Private housing and renting

If you can't buy your own home, you can rent a place to live, and your personal circumstances will affect whether it's better to rent from a social or private landlord.

Private rented accommodation

You can find a home to rent online.

The Shelter website has advice and guidance on private renting.

You can get free internet access at your local library.

Social and sheltered housing

Once you've joined the Devon Home Choice register, you can view and bid on social or housing association homes.

You need to be aware that:

there is a shortage of housing association homes available
even if you're assessed as having a high housing need, it may take you a long time to find a housing association home

Email CommunityConnections@plymouth.gov.uk if you have any questions or if you have an emergency need for housing.

Costs of moving into a new home

If you're renting a home from a social or private landlord, you will likely have to pay rent in advance.

You should also consider other costs, such as:

white goods (fridges, washing machines, cookers and freezers)
beds and bedding
tables and chairs
cooking and eating utensils
other furnishings
electrical goods
moving fees

We recommend you start a savings account as soon as possible to give yourself some money to be able to buy the essentials.

Help with rent

If you're on a low income, you may be entitled to benefits to help with your rent:

Buying affordable housing

If you aspire to own your own home, the following home-buying initiatives could help:

Shared ownership

Shared ownership schemes allow you to buy a share of between 10% and 75% of the home's full market value. You pay rent on the share that you do not own.

You can buy more shares through a process called 'staircasing'. You can usually staircase up to 100%.

To be eligible for shared ownership, you have to:

have a household income of less than £80,000
be a first-time buyer or used to own a home but cannot afford to buy one now
not be able to afford all of the deposit and mortgage payments for a home that meets your needs

Visit the Own Your Home website for more information and details on how to apply.

More information

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