Lindsay Wood, recently appointed chief executive of Andium Homes. As for motivating the next generation of islanders, she wants to inspire them, cultivating new paths to citizenship while knocking homeownership helps her generate optimism. Wood only assumed her position a little over a week ago. As a long-time deputy CEO of Andium since the start, she hopes to change attitudes towards social housing and highlight the possibilities for first-time buyers on the island.
Her leadership has helped Andium Homes take bold action to fulfill the housing needs of Jersey’s communities. The organization has delivered 1,100 new homes and completed a major refurbishment of over 500 properties, ensuring they meet modern maintenance standards. Wood stated, “I’ve seen it go from strength to strength. We’ve brought all the homes up to the decent homes standard, so they all meet the maintenance requirements.”
At the present moment, Andium Homes is in the midst of creating 37 new affordable homes. This piece sits along on the Grande Route de St Jean, immediately adjacent to the Sion Methodist Church. The replacement homes will be a mix from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses. In fact, this pilot is a small example of Wood’s larger vision to bring more attainable housing options for millennial and Gen Z homebuyers.
Wood stresses that people can get home ownership equity free when they buy an Andium property. They only need to have an initial outlay of 70 or 75 percent the value of the property up front. The balance is deferred until the property is sold by someone. This method makes it possible for first-time buyers to join the housing market without the anxiety of a deposit. “We want to let them know what the opportunities are here for them to stay on the island and make their own life and raise their own family,” she affirmed.
Woods’ hope is to alter the public perception of social housing on Jersey by making it beautiful. He further argues that it not only serves as an important lifeline but that it provides even more. “Social housing is much broader in Jersey, and there’s lots of opportunities for people to rent and for first-time buyers,” she remarked.
She’s realistic, recognising that a lot of young people are disenchanted by the Jersey property market. Consequently, they are regularly forced to consider moving permanently to the UK or elsewhere. “For young people generally I think there’s an opportunity for people to have more optimism that they can stay on the island… perhaps they feel the Jersey property market is out of reach and they’re considering going to the UK or elsewhere,” Wood explained.
As she steps into her role, Wood believes that Andium Homes is in “really good shape” to support young homeowners and promote affordable living options. She is truly committed towards informing the public about these opportunities. Her work is sure to increase homeownership opportunities for young islanders and make the community of Martha’s Vineyard more vibrant and inclusive.
