Feature article
Breaking the rental cycle — a real rent-to-own story
How Holly secured a home for her whānau through Habitat for Humanity’s rent-to-own programme
Last updated: 4 March 2025
AI summary
A Waikato whānau is breaking the rental cycle with Habitat for Humanity's Progressive Home Ownership programme. After educating herself at Waikato Tainui workshops, Holly Tipene successfully applied for the rent-to-own scheme.
The programme involves:
- Paying rent based on 30% of household income, with a portion saved for a deposit.
- Completing 500 hours of "sweat equity" (volunteer work).
- Receiving financial education to prepare for a mortgage.
With a purchase price locked in for five years, the family is protected from market inflation and on a clear path to owning their home.
From roadblocks to possibilities
Breaking a generational cycle
Rent-to-own makes it possible
Only the first step on the property ladder
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