Hazel Waite and Simon McNair, a couple in their late 30s, share their experience of buying their first home in Kidbrooke Village, London. They discuss the process of finding a property, securing a mortgage, and making the space their own. They also highlight the benefits of the community, convenient location, and amenities available to them.
Dr. Muhommed Patel and George Thomas Wood purchased a four-bedroom detached house in St Albans for £875,000. They used a 20% deposit and secured a mortgage with Investec Bank. The monthly expenses, including mortgage and energy bills, are around £3,000. The family loves the rural feel of St Albans and the numerous countryside routes and footpaths. They plan to stay in the house forever and are planning an extension to the living area next year.
Habitat for Humanity is developing $24 million in affordable housing for southern Alberta, with the Livingston development worth $9.8 million. The organization is constructing 24 units of housing on an entire city block in Livingston, providing affordable homeownership opportunities for families in need. Habitat for Humanity’s homes are sold with affordable mortgages that have no down payment or interest.
AC Boost, a local program aimed at assisting first-time homebuyers with down payments, is now in its final funding round, with applications accepted through May 15th. Eligible applicants must meet income and residency requirements, and the program aims to address racial disparities in homeownership. Since its launch, AC Boost has helped 233 low- and middle-income households afford homes.
Homeowners with low mortgage rates face a dilemma: stay put to avoid higher interest rates or pay more to relocate. Experts call this the “golden handcuff effect,” where cheap mortgages keep homeowners in place. Despite rising property prices and interest rates, many with low-rate mortgages feel “locked in,” delaying their plans to move. A study by Realtor.com found that 82% of homeowners feel trapped by their low mortgage rates, while 1 in 7 without plans to sell cite low rates as the main reason for remaining in their homes.
