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OwnHome Scheme Waiting

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Hey,

I read here and there that people have applied for the OwnHome Scheme that is about and was curious to know how long they had to wait to hear from them.

Me and my OH are looking to buy with OwnHome and have been on the waiting list since 25th November 2008.

Now, no matter when i ring, nor how often, i always get the same answers from them when i ask how long it will be until i receive a phone call for the eligibility interview.
"Maybe some time in the new year?!" (Pre 2009)
"We can't say; but your on the list"
"It's down to our advisors and when they call you. We can't indicate a time frame as to when this may be"

Surely some people have had success and have been contacted?!

Please let me know whether you are on the list also; and when you applied.
Hopefully, between us, we could try and fathom out their processing speed?

Had you applied late October 08 and have been contacted? When were you contacted?

Or have you just been contacted after waiting since September?

Time ticks; and so does the housing market as it ever appears to drop. I don't want to miss this boat!
Our minds are set on a lovely house which has been on the market for a couple of months now. Have had multiple viewings and its better everytime.

Your help, additional info, indication times would all be much appreciated!

Thanks :rolleyes:
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Comments

  • Hi Stanley,

    I rang up about the scheme in May and got a call back at the end of June. Didn't take it any further though.

    It's my understanding that the funding has run out and there won't be any more until April.

    http://www.homebuy.co.uk/homebuy/product_ownhome.asp

    May depend on your area though? But would explain why they aren't in any rush to call you back. Maybe the house you've got your eye on might have gone down in price by then...

    Good luck!
    what do you mean, I have to pay back my student loan?!?
  • Thanks for your input.

    If this is the case; surely Places for People would be able to notify us of this?! Rather than string us along.

    I can only hope with every part of my anatomy crossed; that come April; it's still available.
    But as you say; it could even be a sheep in wolves clothing and a nice blessing in disguise. If prices continue to fall.
  • alph250
    alph250 Posts: 18 Forumite
    Just to let you know i applied on the 18th Novemver and again same old responses, i would ask them if there is still funding within your area you would then be able to gauge weather you have to wait untill the next FY or not.

    I'll let you know when i get a call back.
  • We bought with Ownhome - completed in November 2008. When we called them the first time they gave us a date and time that they would call us back - it was about 6 weeks after I called them but they basically made an appointment to call us back, and they did call back spot on the right time! So I dont know about them telling you they will call "sometime". I know that funding was beginning to run out in some areas so perhaps they are having issues with that. They were fantastic with us and we had no problems with customer service or anything - they were all great, however I do think its unfair if they are just stringing you along. Hope you manage to get some answers soon.

    SJ x
  • Ive had the same answer, but it was a few weeks ago. I am a bit suspicious of Places for People though, they arent very efficient. I also expressed an interest, quite separately, about some new build on a shared equity and it took a while for them to get back and then they didnt have all the details. They said a week ago they would have some prices and they havent, so now Im not sure if its a funding thing or they are really inefficient.
    I have autistic spectrum disorder which is a social communication disorder so please be patient with me.
  • I gave them another ring yesterday to see whether there was any progress with dates; or if they'd let slip anything i hadn't heard before . . .but guess what . . . exactly the same responses.

    "There's no shortage of funding"
    "Can't indicate a time frame as we are not the advisors"
    "The advisors are working through the list as quickly as possible"


    These answers are really wearing thin on me know.
    I appreciate it's a waiting game, buy my OH is in the police force (Keyworker), we're both first time buyers, and our Household income is less than £60K; fit the bill perfectly in all aspects.

    I just wish i'd get a call sooner rather than later.

    November and waiting . . . . . . . . .
  • I rang them for a callback at the start of December and I'm still waiting. I rang them again at the start of Febuary and I was told that they were currently working through the list of callers from October. I also asked about funding and was told there is funding in all areas.

    From everything I hear about this scheme it almost seems too good to be true. Time will tell.
  • ive ran the numbers on this scheme since i earn under 60k and im a FTB,

    The only benefit i can see of this scheme is if you have no deposit or a small deposit. The coop mortgages arent that great considering the LTV.

    you would need to have the mortgage over 17 years rather than 25 or it would be better not to use the scheme.

    from what people are saying they are just using this scheme to buy a home they cant really afford. - which in turn stores up problems further down the line
  • UPDATE!!

    Rang them last night on way home from work and have had some different news.

    "Those who rang in November / December should be getting a call this month"

    Finally, the chains begin to move.

    Best,
  • robin_banks
    robin_banks Posts: 15,778 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Yet more reasons not to bother with this hair-brained scheme.
    "An arrogant and self-righteous Guardian reading tvv@t".

    !!!!!! is all that about?
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