A PROPERTY revival looks set to be on the way as the highest-ever asking prices were recorded this year for the month of March.
The average price of properties coming on to the market in recent weeks was £239,710 – up by 1.7 per cent on February.
The figure is £55 higher than March’s previous record from 2008, which was set just before the global financial crash.
Meanwhile, in Stafford Borough residents who have been struggling to pay their bills have been getting help to remain in their homes thanks to the Mortgage Rescue Scheme, run by Stafford and Rural Homes in partnership with Stafford Borough Council and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The scheme gives customers who are in debt and at risk of losing their home the option of selling their property to SARH but continuing to live in it with a more affordable rent.
Karen Armitage, chief executive of SARH, said: “Many homeowners with mortgages in Stafford and across the country are feeling the impact of the difficult economic climate and it is important that we give people the support they need to stay in their own home.
“This scheme helps people in financial difficulty to avoid the upheaval of moving from the home and community they live in and know well.”
Susan Rowley, 55, and her son Joseph, 20, from Stone, received support after SARH helped them to stay in the family home of 26 years through the mortgage rescue scheme.
“Before the mortgage rescue I just couldn’t pay my bills. I thought I had exhausted every option open to me and I didn’t know where to turn,” said Mrs Rowley.
“Because I have psoriatic arthritis which affects my whole body I can’t work and after the break-up of my marriage I no longer had enough income to pay the mortgage. Some weeks my son and I had less than £40 to live on, I was even counting eggs out so I could work out how long I could make them last.
“Now the mortgage rescue means we have an affordable rent and the peace of mind that support is at hand from SARH if we have any problems with the house. SARH has also helped me to identify the full amount of benefits I’m entitled to and even fitted a lifeline alarm in the home so I feel safe while my son is at work. With SARH’s support we have been able to turn our lives around.”
People who find themselves in difficulties with paying their mortgage should always speak to their lender first but can also contact Stafford Borough Council’s housing options team on 01785 619000 or housingadvice@staffordbc.gov.uk. There is also a drop-in advice surgery each weekday morning between 9.30am to 11.30am.
