The Key Worker Living Scheme for environmental health practitioners (EHPs) has re-directed its focus towards new build schemes.
Two options are now available to practitioners:
- HomeBuy Direct allows applicants to purchase a newly built home with an equity loan from the government. Up to 30 percent of the property's value may be borrowed, alongside a conventional mortgage Or New Build HomeBuy, also known as shared ownership, which is a part buy/part rent scheme
Funding for Open Market Homebuy and My Choice HomeBuy, which allowed applicants to purchase a property on the open market, with a 30 percent government loan, is no longer available.
The CIEH is encouraging members to look at the products available to them and to assess the different options.
The schemes are restricted to EHPs with a household income under £60,000 and working for local government.
If you already own a home you to could receive help to buy a larger property.
Those eligible must be qualified EHPs, who have completed their environmental health degree, the practical/experiential learning portfolio or equivalent, and the professional examinations, and are registered with the Environmental Health Registration Board (EHRB).
To obtain an application form and confirm your eligibility you will need to contact a HomeBuy Agent - the registered social landlord that markets the housing schemes on behalf of the government. To view details of the HomeBuy Agent for your area and to see further information on upcoming open days visit the HomeBuy agent contact page.
The CIEH cannot confirm your eligibility for the scheme, but further information can be found on the Q & A for key workers page.
To confirm you are EHRB registered and for more information on CIEH membership, please telephone 020 7928 6006 and ask for the Membership department or email membership@cieh.org