Cheap houses in Rhondda

First-time buyers are being offered a helping hand up the housing ladder by Rhondda Cynon Taff Council.
The latest success for the Homestep team has been to secure two three-bedroom homes on the attractive new Blackthorn Court development in Llanharry.
People can buy the homes direct from developers Persimmon Homes for a discounted price.
The initiative is the latest in a series by Homestep, which has been formed to help first-time buyers as they struggle to secure their own home due to rising house prices.
The low cost ownership scheme sees staff secure a number of homes on new developments that can be offered at a discounted price to first time buyers and also support getting a mortgage.

There are two ways to purchase a home with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.

Homebuy : This is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and operated by partner Housing Associations on behalf of the Council. Homebuy enables you to purchase a property on the open market anywhere within Rhondda Cynon Taf and receive a loan for 30% of the total cost. The loan only needs to be repaid to the Housing Association if you resell the property in the future.

Discounted Market Sale : This is operated in partnership with private house builders and developers. You may be able to purchase a brand new home as part of a private development and receive a discount on the open market value of the property. The discount will vary between each development but it is usually 75%.
If you wish to resell the property in the future you will only be allowed to sell it through the Homestep scheme and for 75% (or whatever percentage applies) of the value it is worth at the time you sell it. This way the home will remain affordable to buyers in the future.
In both cases you will own the freehold of the property and be responsible for the mortgage payments and other costs associated with owning a home. You will also be responsible for all repairs and maintenance. Remember, your home is at risk if you do not keep up your payments on a mortgage or loan secured on it.
Source:
http://www.newswales.co.uk/?section=Community&F=1&id=12109