Repair have years of experience in this field and, if you proceed, will carry out the complete task of specifying the works, organising quotations from selected contractors, supervising the work and arranging for the loan monies to be paid to the contractor on satisfactory completion of the work.

What if I cannot afford to carry out all the works identified by the Council?

This is your home and we can only advise you on what should and could be done. You will be able to make choices about matters that fail the Decent Homes Standard.

Contact Us

For more information contact us.