A kosher social housing scheme is expected to make a significant dent in the property shortage for Charedi families in Salford.

The Stamford Hill-based Agudas Israel Housing Association will be offering 23 new-build family homes in the Kings Square development off Leicester Road, Salford, an area where over 200 Jewish people are reported to be in need of social housing.

Developer Countryside Properties has worked with Jewish advisers to design the houses with kosher kitchens and succah roofs to entice Jewish buyers. However, under the plans before Salford City Council, Countryside was not obligated to offer a social housing element, so AIHA stepped in to purchase three, four and six-bedroom properties to support the families with the greatest needs. Most will be rented with some sold in a shared-ownership scheme. Open days are being held for applicants.

AIHA chief executive Ita Symons reported that over 100 applications had already been received. Families will move in the day properties are handed over by the developer in August.

“We’ve got a huge waiting list and huge demand for these wonderful houses,” Mrs Symons said. “We do all the preparatory paperwork beforehand so people do not have to wait to move in. We may buy more of these houses as demand is so high.”