HouseProud equity release scheme
What is “HouseProud”
The Council, in partnership with HIT, is offering an easy way to get repairs, improvements and adaptations carried out to your home. The HouseProud Scheme is a scheme operated by the Home Improvement Trust which enables homeowners to release equity from the value of their home to fund eligible works.
The minimum loan is £3,000, with a top up limit of 30% of the value of the property. This is particularly useful to homeowners who do not qualify for other types of grant or where works are costing more than the grant maximum, and those who are unable to afford their means tested contribution towards grant-aided works.
Through the HouseProud Scheme eligible homeowners can apply for a variety of loans, which for the over 60’s carry a guarantee of no repossession even if the applicants were unable to keep up with repayments.
Who can use the scheme?
- Homeowners aged 60 or over, or
- Households with a disabled person of any age
Typical works carried out by HouseProud include:
- Disabled adaptations (where not covered by a Disabled Facilities Grant)
- A new bathroom
- Plumbing
- Rewiring
- Central heating and energy efficiency works
- A new roof
- New guttering
- Replacement windows and doors
- A refitted kitchen
- Structural repairs
- Home security
The loan options are
- Capital release loans - applicants only pay interest, and the capital is paid back on disposal of the property.
- Capital and interest repayment loan - applicants pay interest and capital
- Capital and interest rolled up loan - Only available to those aged 75 years old and over. Applicants pay no interest or capital. The loan plus interest is repaid on disposal of the property.
The Scheme is run in conjunction with ‘in touch’ Home Improvement Agency, who will act as agents to help organise the loan and the supervision of the building works. They will also see if you are eligible for any grants to undertake the work.
‘in touch’ Home Improvement Agency works in partnership with Dartford Borough and Gravesham Borough Councils to provide advice and assistance for older, vulnerable and disabled people to help them arrange repairs, improvements and adaptations so they can remain in their own properties with safety, comfort and independence.
For more information on the HouseProud scheme:
- Fill in the form below
- Call free on 0800 783 7569 or download and send the enquiry form to receive a HouseProud information pack and video
- Call or email Dartford Council on 01322 343674 or email houseproud@dartford.gov.uk and ask for information on the HouseProud scheme.
- Call ‘in touch’ home improvement agency on 01474 566283
- Download the HouseProud scheme leaflet.
- Download the 'In Touch' leaflet
Important Information
If you decide to use the Houseproud scheme it is important to understand that you will be giving up part of the value of your home. This means that when it is eventually sold, whoever inherits your estate will receive a reduced amount.
Independent advice
- You are advised to take independent financial advice before entering into an equity release scheme.
- The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has produced a useful booklet on equity release schemes. We can provide you with a free copy if you contact us at the address shown or, alternatively you can download a copy from the CML website.
- The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has produced a fact sheet ‘Raising money from your home’ or you can contact their helpline: 0845 606 1234.
- Age Concern has produced a factsheet ‘Raising income or capital from your home’. For free fact sheets contact 0800 00 99 66 (freephone).
Private Sector Renewal Team
Environmental Health Services
Civic Centre
Home Gardens
Dartford
DA1 1DR
Tel No: 01322 343674
Online form
Please complete this enquiry form to receive a free information pack, including a copy of the HouseProud video. Requesting this information puts you under no obligation to use the scheme.
