Rent to Buy is a government designed scheme that allows working households to rent a home at 20% below the open market rent.
Applicant Eligibility
- At the time of letting, prospective Rent to Buy tenants must be working households and intending to buy their own home in the future.
- Prospective Rent to Buy tenants must be first-time buyers or returning to the market following a relationship breakdown.
FAQs
Q: What benefits do the Rent to Buy scheme provide?
A: Rent to Buy allows you to live in a new build property at a monthly rent (approximately 80% of the market rent). This reduced monthly rent is designed to help you save for a deposit to purchase the property in the future.
Q: What are the costs involved?
A: Your monthly rent will be discounted by 20% when comparing rents for similar homes in the area. You must earn the minimum income required for the home to ensure that it is affordable for you, however there is no maximum income cap for this scheme. You will be required to pay a reservation fee which will be deducted from your first month’s rent should you enter into a Rent to Buy Tenancy with City Home Sales. All successful lets are subject to referencing which will include a credit check, employment reference and landlord reference. You will also be required to pay a rental deposit, which will be held by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) Your monthly rent will be paid in advance by direct debit. Your Lettings Officer will be able to inform you of the exact cost, depending on the date you move in. Other costs may include moving costs and setting up other direct debits associated with renting a property e.g. utility costs, council tax etc.
Q: Do I have to buy the property at the end of the tenancy?
A: Before you proceed with your tenancy, you will confirm your intentions to purchase the property in the future when financially possible.
Q: How long can I live in a Rent to Buy Home?
A: Your initial tenancy with us will be for 18 months, then on a rolling periodic basis. The home you are renting will be available to buy 5 years after the build was complete and as the tenant you will have first refusal to buy the home. If you decide to purchase the home, it will be at the current market value at the time of proceeding to buy, not from when you initially started your tenancy. If or when you decide to end your tenancy, we will ask you to give us one calendar months’ notice as a minimum. This will need to be given in writing.
Q: Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs to the property?
A: City Home Sales will provide a maintenance and repairs service under the terms of your tenancy agreement.