There is currently a high demand for council and housing-association homes. We are not able to rehome everyone on the housing register because only a small number of homes become available each year. Because of this you may want to think about your other housing options. Some of these options may mean you won’t have to wait as long for a home.
Private rented homes
Private rented homes can include lodgings, shared homes or renting your own flat or house. Your landlord may be a person or a company. Private renting lets you find the type of home you need in the area you want to live. If you decide you want to rent a private home, you will need to get cash together for a deposit and usually one month’s rent in advance.
If you are on a low income or other benefits, you may need help with paying a deposit. For more information please phone the Housing Advice Centre on 01782 233696.
Mutual exchange
If you are a council tenant or a housing association tenant, you may be able to swap your home with another tenant. Both secure and assured tenants have the right to exchange homes. This is called a mutual exchange.
An assured shorthold tenancy is for a fixed period of time. If you have a shorthold tenancy or live in purpose-built units, you do not have the right to a mutual exchange, although it may be allowed in some situations.
If you would like more information on mutual exchange please contact your landlord for more details.
What is HomeBuy?
HomeBuy is a range of low-cost home ownership and discounted market rent products. These schemes are aimed at helping first time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder.
New Build HomeBuy (formerly Shared Ownership)
New Build HomeBuy is a fantastic opportunity if you want to get a foot on the property ladder but can’t afford to buy a home on the open market. It allows you to buy a share in a brand new property (either a house or an apartment) on a part buy / part rent basis and pay a subsidised rent on the part that you do not own. You can buy an initial share of between 25% and 75% and pay rent on the remaining share. In most cases you can buy additional shares until you own the property outright. This is known as ‘staircasing’.
HomeBuy Direct
This scheme provides equity loans to help first time buyers purchase selected new build properties which you buy from a developer. The purchaser takes out a mortgage to cover at least 70% of the purchase price and this is topped up with equity loans covering the remainder of the price. These loans are part-funded by the Homes and Communities Agency and the developer. There is no interest to pay on these loans for the first 5 years after purchase. The HomeBuy Agents can advise further on these and other schemes available.
What is a HomeBuy Agent?
A HomeBuy Agent is a Registered Social Landlord appointed by the Homes and Communities Agency, the national housing and regeneration agency for England. Orbit HomeBuy Agency is the HomeBuy Agent for the West Midlands, providing a one stop shop for the schemes available.
Who is Eligible?
Most people are first time buyers but if you need to buy a property in a situation such as a relationship breakdown, or where your household has outgrown its existing arrangements, you might also be eligible, depending on your circumstances. All applicants must have a household income of less than £60,000 a year.
How do I find out more about HomeBuy?
The best way to find out more about HomeBuy is to look at the HomeBuy Agent’s website – www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk. Alternatively you can phone the Agency for more details on 03458 50 20 50.
Smartmoves
Smartmoves is a partnership between Brighter Futures, North Staffs YMC A and Gingerbread. It is a free service that will provide you with support, help and information to give you the skills and knowledge to live successfully in your own home. They will work with you to make sure that what they offer is what you need. If your needs change, then they will make sure what they offer changes.
Is Smartmoves for you?
Yes, if you live in Stoke-on-Trent or North Staffordshire and are:
• aged 16 or over;
• single, couples or a family;
• at risk of losing your home;
• need help to sort out your bills and debt;
• living alone, feel lonely and finding it hard to cope; or
• homeless (Newcastle and Staffordshire Moorlands areas only).
You do not have to live in rented accommodation to receive help from Smartmoves. They can provide help whether you rent from the council, a housing association, a private landlord, or live in your own home. You don’t need to be receiving any other type of help or support to access Smartmoves.
For more information or for an informal chat please phone Smartmoves on 01782 683166. If you have a social worker, CPN, probation officer or health worker then speak to them about Smartmoves and ask them to refer you in. You can also ask at the Citizens Advice Bureau.
For more information on the range of housing options available to you please phone our Housing Advice Centre on 01782 233696.