Intermediate renting
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
An intermediate renting scheme provides discounted rent for certain eligible households, helping them afford to live in the area they want.
Under this scheme, your rent is set somewhere between the level charged by a social landlord (ie a council or housing association) and those charged by private landlords.
Accommodation is provided by housing associations, known as HomeBuy Agents, and the type of tenancy you will receive is an assured shorthold tenancy.
How do I qualify for an intermediate renting scheme?
Intermediate rent schemes were originally aimed at key workers, but have now been extended to all households depending on their income.
You can now qualify for an intermediate rent scheme if:
- you have a household income of less than £60,000, and
- you cannot afford to buy a suitable property on the open market without assistance, and
- you are able to make a commitment to join a home ownership scheme in the short to medium term (usually, within five years), and
- you can show how this discounted rent will enable you to save for a deposit.
You must also be able to afford 80 per cent of the local market rent without financial assistance, such as housing benefit.
How do I apply for an intermediate renting scheme?
You can apply to join this scheme through a HomeBuy Agent, which will assess you for eligibility. Intermediate renting schemes are only available to households that are registered with a HomeBuy Agent.
You can find a HomeBuy agent in your area by visiting the Government's HomeBuy website.
