Though applications open islandwide, priority will be given to Jamaicans living or working in the Corporate Area and St Catherine, NHT says

New opportunities are now at the fingertips of aspiring homeowners, as the National Housing Trust (NHT) will soon field applications for two housing solutions, Catherine Estate and phase four of Silver Sun Estate, in the parish of St Catherine.

Both housing schemes open applications on May 25 and close on May 27.

Catherine Estates

The NHT is providing for qualified contributors 47 solutions at Catherine Estates—28 one-bedroom units and 19 duplex studio units—which the Government entity disclosed was developed by the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ).

Catherine Estates is located along Salt Pond Road, a connecting route between Portmore and Spanish Town.

“The development features charming duplex studio and detached one-bedroom units with open concept living, dining and kitchen areas,” noted the NHT in its brochure on Catherine Estates.

Prices range between J$7 million and J$7.95 million for one-bedroom units, while studio units will start at J$6 million on the lower end and J$6.8 on the higher end.

At 280 square feet in size, Catherine Estates’ one-bedroom units are modestly smaller than studio units, at 395 square feet.

Per the NHT, Catherine Estates scheme unit applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Be a current NHT contributor, whether in the capacity of an employed or self-employed individual
• Be between 18 and 70 years old
• Have made at least 52 weekly contributions of which 13 must have been made in the last 26 weeks, immediately before the date of application
• Be a non-homeowner
• Never accessed a loan from the NHT
• Spouse is a non-homeowner

All qualified NHT contributors islandwide may apply, however, the entity disclosed that “preference will be given to qualified applicants who live and/or work in the Corporate Area and St Catherine.”

Silver Sun Estate IV

Located in Innswood, some 3.9 kilometres northeast of Spanish Town, St Catherine, applications open next Wednesday for Silver Sun Estate IV’s 140 two-bedroom solutions.

According to the NHT brochure, phase four of Silver Sun Estate, dubbed ‘Peace of Paradise’, will feature several amenities upon its completion, including a club house, multi-purpose court, football field and convenience stores.

The units, which bear varying lot sizes, range in prices between J$15 million and J$15.7 million. The standard unit area, however, is 770 square feet.

The NHT disclosed that it will provide financing of up to J$15 million to shortlisted applicants, as well as allowing the use of its contributions refund towards deposit (CRTD) programme and potentially getting access to intergenerational mortgages.

Co-applicants are encouraged, with the NHT indicating that its Priority Index Entitlement (PIE) selection system will be used to award scheme loans to eligible contributors.