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Rent to Buy

Saving to buy a home can be difficult and sometimes feels completely out of reach – but that isn’t the case, thanks to Pine Court Housing Association’s Rent to Buy scheme.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer struggling to save for a deposit whilst renting, or don’t have a great credit score, a Rent to Buy scheme could help you purchase your dream home.

Rent to Buy is a government scheme designed to help you transition from renting a property, to buying a home.

You’ll commit to rent a property for a set length of time (normally five years) and will have the opportunity to purchase it before your tenancy ends.

With more affordable rent (around 20% less than the market price) you will be able to save towards a deposit and buy the home that you are in through Shared Ownership and may also be able to purchase your home outright.

Shared Ownership is a scheme that will enable you to buy a share of your home – meaning a smaller mortgage and a reduced deposit.

Initially, shares will be available from either 10% or 25% to 75% of the property value, depending on affordability.

After your first share purchase, you can then either gradually increase your shares over time (this is called staircasing) or purchase the remaining shares outright.

At the beginning of a tenancy agreement, you will confirm your intentions to purchase the property if, and when financially possible.

If you are unable to purchase your home, alternative rental options will be provided, and you may be able to stay in the home you live in.

No, you will not be responsible for maintenance and repairs during your Rent to Buy tenancy. However, like any rental property, you will need to look after your home.

Am I eligible for Rent to Buy?

You may be eligible for a Rent to Buy property if you:

  • Are a first-time buyer
  • Used to own a home, but can’t afford to buy one now
  • Be in employment with a household income of £60,000 per year or less (this includes you and anyone you will live with, including a partner or friend)
  • Have a good credit history (if you have ever been bankrupt or have had a CCJ in the past 12 months, your assessment will be declined, if you have had a CCJ beyond 12 months ago, your assessment may still be declined depending on the amount and whether an agreement has been made)

For more details on Rent to Buy, please email sales@pinecourt-housing.co.uk