Northern Ireland housing association Co-Ownership has unveiled a new series of digital enhancements for its offering.

Co-Ownership made the announcement at a conference for industry and government partners in Belfast to celebrate its 40th anniversary in business.

The enhancements include:

• moving to an online application process, which can be done directly by the consumer or by a mortgage advisor on their behalf.

• changing how homebuyers can apply - meaning that people can apply and get an offer in principle before they find a property (Previously homebuyers had to identify a property and agree their purchase before they could apply to Co-Ownership.)

• introducing a new brand image to the marketplace as part of its plans to increase the number of homebuyers it supports in the years ahead.

-- Advertisement --

• launching a Solicitors' Portal which enables solicitors to receive their Co-Ownership instructions electronically and guides them through the home buying process.

Mark Graham, CEO of Co-Ownership, explained: "We have taken on board feedback from customers and industry partners and are investing significantly to improve our services for them. We are delighted to announce these positive changes as part of our 40th anniversary celebrations.

"The outcome of the enhancements will be a much faster process for homebuyers, which will put them in a better position when bidding on a property, as they will be pre-approved and should be able to complete a purchase as quickly as any other kind of buyer.

"Co-Ownership has been an important part of Northern Ireland's housing market for 40 years and the changes that we are making will ensure that it continues to be an important part of the market for many years to come," he added.

The Department for Communities' Housing Director, Deborah Brown, congratulated Co-Ownership on its success, saying: "With the support of Government, 27,000 people have been supported toward owning their own home through Co-ownership. This is a magnificent achievement. Housing is an essential enabler for such a wide range of economic and social outcomes. The Department looks forward to its continued partnership working with Co-Ownership to help many more households fulfill their aspirations of homeownership."

(CM/MH)