More and more people are finding it hard to buy a house, as property prices increase. The Senior Master is looking at new ways to make sure clients are able to use their compensation to secure stable housing.

Payments through the courts do not include money specifically to buy a house.

If you do not have enough in your funds held in Court to buy a house outright, the staff at Funds in Court [FIC] can give you advice on some other options.

If you cannot afford to buy a house outright, you might be able to:

  • extend or modify your family home
  • build a granny flat on a property
  • talk to a housing association about buying a property together
  • look at other options such as community or supported housing.

It is important to remember that everyone’s case is different. You should always talk to your Client Services Officer about what is best for you, depending on your situation.

Extending or modifying a house

If you have been in an accident and have a permanent injury or disability, you might need to modify (change) your home to make it more comfortable and easier to live in.

See Modifying a house.

Building

It might be easier for you to build a granny flat or unit on an existing property.

If you are having a house built through your funds held in Court, the Senior Master’s Office will require supervision of every step, from planning through to construction and project management.

See Building a house.

Housing associations

If you do not have enough money in your funds held in Court to buy a property outright you may be able to buy a house through a ‘partnership arrangement’.

This means that you make a co-contribution to the price of the house, and the government or housing providers pay the rest. This is called ‘mixed equity’.

There are conditions/requirements you need to meet to be able to do this. For more information talk to your Client Services Officer.

Community or supported housing

Community housing is an alternative to private renting. It is designed to help people who have low incomes find a secure housing arrangement. Community housing agencies make sure that the accommodation they provide is affordable and that standards are maintained.

Supported housing provides housing options for people with a disability or who have support needs. You can live in supported housing as a short term or permanent tenant. This includes group houses or units.

They make sure their properties are close to transport, shops, education, employment, and support networks. In some areas, properties are close together so there are some shared spaces.

You need to apply to go into Community or Supported housing. There is often a waiting list.

FIC is currently working on a Housing Project. The aim of the project is to identify new and flexible ways to help clients find secure housing. More information will be available shortly.