East Hampshire District Council has put £545,000 towards a scheme to make homes more affordable in Medstead.

Using money collected from developers building in the area, it is helping residents get on the housing ladder by reducing the asking prices of seven new homes in the village.

The scheme, provided in conjunction with Merlion Homes, will see the council’s funding allow each home to be sold at 25 per cent below full market value, giving residents the chance of a home that would otherwise be out of reach.

The council will hold equity in the homes and can decide whether to leave it in place or redeem the funds if the homes are sold in the future.

Cllr Adeel Shah, East Hampshire District Council’s portfolio holder for community development and engagement, said: “House prices in East Hampshire are getting higher and higher.

“That means young people are priced out of the towns and villages they grew up in and are forced to move elsewhere if they want to get into the property market.

“This scheme will help us add seven new affordable homes to the market, and we will be prioritising East Hampshire residents to help our own local people to stay near their families and friends.

“The funding also acts as an investment. The council will be able to recoup its money, plus any increase in value, when the homes are sold in the future and re-invest that funding in future affordable housing projects.”

These high-quality homes will comprise four two-bedroom maisonettes and three three-bedroom houses, with the first properties ready in late 2026.

Priority will be given to local people, reinforcing the council’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive communities across the district.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

Prospective buyers interested in these homes should contact Merlion Homes directly for further information and to register their interest.