Massive interest in affordable housing

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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The demand for affordable houses was evident on Saturday when more than 1 200 people attended the affordable-housing open day hosted by George Municipality and the Western Cape department of human settlements.

The major banks were also present at the St Augustine Hall in Meade Street, George.

Camilla August, director of affordable housing at the human settlements department, said there was "phenomenal" interest. About 20 to 30 households were allowed through every 20 minutes.

The aim of the day was to establish the demand in the affordable-housing market in George and what people can afford should they want to buy. People were introduced to the different banks and what they offer. "We hope to do a pre-screen so that we understand if people qualify or not, because that is going to guide us in terms of what to build for people in the area, if it should be rental if they do not qualify to buy, and also what they can afford per month."

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Information was provided on the financed linked individual subsidies programme (Flisp) that provides subsidies for a deposit for this particular market. A household can qualify for anything from R27 000 up to R120 000 as a deposit.

August said the first houses, which will be built in George by a developer on behalf of the department, will become available from June next year. The timely information day will now give people a period in which to fix their credit records and assess their finances, connecting them with all the role players so that when the houses become available, they know what to expect.

Visitors were shown a 3D display and site maps of the new Syferfontein project under construction, which will consist of more than 300 Flisp homes.

Camilla August, director of affordable housing at the Western Cape human settlements department (right), held short introduction sessions for new arrivals at the open day. Photos: Alida de Beer

Rodimistan Hannies from Borcherds was one of the people eager to learn more. He said he has never had the opportunity to own a home of his own. "I have a family, but we live in a backyard. We have had to move several times in the past. I have come to the open day to see if I do not perhaps qualify for a subsidy. My partner and our child are depending on me and I would like to give them a home."

The day was aimed at people whose household income ranges between R3 501 and R22 000.

Chantel Edwards-Klose, communications chief of George Municipality, said they were delighted with the outcome and the positive attitude of the potential beneficiaries. "We would like to encourage any member of the community falling within this income range to submit their documentation to see if they could qualify. The closing date for applications for bonds and Flisp subsidy relating to the Syferfontein project is Monday 4 March."

There will be opportunity for more applications at a later stage. More information is available on 044 801 9113.

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