Affordable rented housing

Affordable rented homes are provided by both the Council (provided by Homes in Sedgemoor) and registered providers (housing associations), or in some cases by private landlords who charge rent below that charged on the open market.

For the rent to be classified as affordable, it must be no more than 80% of the market rent (including Service charge).

These homes are ideal if you do not want to, or are unable to, get a mortgage.

If you wish to apply for rented housing, you can do so by visiting Homefinder Somerset. 

Social rented housing

Social rented homes are provided by both the Council (provided by Homes in Sedgemoor) and registered providers (housing associations).

These homes are ideal for people and families with a low income.

If you wish to apply for rented housing, you can do so by visiting Homefinder Somerset. 

Shared ownership

Shared ownership properties can be both new and re-sale properties and are provided by Registered Providers (Housing Associations).

New Developments

These properties you buy between 25% and 75% of your home and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder.  You may be able to buy more shares, in some cases you may be able to buy 100% share of your home.

Shared ownership is ideal if you live in an area with high prices as you only need to find a deposit on the percentage you buy and you will require a smaller mortgage.

Re-sales

These properties have already been bought through shared ownership in the past, and the owners are now looking to sell their percentage (%) share.  You buy the % share and pay a subsidised rent on the remainder.  These properties are likely to be in established communities and you may have a wider choice of styles.

Help to Buy (Equity Loan)

With a Help to Buy Equity Loan the Government lends you up to 20% of the cost of your newly built home, so you will only need a 5% cash deposit and a 75% mortgage to make up the rest.  You will not be charged loan fees on the 20% for the first five years of owing your home.

Example: If you purchase a newly built property with a value of £180,000, you will need to have a deposit of £9,000 equal to 5% of the property value. The government will then give you a loan of £36,000 equal to 20% of the property value, meaning you have £135,000 left of the property value to get a mortgage on.

You can find more information on Help to Buy Equity Loan here

Help to Buy (Isa)

The Help to Buy Isa is designed to help first time buyers save up for a mortgage deposit. It allows you to save £1,200 in the month you open your account and then up to £200 a month from then on.

When purchasing your first home, the government will give you an additional sum of money equivalent to 25% of the money you have saved in your Help to Buy Isa up to £12,000. Meaning a maximum contribution of £3,000 from the government.

Example: If you save the full £1,200 in the month you open your Isa and then save £200 for the next 3 years. You will have saved £8,400 and when purchasing a property, you will receive £2,100 from the Government. This will give you a total of £10,500 to put towards your deposit.

For further information on Help to Buy Isa visit Help to Buy Isa

Rent to Buy Schemes

Rent to Buy Schemes are run by Housing Associations and Registered Provider, where they will offer rented homes at 20% below market value. This then allows you to set aside the 20% you are saving to put towards a deposit for your home. After a predetermined time you will the be able to purchase your home or a portion of your home on the terms of shared ownership (more information about shared ownership above).

For further information on Rent to Buy visit Rent to Buy

Discounted Open Market Sales

Discounted Open Market Housing: New Developments

You will own the whole share of the property, but will only pay between 60% and 80% of its open market value.  You will need to speak directly to the house builder for information on this product.  You can find further details on Discounted Open Market Housing on the Help to Buy South West website.

Discounted Open Market Housing: Re-sales

The same as above you will own the whole share of the property, but will only pay between 60% and 80% of its open market value.  These homes will be advertised with local Estate Agents and on the Help to Buy South West website.