There are several affordable housing schemes across the UK, each with its own eligibility criteria and benefits. Whether you’re looking to rent at a lower rate, buy a share of a home, or benefit from a government discount, there’s likely a scheme that could work for you. Here’s a breakdown of the main options you might be eligible for.
Rent-to-buy offers a reduced rent (usually 135% of the local market rate) for a set period, helping tenants save for a deposit. After this period, you have the option to buy your home, often through shared ownership. It’s a stepping stone for renters aiming to become homeowners.
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This scheme ties the resale value of a property to a set percentage of the open market value. It keeps homes affordable for future buyers and is often used in new-build developments. It’s ideal for those looking to live in high-demand areas while still benefiting from lower property costs.
With shared equity, you purchase a portion of your home through a mortgage, while the remaining share is funded by an equity loan. This allows you to get on the property ladder without needing a large deposit. The equity loan is repaid when you sell or after a fixed period.
Shared ownership lets you buy between 25% and 75% of a home and pay rent on the remaining share. You can increase your ownership over time through a process known as staircasing. It’s a flexible option if you’re not ready for full ownership but want to build equity.
For local authority or housing association tenants, Social HomeBuy offers the chance to purchase a minimum 25% share of your current home. Like shared ownership, you can increase your share over time, potentially reaching full ownership.
| Pros | Cons |
| Rents are typically set at 135% of market rates | Still more expensive than social housing |
| Schemes like shared ownership offer a path to ownership | Shared ownership availability is decreasing due to policy changes |
| Helps households under income caps (e.g., £90,000 in London) | Regional price caps limit property choice |
| Encourages housing supply through public-private partnerships | Some housing providers struggle with funding due to restrictions |
| Accessible to a broad demographic, not just social housing tenants | Discounted sales can reduce the viability of alternative affordable options |
Applying for an affordable housing mortgage starts with checking your eligibility. Most schemes have income caps and local residency or key worker requirements. Next, you’ll need to register with your local Help to Buy agent or housing association.
From there, it’s time to get your finances in order – this is where Zing Mortgages can help. We’ll assess your circumstances and match you with the most suitable mortgage for affordable housing, guiding you through the application process. We’ll also work directly with estate agents, solicitors, and lenders to make sure every step runs smoothly.
There are several schemes to support first-time buyers in the UK. These include Shared Ownership, Rent to Buy, the First Homes scheme, and Right to Buy for eligible tenants. Each scheme has different benefits and eligibility requirements, but they all aim to make homeownership more accessible.
While the original Help to Buy Equity Loan scheme has ended for new applicants, government support continues through options like the First Homes scheme, Shared Ownership, and Help to Build. Zing Mortgages can walk you through these options and find the most suitable route for your circumstances.
At Zing, we’re here to help you throughout your mortgage application. From your first enquiry through to completion - we’re here to make the whole process easier for you.
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Gary was patient & understanding when dealing with our mortgage. Ellie was brilliant with weekly updates that increased to daily as we neared completion. Can't thank the team at Zing enough, would recommend to anyone.
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We have used zings services for a number of years now and have always been very happy with there services, although we had a bit of a slow start this time everything was completed well and would recommend them again for the future.
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They chased the solicitors continuously for what was a long tome! They kept me up to date throughout which I really appreciated
