New Affordable Housing Development Completes in Dorchester’s Brewery Square

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Fifty-six affordable homes have now been completed at The Hops in Brewery Square, Dorchester, with keys set to be handed over to local families in the coming weeks.

The £23 million project, delivered by local housing association Aster Group, has brought a mix of modern, energy-efficient homes to the area. The development includes a range of one-bedroom apartments and three- and four-bedroom houses, aimed at supporting both renters and first-time buyers.

Of the new homes, ten are available for affordable rent, while the remaining 46 are offered through shared ownership. This government-backed scheme enables buyers to purchase a share of a property while paying rent on the remainder, helping those who may be priced out of the open market due to high deposits and rising house prices.

Buyers have the option to increase their share over time through a process known as “staircasing”, which can eventually lead to full ownership. This offers a pathway to homeownership while providing greater security compared to private renting.

Construction of The Hops was completed at the end of 2024, and Aster Group has confirmed that the remaining properties will be open for viewing on August 30. Prospective buyers will be able to explore the homes, with prices for a four-bedroom house starting from £117,500 for a 25% share.

Amy Nettleton, assistant development director at Aster Group, said they were delighted to bring a selection of shared ownership homes to The Hops in Dorchester. She noted that house prices in Dorset are generally higher than the national average, often requiring a larger deposit when buying on the open market. Shared ownership, she explained, provides a more accessible route to homeownership with a smaller deposit and greater long-term security than renting.

She highlighted the show home, a three-storey townhouse featuring four large double bedrooms, as an example of the quality and style. The property has a modern exterior design with large windows, allocated parking, and a convenient electric vehicle charging point.

“I’d really encourage anyone who is thinking about purchasing a home in the area to come and have a look around and talk to us to see if we can help,” Ms Nettleton said.

The development has been designed to meet the needs of modern living, with features such as private parking, electric vehicle charging points, and spacious, well-lit interiors. Energy efficiency has been prioritised throughout, helping to reduce running costs for future residents.