HomeBuy is a Government inititive to enable social tenants, keyworkers and other first time buyers to buy a share of a home and get a first step on the housing ladder.

HomeBuy products include:

New Build HomeBuy

New Build Homebuy is a scheme whereby new properties are developed and sold on a part buy part rent basis. Purchasers obtain a mortgage for the share of the property they buy and pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share to a Housing Association. In most cases a service charge is also payable to cover estate costs.

Initial shares to purchase normally vary between 25% and 75%.

New Build HomeBuy enables people to get a foot on the property ladder and at a later stage purchase more shares in the property until they own the property outright. At which point no rent will be payable on the remaining share (service charges will still apply).

The majority of people who apply for HomeBuy are first time buyers, but the programme can also help if you need to buy a property in situations where your household has outgrown existing arrangements or in cases of a relationship breakdown.

Open Market HomeBuy

For more details view our Open Market HomeBuy webpage.

HomeBuy Resales

When current shared owners wish to sell their properties they become available for purchase by people who have applied to Moat (HomeBuy Zone Agents).  New purchasers have to buy the same equity share as the current owner/s. e.g. If the current owner originally brought a 30% share but has staircased to 50% share, then a new purchaser must buy 50% not the original 30%.  All other shared ownership criteria applies.

Social Market HomeBuy

Social Market HomeBuy offers some Housing Association tenants the opportunity to buy a share in their home.

You will need to contact your own landlord if you are interested in buying your Housing Association rented home.

First Time Buyers Initiative

For more details view our First Time Buyers Initiative webpage.

Equity Loan Scheme

For more details view our Equity Loan Scheme webpage.

Homes for 100% sale

In addition to the homes built on a part buy / part rent basis; some Housing Associations build properties for private sale. 100% of the property is available to purchase at affordable prices to suit first time buyers and others. There are no eligibility criteria required to buy these properties other than the ability to finance the purchase.

How do I apply for HomeBuy?

Ashford Council is pleased to be working in partnership with Moat, a Kent based Housing Association, to offer HomeBuy to people in our local authority area. Moat is the Government’s appointed zone agent for HomeBuy in Kent. Anyone interested in applying for HomeBuy should contact Moat by calling 0845 359 6300 or visiting Moat's website which offers the facility to apply online, or the HomeBuy website which provides comprehensive information about HomeBuy.  Moat works with other Housing Associations to best match applications to available homes.

HomeBuy leaflets and application forms are also available from Ashford Borough Council’s offices. You can also find details of properties throughout Kent on the Affordable Homes in Kent website or view the HomeBuy Homes Booklet - August 2008.

You can view our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Other Affordable Home Ownership Schemes

From time to time differing affordable home ownership schemes become available, these will be advertised on our Choice Based Lettings webpage.