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Homeowner FYI: A
lthough about two-thirds of Nova Scotia households are homeowners – which is one of the highest rates in the country – the dream of homeownership is out of reach for many people. The team at Housing Nova Scotia recognize they’ve “got some work to do” to break the barriers to home ownership and address that gap. Housing Nova Scotia was founded in 2013 in order to meet the realities and challenges facing today’s families and communities. After collecting feedback from more than 500 individuals and organizations, they crafted the province’s first long-term housing strategy that emphasized affordability, choice, partnership and communitybuilding. Housing Nova Scotia’s five goals are to foster healthy, vibrant communities; ensure affordable housing choices for owners and renters; provide paths to equity and home ownership; build partnerships that draw on the strengths of local communities, businesses, and governments; and serve
Affordable Housing seniors, people with disabilities, and vulnerable Nova Scotians with independence and dignity. One of the major hurdles for Nova Scotians who want to purchase their first home is down payments – and many people may never overcome the cost of full market rental rates to adequately save for their own home. Housing Nova Scotia will be creating new homeownership programs – helping people save for down payments and build equity – as well building moderately-priced homes for purchase – such as in Halifax’s Bloomfield development. “Bloomfield will be the province’s first mixed-market community, with more than 400 new homes ranging from townhouses to mid-rises – and 40 per cent of them will be affordably priced,” says Troke. They’ve also partnered with Habitat for Humanity, the YWCA, and the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association to donate land for affordable housing, help women in shelters find supportive housing, and build
modest sized homes at a modest price for first time homebuyers. The Housing Strategy will help seniors comfortably age in place within their own homes by renovating their current homes to adapt to their needs – like overhauling bathrooms, or making room for a caregiver to move in. Housing Nova Scotia will also provide people with disabilities with opportunities for social inclusion by building diverse housing that integrates supported and accessible units directly into the developments. “When Nova Scotians buy a home, that investment is a significant contribution to our economy and it helps to create good jobs,” says Troke. “It’s also an effective retention tool, as homeowners tend to stay longer when they decide to lay down roots.”
To learn more about Housing Nova Scotia initiatives, please visit www.housingns.ca
New homes in the city Starting as low as
239,900 $ 1,150
$
Or monthly* from only
All Levels Finished!
From
An active community featuring a mix of home styles and price points to suit your family.
www.picketfencehomes.ca/governorsbrook *Financing based on current posted rate, OAC, some conditions apply
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The REAL Home Show • 2015
239,900
$
Affordable Split-Entry 1,456 sq. ft. Finished (3 bdrm, 1.5 bath)
From
Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association
Open Tues-Thurs & Weekends 1-4pm
8 Brick Lane, Halifax Exclusive Cul-de-sac!
274,900
$
3 Level Townhome with Garage 1,522 sq. ft. Finished (3 bdrm, 2.5 bath)
Custom Built or Move-in Ready Homes Available
Visit Our Sales Centre
From
319,900
$
2-Storey with Garage 1,671 sq. ft. Finished (3 bdrm, 2.5 bath)
Nova Scotia’s 2013 Builder of the Year.
