Affordable homes FAQs

What are affordable housing providers?

'Affordable housing providers' (also known as Registered Social Landlords) has, until recently, been a general term applied only to housing associations or not-for-profit companies registered with the Housing Corporation to provide both subsidised and low-cost homes for people who cannot afford to rent or buy houses on the open market. The Housing Act 2004 extended the Corporation's grant-giving powers to include unregistered bodies such as private developers. The Housing Corporation funded and regulated affordable housing schemes in England. It has now been superseded by the Homes & Communities Agency and the Tenants Service Authority.

What is a HomeBuy agent?

A HomeBuy agent is an appointed housing association that markets the HomeBuy scheme and Intermediate Rent accommodation across a particular area in England. They deal with applications and arrange the help you need. The service is designed so customers will only have to deal with one contact and fill in one application form to access properties.

Who is the HomeBuy Agent for Newham?

As the appointed HomeBuy Agent for East London, Metropolitan Home Ownership administers Housing Options for Barking & Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. They can be contacted on 020 8920 7777. A website is also available. The site enables eligible home seekers, including key workers: i) to find affordable properties to buy or rent and ii) to apply online for all the schemes available You can access Housing Options website from the right hand side of the page.