Housing to buy
We know that many people who live or work in the district, even those who earn a reasonable income can find it difficult to buy a home. We work with a range of registered providers (sometimes known as housing associations) to help get people onto the property ladder. This is achieved through a range of Help to Buy Schemes.
More details can be found on the government's own your home website (opens new window).
Shared ownership
If you are struggling to save a large deposit or obtain a mortgage for the full value of a property, then Shared Ownership may be an appropriate scheme for you. It allows you to buy a percentage of your home whilst renting the remaining share. The minimum share you can purchase is 10%, with a maximum of up to 75%. Over time you can, if you wish, increase the amount of the share you own, and your rent will decrease proportionally.
Your gross household income cannot exceed £80,000.
In April 2021 a new model of Shared Ownership was introduced which gives a greater benefit to owners. Some properties, particularly those which are being re-sold, may be on the old scheme so its important to check which model you are applying for.
From April 1, 2023, you will no longer need to be registered with the Help to Buy Agent for your region, you will need to contact the registered provider who will confirm your eligibility for a scheme. Each provider will have a list of properties available (some of which may be re-sales from previous schemes)
We have a number of schemes that are delivering shared ownership, please contact the registered provider directly if you are interested in purchasing on one of these sites.
Sites available | Registered provider |
|---|---|
The Yews, Tangmere | |
Minerva Heights, Chichester | |
Plaistow Road, Kirdford | |
Cathedral Park, Bogner Road | |
Shopwyke Lakes, Oving | |
New Fields Estate, Oving | |
The Spires, Westhampnett | |
Dawtrey Road, Petworth | |
Rosebriar Copse, Chidham | |
Park Farm, Selsey | |
Indigo Heights, Shopwyke Road |
Other providers who may have affordable homes for sale are:
First Homes Scheme
First Homes is a new discounted scheme designed to help local first-time buyers onto the property ladder. The Scheme offers homes with a discount of at least 30% compared to the market price. To qualify your household income cannot exceed £80,000 and you will need to have a mortgage for at least 50% of the discounted price.
Once brought, a restriction is registered on the title deed. This makes sure the same level of discount is passed on at each subsequent sale.
After the discount has been applied the initial sale price must not exceed £250,000.
The discounts will apply to the homes forever. This means that generations of new buyers and the local community will continue to benefit every time the property is sold.
Buying a first home
A detailed process must be followed when purchasing a first home and Chichester District Council is required to check the eligibility of the potential purchaser and issue an approval to proceed and the final compliance certificate.
Please contact firsthomes@chichester.gov.uk for:
- all applications and enquires;
- if you are looking to resell your first home; or,
- seek consent to temporarily rent
Pay a first homes compliance fee
Discounted purchase and shared equity
There are small numbers of homes, in Chichester, Tangmere and Selsey, for people with a local connection to buy at a discounted rate.
A local connection includes:
- living or working here;
- having close family here; or,
- having previously lived in the district but forced to move away because of a lack of affordable housing.
These properties must be sold on, at the same percentage discount, to other local people.
With shared equity you buy all the home at a reduced percentage of the market value. The balancing percentage is kept by the developer, by a legal charge on the property. Unlike shared ownership, no rent is paid. You can buy out the developer's interest if you wish, so your home is then free of any developer's ties. If you don't, and you sell, you will pay back this balancing percentage from the equity in the property. There are shared equity homes in Chidham and Lavant.
The council is not involved in the resales of these properties, except for approving new purchasers, as they are advertised privately.