People in Cumberland County will soon have more options for affordable housing, including a new path to affordable home ownership, with the development of The Groves at Hillsdale in Amherst.
The modular home community will include 47 homes when complete. Twenty-eight homes will be available through a shared ownership model led by United Way Maritimes, giving more families a chance to own a home without the barrier of a down payment. The remaining 19 homes will offer affordable rental options for individuals and families.
“The Groves at Hillsdale is another way we are helping more Nova Scotians make their dream of home ownership a reality,” said PC Housing Minister John White. “This partnership between multiple levels of government and members of our non-profit sector is helping Nova Scotians in the Amherst area secure affordable safe housing both today and for generations to come.”
The project is supported by community partners and led by United Way Maritimes. Our PC government is investing more than $4 million to help make The Groves at Hillsdale possible, alongside significant contributions from the non-profit sector.
This is the first time a shared home ownership model like this has been used in Nova Scotia. With support from our PC government, United Way Maritimes will retain about 30 per cent ownership of each home, ensuring resale conditions keep the homes affordable for future buyers. Purchase prices range from $127,000 to $182,000, with estimated monthly mortgage payments between $740 and $1,100.
Affordable rental units are also a key part of the development, offering below-market rents for eligible households. The first 12 rental units are already complete and will be occupied by February 1.
In addition, our PC government is supporting more affordable housing in Amherst by providing funding to the Cumberland County Transition House Association to purchase and maintain a five-unit affordable apartment building.
Our PC government is delivering safe, affordable housing in Amherst while getting more homes built, faster.