People who do not currently own a property may be eligible to apply for a New Build Homebuy property if they are unable to buy on the open market. Also, people currently in a shared ownership property may be eligible. Generally when selling a New Build Homebuy property, we give priority to public sector tenants, key-workers, local people who live and or work in the area, or to those nominated by the Local Authority. Some scheme may be specific to key-workers.

In certain circumstances you may be able to apply. For example, you may be a current shared owner who needs to move to larger property, or you may be going through a separation from your partner. A Low Cost Home Ownership properties are funded by Government money and are aimed at those can’t afford to buy on the open market. All those wishing to buy an affordable home must be registered and approved by Housing Options.

Yes, provided that your joint income and savings do not enable you to buy a home on the open market.
Those applying must not own a property and you must be registered and approved by Housing Options.

If you satisfy all the other eligibility criteria, you may be eligible. You must be registered and approved by Housing Options.

Generally, the answer is no. Low Cost Home Ownership schemes are funded from Government money to assist people on lower incomes to live in or around the areas they live and or work. We have to control who benefits from the scheme. Also, if you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will probably be concerned if you let it to someone else and may have additional conditions and possibly costs to do this.

There is a very limited number of circumstances where we can give our approval for subletting. If you wish us to consider this you must write to Housing Management in the first instance.

Your lease will tell you if you can keep pets in your home.
If you live in a house there are not usually any restrictions however if you live in an apartment you are unlikely to able to keep a pet.

We are committed to creating sustainable communities where residents and their families can enjoy a quality of life free from anti-social behaviour.If you do experience any anti-social behaviour please contact our ASB Officer within Housing Management immediately. 

Generally, yes. Obviously, you can carry out minor work such as putting up shelves, installing fitted wardrobes or decorating without our consent. If you are planning to carry out major structural work, such as replacing windows, taking down or putting up wall or building extensions, you will need written permission.

If you are planning structural work to your home you should write to our Maintenance Department with plans and  onfirmation of who will be carrying out the work. All work must be carried out by reputable builders and accredited allied trades. The work undertaken would have the necessary building regulations and planning requirements.

If you are planning to carry out any major home improvements to your home you should remember that your home won’t always increase in value by the amount you spend on the improvements.

Rent is reviewed annually in April.

Finding a solicitor can be difficult however we do provide a list of solicitors who are experienced in dealing with shared ownership properties. The solicitors have been recommended to us by satisfied purchasers. The list is only a guide to assist purchasers who haven’t got a solicitor recommended by family or friends. You are free to use any solicitor, however, we recommend that whoever you instruct, check the solicitor is familiar with New Build Homebuy (shared ownership) and always obtain quotes before you choose the one to use.

Finding a suitable mortgage for a shared ownership property can be difficult and time consuming for the majority of us. We recommend you use an experienced Independent Financial Advisor as they are professionally qualified to advise you on the best mortgage options for your needs. They often are able to search round all the lenders to find you the best deal saving you a lot of time and money. We work with a number of Independent Financial Advisors who have experience in finding mortgages for our New Build Homebuy (shared ownership) purchasers. You don’t have to use them and you can if you prefer go direct to the lender or use recommendations from family and friends.