Other ownership schemes
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. This page applies to England only. Get advice relating to Scotland
If property is expensive in your area, buying on the open market
may seem impossible, but in many parts of the country there are schemes
that can help make home ownership a more realistic option. Buying a home is always a big financial commitment, but home
ownership schemes can help to make it more affordable and less risky
than buying privately.
You may be eligible for these schemes even if you don't have the Right to Buy or the Right to Acquire.
Although home ownership schemes can make buying a place an option,
you need to think seriously about whether you will be able to afford it in the long-term. The options set out in this section can cut the costs of buying
but your monthly mortgage
payments may still be expensive in relation to your income. Always get financial advice before you sign up to any scheme.
About home ownership schemes
Gives an overview of the different home ownership schemes available and how they operate. Read more 
Social HomeBuy
Social HomeBuy gives eligible council and housing association tenants the opportunity to buy a stake in their current home. You may be eligible even if you do not qualify for the Right to Buy, or the Right to Acquire. Read more
New Build HomeBuy
Under the New Build HomeBuy scheme, newly built homes or renovated properties are sold on a shared ownership basis. The lease usually lasts for 99 years. Read more
Open Market HomeBuy
Under the Open Market HomeBuy scheme, you can borrow between 15 and 50 per cent of the value of the property. Read more
HomeBuy Direct
HomeBuy Direct is a shared equity scheme for new-build properties. Read more
Rent to HomeBuy
The Rent to HomeBuy scheme is open to people who would normally be eligible to buy a share in a New Build HomeBuy Read more
First time buyers initiative
If you are a first time buyer, you may be eligible for help to buy a newly built property under this scheme, which you can apply for through a HomeBuy agent. Read more
Home ownership for people with a long-term disability (HOLD)
This is a home ownership scheme, which allows people with a long-term disability to buy a share of between 25 and 75 per cent under the HomeBuy scheme. This is known as the HOLD scheme. Read more
Key worker living programme
Key Worker Living schemes are designed to help people live and work in parts of the country where property prices are very high, by providing equity loans or affordable rents. Read more
Cash incentive schemes
This scheme is designed to free up council and housing association properties so they can be offered to people on housing waiting lists. Read more
Armed forces home ownership scheme (AFHOS)
Being a soldier, sailor or airman can be a hard life. It can also sometimes be difficult for members of Britain’s armed forces to get their feet on the property ladder. Read more
