Received via the Parish Council
Homeowners in the Chiltern District can now benefit from a flexible home improvement loan scheme that was launched in February.
The scheme provides loans to local homeowners over the age of 60 to improve the warmth, comfort, safety or security of their homes.
The interest rate will be fixed for the length of the loan and will be set at a low rate linked to the Bank of England rate. The minimum amount that can be borrowed is £1,000; the maximum amount is £30,000. Borrowers can make regular monthly payments, occasional payments or no payments at all.
The loan must be repaid if the property is sold or the owners cease to occupy it. The loan can also be paid off at any time without penalty.
Improvements that could be eligible to qualify for the scheme include:
- essential repairs and maintenance
- central heating or improvements to heating
- replacement doors and windows
- improvements to insulation
- roof and structural repairs
- replacement bathroom suites
- installation of level-access showers
- plumbing and drainage repairs
- rewiring
- replacement kitchens
- burglar alarm and home security
- replacement guttering, soffits and cladding
- work associated with eradicating dampness, wet rot, dry rot and woodworm
- installation of stairlifts or other adaptations.