Photo: Town of Osoyoos

The Town of Osoyoos is now taking applications from families interested in taking advantage of the town's Near-Market Affordable Housing Program.

Three of the lots in the Richter subdivision have been set aside to be sold at a 15 per cent discount below their appraised value for eligible households.

The town’s citizen-volunteer Affordable Housing Authority will approve families for the program, with preference given to younger working families especially with school-age children. Program recipients can only resell their homes at a controlled profit within a 30-year time period to keep them in the affordable housing pool.  

The town says they have signed an option to purchase agreement with Hart Buckendahl of Osoyoos-based, Ellcar Construction for up to 20 lots to build their “Meadowlark Place” housing development.

The town will be “gifting” the 15 per cent discount to four families, two single family houses and a duplex.

"This exciting new public-private enterprise will expand home choices for current and possibly future Osoyoos families to assist community, social and economic sustainability, and return taxpayer value for use of public lands," said Alain Cunningham, director of planning and development services in a media release.

The homes will be built on narrow frontage lots to save land, but will fit two-storey, 2,400 sq. ft. homes. The affordable home exteriors will be identical to the market units, with some interior details differing.

Application forms will be posted here.