Home improvement loans

The Home Improvement Loan is a unique, low-cost, home improvement service and lending scheme offered by the Council in partnership with Parity Trust.

It is specifically designed for homeowners who require financial assistance in order to carry out essential repairs, maintenance works or adaptations to their properties.

The Home Improvement Loan can be used for a wide variety of works including:

• Double glazing
• Roof repairs
• Bathroom adaptations
• Boiler replacements
• Radiator and/ or heating repairs

In some cases they can provide top-ups to Disabled Facilities Grants and loans for renewable technologies (eco-loans).

The Benefits

• Fixed interest rate for the entire term of the loan - from 26th June should be 6.49%
• Flexible repayment options
• Make additional payments
• No penalties to settle your loan early
• Low arrangement fee
• Support with contractors
• Property inspection
• Full financial review in your home
• Tailored loan package

How does it work?

Assessment

In most cases we would arrange for one of our staff to come out and assess the works to make sure they are eligible under our housing policy.

Financial review

We use the specialist financial services of the Parity Trust (a not-for-profit organisation) to deliver our range of loan products. One of their qualified loans advisors will contact you to arrange a home visit and carry out a financial review. If a loan is deemed to be suitable, you will be sent a loan illustration and a copy of your financial report.

Getting a quote for works

If you decide to proceed we would normally ask you to forward a minimum of two quotes for the proposed works. We can also provide help if you need guidance on how to obtain quotes from reputable contractors.

Securing the loan

Once we have approved the quotes, Parity Trust will send you the loan agreements. They will arrange for the loan to be secured against your property before any building works can start.

Final inspection

Once the works have been completed we will carry out a final inspection before any funds are released.

For more information on loan products available, interest rates and to apply, please visit the Parity Trust.

Parity Trusts address: Parity Trust Head Office, Suite 73 Port View, One Port Way, Port Solent, Portsmouth PO6 4TY