In case you missed it, Link Wentworth featured on 9 News Sydney over the Easter long weekend regarding the importance of affordable housing and our partnership with Head Start ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµs which enables people in social and affordable housing to find a path to home ownership. Â
The goal of home ownership for many Sydneysiders seems unattainable.
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd)
But there are non-profit organisations and government schemes helping those on low incomes who dream of a property of their own.
Our CEO, Andrew McAnulty, talked about the importance of affordable housing provided by community housing providers and how affordable rents help people save.
The story featured Musawar, a current Link Wentworth resident and prospective first home buyer, who is being assisted by Head Start ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµs to buy his first home. Musawar acknowledges that the affordable rent he has been paying over the last few years has enabled him to save and be able to buy his first home. With the assistance of the Head Start ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµs ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ Ownership Success Team, Musawar is receiving the support needed from their Empowerment Services.
Smita, a former Link Wentworth resident and now homeowner shared her story. Being in affordable housing gave Smita a sense of safety and stability, letting her focus on her life goals. After a few years of living in her much-loved apartment, Smita discovered the owner wanted to sell. Thanks to a first-home buyers’ scheme and her newfound financial stability, Smita was able to put in an offer and purchase the property. Smita credits Link Wentworth with giving her the ability to save for a deposit and pursue her homeownership dream, which she has achieved through a NSW state government first home buyers scheme for single parents.
Housing should be a human right, but the pathway to owning a home in Sydney seems out of reach for many due to surging living costs, low housing supply, historically high house prices, and rising interest rates. This is felt even more by those on lower incomes facing housing stress and homelessness.
Head Start ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµs offer a range of free Empowerment Products and Services to help their clients overcome the three major barriers to homeownership: deposit; know-how; and supply. To be eligible, clients must meet income thresholds or live in social or affordable housing. Clients who are assessed and meet Head Start ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµs eligibility criteria work with the ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµ Ownership Success Team to improve their financial capability, educate them about the home-buying process, and provide ongoing support through the entire homeownership journey.
To learn more about Head Start ÐÇ¿ÕÊÓÆµs Empowerment Services and Products, visit .
To see a list of state and federal government home ownership initiatives, visit /articles/state-and-federal-government-home-ownership-initiatives/.