The partnership will see the North East’s largest landlord group working with NECC to understand the region’s current housing market for potential house-buyers, and potentially develop a new product for low-cost homeownership suited to the region’s housing needs.
Together, the organisations aim to: gain further knowledge in the housing finance market in the North East; understand what low-cost homeownership products are right for this market; and identify new ways to develop and deliver potential products.
Thirteen join leading North East businesses as an NECC partner, including BT, Sage and Virgin Money, is a valuable prospect to Alison Thain, chief executive of Thirteen Group.
“As a business rooted in the North East, we’re really proud to be a partner of the NECC,” said Ms Thain.
“At Thirteen, we’re first and foremost a housing provider, committed to being a catalyst for change, providing opportunities for people to make a positive difference to their own lives, as well as to wider communities and making an impact on the region as a whole.
“Working together we will carry out a comprehensive survey to understand the region’s housing finance market and launch a report discussing the economic benefits of delivering a wider range of housing for a range of incomes with the aim of planning how stakeholders can develop a potential low-cost homeownership product.”
NECC Director of Policy, Ross Smith, believes the partnership has come at the perfect time.
“Through our Manifesto we are committed to a Working North East and if we are to promote North East England as a great place to build a career, there must be affordable homes available to those who wish to build their careers here.
“Since the election, we have seen a clear shift in the direction of housing policy. With the Government currently consulting on proposals to widen the definition of affordable housing to include a much broader range of products that facilitate low-cost homeownership, we’re excited to be working together to consider new options.
“Our 50 Great Reasons campaign previously highlighted the North East as a great place to live and do business and we believe the popularity of our region will only increase.”