Housing group offers homes for all ages

FOR THE first time in many years, one of the oldest Jewish housing associations has opened applications to those other than of retirement age.

The Industrial Dwellings Society, founded by Baron Rothschild in London’s East End, expects to have 49 new homes available over the next year or so.

It is finalising the purchase of 22 homes in Mill Hill with another 27 to be built in Borehamwood later in the year.

The new acquisitions are part of plans to develop 500 affordable new homes over the next ten years. The society has raised around £40 million to finance the plans.

“Our intention is togo into areas where there is a strong Jewish community ,” said IDS chief executive Suzanne Wolfe.

She hoped people would be able to begin moving into the Mill Hill properties “in late spring or early summer”.

Jewish tenants currently account for less than one-in-five of the 1,400 homes IDS administers.

The society has also invested in the burgeoning new Chasidic community of Canvey Island with plans to increase its housing stock there from five to nine.

On average, 50 IDS homes become vacant annually. In recent years, it has mainly served older clients.

“Now for the first time, the waiting list is open to all ages for houses suitable for other than retirement,” Ms Wolfe said.

Two years ago, the society carried out research on housing needs within the community, warning that many young adults could be priced out of Jewish areas.