Affordable homes

There are different types of affordable housing available. What type of housing can be provided will depend on your circumstances.

Social Rented Housing

This type of housing is owned by and provided by Housing Associations (now known as Registered Providers). The rents on these are set by the government.

You must register with Homesearch to look for and bid for properties. When you register, you will be awarded points based on your circumstances. The higher your priority the more points you will be given. This is known as the Choice Based Letting System

Properties are offered first to applications with the highest priority.

Or you can apply direct to a Housing Association (Registered Provider). Each will have their own system for placing you on a waiting list.

Affordable Rented Housing

This type of housing is owned by Housing Associations (now known as Registered Providers).

You must register with Homesearch to look for and bid for properties. When you register, you will be awarded points based on your circumstances. The higher your priority the more points you will be given. This is known as the Choice Based Letting System.

The amount of rent charged is more than social rented housing, but less than privately rented housing.

The properties are maintained in the same way as social rented housing.

You can apply direct to a Housing Association (Registered Provider). Each will have their own

Intermediate Housing

This type of housing includes property to rent and to buy and is owned by Housing Associations (now known as Registered Providers).

It is intended for households who are not a priority for social housing but perhaps cannot afford private rentals or homeownership.

Shared Ownership Housing and Rent to Buy

Shared ownership is for people who may not be able to afford to buy a whole house with a normal mortgage.

Rent to buy is where you could rent a home from a Housing Association at reduced rent level. This is so you can buy the property with a mortgage after a few years.

For more information on shared ownership and other ways to buy a new home please click here.