Frequently Asked Questions

 What is a HomeBuy Agent?

How do I know which properties are available?

Can I afford it?  

Can I buy additional shares?

I am not a UK National. Am I eligible to apply?

What happens if I want to sell my home and move, after I have purchased through HomeBuy? 

What is a HomeBuy Agent?   
These are organisations appointed by the Housing Corporation as a one stop shop and point of contact assessing eligibility and providing information for applicants on all of the home ownership options available in their area. Each HomeBuy Agent covers a particular geographical area or zone. All are Registered Social Landlords with a proven track record in delivering low cost home ownership schemes. 
    
How do I know which properties are available?   
All housing associations that are offering homes for sale or discounted rent in Kent, Essex, Sussex, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire are marketing their properties on this website. Where individual eligibility criteria apply these will be detailed for the particular scheme or development. In order to proceed with a scheme or development that you are interested in you must first register with your HomeBuy agent. Your HomeBuy Agent will also share your application details with other housing associations who may also send you property information.   
    
Can I afford it?   
Buying a property is expensive and feedback from purchasers confirms that an amount of £3500 to cover the one-off costs is realistic. To proceed with your application, you will need to have access to at least £3500, either through savings or from family/friends, without the need to borrow extra money on your mortgage or to take out a personal loan.
If you think you can afford a mortgage we suggest you seek advice from an independent mortgage advisor.


Can I buy additional shares?   
If you buy a New Build HomeBuy property you can increase your ownership at a later stage and own the property outright if you wish to. This is called “staircasing”. Many people who buy affordable homes staircase to become full owners.  
    
I am not a UK National. Am I eligible to apply?   
You will be eligible to apply for HomeBuy if you have the right to reside permanently in the UK. If you are not a British citizen this means you should have “indefinite leave to remain” stamped inside your passport. People from member states of the EU/European Economic Area may also apply if you are currently living and working in the UK.

If you do not have the right to reside permanently in the UK we can consider your application to rent a home at discounted rent (key workers only).     
    
What happens if I want to sell my home and move, after I have purchased through HomeBuy?   
Advice about selling and re-purchasing a property would be available from the housing association that dealt with the original purchase.   (Top) 


If you have any questions regarding your eligibility for the HomeBuy Scheme, you may contact us directly.   
 

To Register/Apply Click here

Article Date: 01/04/2008