Breadcrumb navigation:

Affordable housing

This is your property guide to everything you need to know about affordable homes such as shared equity and shared ownership schemes.

moving vanWhile there are many properties for sale via ESPC that are ideal for first time buyers or those with smaller budgets, there are other affordable housing options available.

There is a range of affordable house buying initiatives from the public sector, such as Housing Associations, as well as from the private sector through new build developments which can help people secure their first home or move up the property ladder.  Here are a few to consider:

Shared Equity

Shared equity is where you own 100% of the property but a percentage (normally less than 50%) of the equity is retained by the organisation that helped you pay for the property. This may be a social landlord or the property developer.

Shared Ownership (Part Ownership)

Shared ownership is where you own a percentage of the property and the remainder is owned by a third party, usually a Housing Association. There may be an occupancy charge and you may have to give the Housing Association first right of refusal when you wish to sell your share. If you are interested in this option please contact your local housing association.

Rent to Buy

With this options, after renting a property for a period of time you have the option to buy the property. All or some of the rent paid to date would be accounted for in the price that would be paid for the property. It's a bit like try before you buy!

Discounted Sale Properties

These are properties which are for sale below the market value. There are eligibility criteria for anyone looking to buy a discounted property. Homes on this scheme available through City of Edinburgh Council can be viewed by clicking here.

LIFT

The Scottish Government is committed to supporting home ownership in a balanced and sustainable way by helping people on low to moderate incomes to become home owners, where that is affordable for them. Its Low-cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) brings together several ways to help households access home ownership. More details can be viewed here.

 

The details of each scheme vary based on the criteria set by the organisation behind it.

You can also register for our affordability alerts. We will send you details as and when any new schemes or opportunities are launched on to the property market. Click here to register now.

See New Properties