Check out these frequently asked questions in relation to National Housing Trust (NHT) housing schemes:

Q: If I have a co-applicant, whose points will be used for selection?

A: Only the points of the primary applicant will be used for selection, so ensure that the person with the highest points is the primary applicant.

Q: How will I know if my application is successful?

A: Watch our website and the print media to see if your name is published.

Q: What am I required to take to my interview?

A: Once you are selected you will be contacted by the NHT by mail and advised of the required documents you will need to submit, including:

* NIS and TRN cards

* If employed to a company, verification of gross income and contributions letter from past and present employers

* Proof of age and identification.

Q: What is PIE?

A: The Priority Index Entitlement (PIE) System is the selection system used by the NHT to award scheme loans to eligible contributors. Under PIE selection the criteria are:

* Parish of residence or parish of employment: Applicants must live and/or work in the parish where the development is located.

* Number of points: Points are derived from weekly contributions and current income.

Q: Will I be required to pay a deposit?

A: This is required only in instances where the price of the unit is greater than the loan amount granted by the NHT.

Q: How many persons can co-apply for a loan?

A: Any two contributors may co-apply for a loan, however three family members with established kinship ties may also co-apply and access a loan to buy or build a house where the unit has at least two bedrooms.

Q: What is Parent Assist 1?

A: A parent, up to age 70, may assign his/her points to one biological or legally adopted child. The parent’s points would replace the points accumulated by the child to increase the likelihood of the child being selected for an NHT scheme solution.

The child must have never received an NHT housing benefit and the parent(s) must have:

* never received an NHT Non-Homeowner’s Loan or Homeowners loan

* contributed for over 10 years and

* not received their total refunds.

Q: What is deferred mortgage?

A: This facility is available to a contributor whose income cannot afford the full purchase price of a scheme unit. Under this arrangement, the NHT will defer payment of up to 40 per cent of the cost of the unit.

Q: What is a short-term lease?

A: The NHT may offer a successful applicant, with or without a co-applicant, a short-term lease, not exceeding three years. The lessee has the option to purchase the unit at its original selling price, at anytime during the lease period.

Source: NHT