Introduction to housing needs surveys

Affordable housing can be for sale or rent, for those whose needs are not met by the market. Affordable housing can be any of the following:

Affordable housing for rent

This can be social rent, affordable rent or at least 20% below local market rents. The property is usually owned by a Registered Provider, otherwise known as a Housing Association.

First homes

These are new properties available to buy by qualifying first-time buyers. First homes are sold at a discount of at least 20% of the market value.

Discounted market sale housing

These are houses sold at a discount of at least 20% below local market value. Eligibility is based on local incomes and local house prices. Measures should be in place to ensure these houses remain at a discount for future eligible households.

Rent to buy

Homes are initially rented at less than market rent (usually 20%) for up to five years. The home must be bought, usually through shared ownership, before the end of the five years. There are rules about what happens when the property is sold, including the need to make sure that the property remains as affordable housing and future occupants also have a local connection.

Shared ownership

This is a government-funded scheme that allows a resident to buy a share of a property - usually between 10% and 75%. Rent is paid on the remaining portion to the Registered Provider (Housing Association). 

Over time, ownership shares can be increased - up to a maximum of 80% in parishes with less than 3,000 residents. Because residents only own part of the property, it can be purchased with a smaller deposit and mortgage. 

Rural affordable homes are needed because of the current high house prices and low to medium incomes, causing many households to move away from their communities. This can have a negative impact on essential services and facilities, including falling school numbers, and shops and post offices closing.

Anyone can apply as long as they:

• meet the local connection criteria; and
• have a combined household income and/or savings below £60,000

Examples of those who may be eligible to apply could be:

• retired people looking for single storey accommodation, such as bungalows
• a single person wishing to set up home independently
• a single person needing to move because of a relationship breakdown
• couples with or without children - regardless of the age of the couple or children
• families
• people currently living in tied accommodation linked to their job but trying to find a secure tenancy
• those with affordability issues or continuous six month tenancy agreements trying to find a more secure tenancy
• people employed within the parish who commute into work

Those not eligible

You will not be eligible for affordable housing if you: 

• can afford to buy a property on the open market
• own a home when you apply for an affordable property

The survey should be completed by each separate household that needs or may require alternative housing in the near future. For example, a family with grown up children living with them may require two or more homes in the future. If parents want a home for themselves, they should complete one form. If their adult children want their own home, they should complete a form for each of them, or one form if they want to share a home.

Affordable housing is not a solution if you wish to sell a property, for example to downsize. If your property has sold, and you are able to buy something smaller outright or with a mortgage, you will not be eligible.