This topic provides you with information regarding affordable housing options.
1. What is affordable housing?
Affordable housing is housing to buy or rent for those on a moderate income. To make it more accessible, a range of opportunities are available within East Lothian. Affordable housing comes in a variety of tenures and is sold or rented out at less than market prices. Our leaflet explains what affordable housing means.
2. Mid-market rent
A mid-market rent property is a home which is rented typically by either a council or housing association, however, you will likely be provided with a private residential tenancy rather than a Scottish secure tenancy. In addition, the rents are typically higher than social housing but cheaper than the private rented sector.
A mid-market rent is for people who need an affordable home but do not have priority for social housing. You’ll usually have to be in work and meet certain income criteria.
Properties are often advertised via rightmove or on the council website.
Please use mid-market rent for more information.
3. Shared ownership/equity
Both shared ownership and shared equity are schemes available to support you buying your own home. Each scheme worked differently are provided by either a housing association or the Scottish Government.
Please find more information at support to buy.
4. Low-cost home ownership
East Lothian Council works with developers to offer homes for sale which are sold at a discounted price from the open-market value. A discount can be between 20% and 40% of the value of the home. For example, a property worth £150,000 with a 25% discount would be sold at a fixed price of £112,500.
Homeowners will have full responsibility for maintenance and repairs for the property and unlike shared ownership, there is no occupancy charge. A standard security must be granted to the Council against the discounted proportion, and should the owner wish to move, they will be required to sell the property with the same percentage discount the property was purchased with.
Eligibility criteria is set for properties sold under this scheme. The scheme is aimed at those with low incomes and who are either first-time buyers, or those who have a change in circumstance and could not afford a property move on the open market without support from the scheme. You must also have a local connection to East Lothian.
Properties available are advertised on our website, ESPC, Rightmove, Zoopla and the developers website where applicable.
If you have any questions about this scheme, you can contact us either on 01620 827 827 or at lcho@eastlothian.gov.uk
5. Current opportunities
Visit our webpage for: current and forthcoming Affordable Housing opportunities