Who Can Apply?

• First-time buyers or those struggling to afford a deposit.
• Individuals willing to contribute labour or non-physical support.
• Must pass financial assessments and meet mortgage criteria.
• Must either live or have a strong connection to the Wigan area.

How to Get Started

The criteria for becoming a home partner is to be willing to participate in the ethos of creating a new community and fulfilling the sweat equity requirements, living or working in the Wigan area and be able to obtain a shared ownership mortgage.

1. Register your interest in becoming a home partner with Liza Parry, Chief Executive by emailing liza@hpbc.org.uk
2. Go through a financial assessment to determine if you are eligible for a shared ownership mortgage.
3. Upon completion of of the financial assessment, you will be asked to meet with two members of the family selection committee to assess your willingness to partner with HPBC and undertake the sweat equity and housing need.
4. The members of the committee will submit a report to the HPBC Board of Trustees who will vote whether or not to proceed with the application.
5. Induction as a home partner!

Home partners contribute in various ways from hands on construction work to essential behind-the-scenes support. Many assist with preparing reclaimed materials, such as cleaning bricks and ensuring they are suitable for reuse in the development.

Others take part in construction tasks as required on any given day. These can include assisting with cladding, joinery, painting, decorating as well as maintaining the site helping to create a warm and inviting space for future homeowners. Some home partners assist with logistical tasks, including transporting and organising supplies to ensure the site remains efficient and on schedule.  Team build days are an integral part of HPBC’s mission and model. 

These are an opportunity for the home partners and community to come together to progress the build, socialise with ‘Jacob’s join’ lunches and develop relationships with their future neighbours.  For those unable to contribute physically, there are non labour tasks such as managing social media, coordinating events, updating the HPBC website and engaging the wider community to raise awareness about our projects.

To ensure every hour is recognised, home partners track their sweat equity hours with log in sheets and HPBC staff. This helps maintain transparency and ensures each home partner stays on course in order to complete their hours. HPBC staff and site supervisors regularly verify the completed tasks and offer guidance and support to ensure all contributions meet the required standards. This process helps keep the work aligned with the project’s overall goals. Home partners receive regular progress updates which allows them to track their contribution milestones. These updates also provide insights into how their efforts are shaping the community and bringing them closer to homeownership.

Benefits of Shared Ownership

• Lower Initial Costs – Requires a smaller deposit and mortgage compared to full ownership.
• Security and Stability – Unlike renting, you have long-term security as a homeowner.
• Flexibility – The option to purchase more shares over time, increasing your ownership stake.
• More Affordable Monthly Payments – Mortgage and rent combined are often lower than private rent for a similar property.