'Sale and rent' aid plan on homes

Private 'sale and rent' schemes are not regulated by government

People in Wales struggling to pay their mortgages will be given official help to stay in their homes by the Welsh Assembly Government.

It is set to cut red tape to enable housing authorities to buy properties and rent them back to the previous owner for a "reasonable" sum.

The plans would provide regulations not available in the private sector.

Until now, only private companies could run "sale and rent back" schemes, with some people complaining of high rates.

Deputy Housing Minister Jocelyn Davies said the plan would take the pressure off some homeowners.

"Registered social landlords in Wales will be able to buy existing stock as well as looking to building new stock," she said.

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"Of course, that means they could buy a house with a sitting tenant.

"So it could be that you're an owner-occupier today in considerable difficulties but a registered social landlord may very well be able to buy that house so you then become a tenant.

"It's a way out for some people."

The plan comes as the credit crunch means more people are finding it harder to pay their mortgages.

"Sale and rent back" agreements have been used in the private sector and occur when a company buys a house below market value, agreeing that the previous owner can remain there as a tenant.

The UK Government has previously been lobbied to regulate these deals, which can leave people vulnerable to eviction.

The new assembly government plan would give protection not guaranteed when people enter into similar deals in the private sector.