Tackling Underoccupation and Overcrowding across the SE sub-region

Perfect Fit  Perfect Fit focus’s on underoccupying tenants living in the RP sector with a link to overcrowding via a 3 stage lettings plan  An average move costs are less than £1000  To date we have successfully moved 94 households releasing properties back into housing stock across the sub-region

Partners  Affinity Sutton, AmicusHorizon, FamilyMosaic, Gallions, Hexagon, Hyde, London & Quadrant, Moat, Orbit, Phoenix, Southern HG and Wandle.  Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham & Southwark  HousingMoves  House Exchange

How we are doing ……

Stats  94 family sized properties released across the SE sub-region  Potential for 94 severely overcrowded RP households to move  The ‘overcrowded’ voids will generate 94 LA nominations  Total = 282 moves

Benefits include  Direct matching – reduces void turnaround time  Releases family sized homes for severely overcrowded households  Makes best use of stock  Creates mobility for the customer i.e. across the sub-region, HousingMoves and House Exchange  The scheme is funded sub-regionally, currently no cost to the landlord  Excellent customer satisfaction

Success’s “The Perfect Fit underoccupation team has been great; they have been very helpful, friendly and given us good advice and financial assistance to help us with our move – we are grateful and would certainly recommend the scheme to anyone looking to move to smaller accommodation.” Joy & Brian McDuff only dreamed of moving into a bungalow, but after signing up to the Perfect Fit Under occupation Scheme their dream came true. “Thank you Perfect Fit for our perfect new home”

Just Right  Homes out of London ‘Just Right’ pilot – funded via the HCA  Funding Year 09/10 £2 million Year 10/11 £8 million  SELHP partners are Town & Country HA & Shepway District Council – managed by Perfect Fit SE  Currently forging partnerships in other Kent coastal boroughs

How it works….  Database of 200 under occupying RP & LA tenants  Properties purchased by Town & Country HA  Clients matched to properties based on priority  Handholding service provided including home visits, accompanied viewings and sign-ups, vacation notices, removals, connections etc  An average move costs less than £1200

Success to date  09/10 target to purchase 10 properties in Folkestone area 10 properties bought:- 4 x 2 bedroom bungalows 4 x 2 bedroom houses 2 x 4 bedroom houses – resulting voids will be offered to SE underoccupying households  10/11 target to purchase 10 properties in Folkestone area 5 properties ‘sale agreed’ to date  10/11 target – partner with other Kent coast areas

another success…….  Our first clients to move were Mr & Mrs Watson Diane & Keith said “we love it so much and are grateful that we were given the opportunity. Our health has improved and so has our social life! We could not have wished for a better location; local shopping amenities within walking distance and the transport links are very good, and of course the beach is close by.” They have revisited some of their neighbours back in Bexley borough and they have all asked about the scheme. Diane & Keith said “we love it in Hythe it has changed our lives so much we are both much happier and contented so thank you.”

Questions ?????