Affordable homes

There are different types of affordable housing available. The type of housing provided will depend on your circumstances. You must register with Homesearch to look for and express an interest in a property. This is known as the Choice Based Letting System.

When you register, you will be awarded a band based on your circumstances. The higher your priority, the higher priority banding you will be awarded. Banding is graded from A to D, with A being the highest priority through to D. Properties are first offered to applications with the highest priority.

You may also be able to apply direct to a Registered Provider. Each Registered Provider may have their own process for you to register an interest in a property or may refer you to register through Homesearch. 

For more information on how to apply, register, express an interest, search for properties and more, please visit Homesearch.

Please see a brief description of each type of affordable housing available through Registered Providers:

Social Rented Housing

Social rent is the lowest rent you can pay and is calculated using a government formula to determine the rent. Your home will be maintained and repaired by the Registered Provider.

Affordable Rented Housing

The amount of rent charged is at least 20% below the current market rent prices, which is more than social rented housing, but less than privately rented housing. The properties are maintained in the same way as social rented housing.

Intermediate and Rent to Buy Housing

These types of housing are aimed at people who are unable to afford to purchase a property but intend to do so after a fixed period of renting from a Registered Provider.

Intermediate and Rent to Buy rent is set below current market rent prices and is intended to allow tenants the opportunity to save for a mortgage deposit, allowing them to be able to purchase a home.

Shared Ownership Housing 

Shared ownership is for people who may not be able to afford to buy a whole house with a normal mortgage, so will buy a certain percentage of the home from the Registered Provider. The share you buy is typically between 25% and 75%, although you can buy as little as a 10% share on some homes.

For more information on shared ownership, Rent to Buy and other ways to buy a new home please visit our buying a home webpage.