Following the release of the HomeBuy Agent Competition Prospectus, applications to become agents from 1 April 2009 are now being taken by the Housing Corporation.

For the first time, the competition is open to organisations other than Housing Associations, including local authorities, Housing Corporation investment partners and public and private organisations with an interest in the sector.

Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas said: "Extending the eligibility of this competition confirms the Corporation's commitment to the mixed economy of providers in the affordable housing sector."

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The prospectus is the result of research into the roles of HomeBuy Agents (HBAs) commissioned by the Housing Corporation this year.

Mr Douglas continued: "Results from the research demonstrated a very high satisfaction rating amongst HBA customers; some 84% of a sample of affordable home ownership applicants reported they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the overall service they received from HBAs and 97% of the customer sample said that the product they were matched with met their current and future needs. Additionally key stakeholders also rated the performance of Local HomeBuy Agents as good.

"From April 2009, the role of HBAs will encompass functions previously commissioned separately by the Corporation and English Partnerships. It also brings together competitions for the National and the Local HomeBuy Agent roles. The new arrangements will be administered by the Homes and Communities Agency."

(CD/JM)