What is Deposit Unlock in Kent?

Deposit Unlock is a scheme developed by the Home Builders Federation and reinsurance firm, Gallagher Re. In order to protect themselves from the devaluation of new properties, mortgage lenders are often stricter on the amount they are willing to lend on newly built homes, often setting minimum required deposits of 15-25%. Deposit Unlock lets buyers put down a 5% deposit on a new-build home with the house builder paying to insure the mortgage to make lenders more comfortable about offering high Loan-to-Value (LTV) mortgages on new homes

What is Discount Market Sale in Kent?

Discount Market Sale (also known as Council Shared Equity or a reduced market value scheme) is a low-cost homeownership product where you can purchase a new-build property at a discount of up to 20%

What is Intermediate Rent in Kent?

Intermediate Rent (or Intermediate Market Rent) is a rental option designed to help first time buyers who can’t yet afford to buy a home, but want to save for a deposit to purchase a home within the next five years. The IMR scheme offers budding buyers the opportunity to rent a brand-new or refurbished home at less than the market rate. Homes available through Intermediate Rent are usually let on an Assured Shorthold Tenancy basis with a six-month contract period. You may have the opportunity to rent a home for longer than this initial contract period – for example, up to five years – but this will depend on your landlord’s plans for the home.

What is Rent to Buy in Kent?

Rent to Buy homes provide budding buyers with the opportunity to rent a new-build property on an Intermediate Rent basis for a fixed term of up to five years. The homes are let at a 20% subsidised rate with a fixed rate of inflation to help tenants save towards a home-buying deposit.

What is a new-build Shared Ownership home in Kent?

Shared Ownership is available on both new-build and resale homes. New-build homes are purpose-built properties that are usually part of a larger development or area regeneration.

What is a resale Shared Ownership property in Kent?

Shared Ownership is available on both new-build and resale homes. Resales are pre-loved properties that you can purchase through the Shared Ownership scheme where the current shared owner is selling.

Shared Ownership and Help to Buy Locations | County Durham

Q: Does Shared Ownership mean sharing with someone else?

No – although this is a common misconception! The ‘shared’ element of the scheme simply means you’re sharing ownership of your home with a housing association. If you decide to buy a Shared Ownership home, you’re effectively purchasing a portion of a leasehold property. Your initial share will usually be between 10% and 75%, paying a mortgage on the part that you own and a below market value rent on the remainder.

Find a home in County Durham on Share to Buy

Welcome to County Durham

What makes County Durham such a special place to call home? Well, it’s important to remember that this spectacular slab of the North East is one which is made up of so many different interesting parts.

The cathedral city of Durham is in itself an incredible smorgasbord of natural and cultural assets. Take the stunning Tees Valley as another example. Here an awe-inspiring selection of gorgeous Durham County towns join North Yorkshire areas, creating a combination of beautiful greenbelt and thriving opportunities for trade, not to mention a spot of cricket. Who can blame them? They certainly have the natural space for it.

Indeed, any of these areas – from the classic charms of Darlington to the unique opportunities of Billingham – boast enough attractions and experience to last a lifetime. What makes County Durham such a thrilling place to live is not just one thing. Its access to such an amazing selection means you can find the best of everything for you. This includes the best job opportunities and educational options, whatever you want to experience culturally and endless entertainment. We’re all different, with different needs and preferences, and County Durham caters to them all.

County Durham has many parts and it’s important to appreciate them for their individual benefits. Doing so doesn’t just highlight their unique qualities but also shows you just how epic this collection of towns, cities and settlements really is – and how powerful it is a single county.

Those amazing areas also have a great deal in common: stunning nature, a deep and compelling history, a hugely diverse economy and the ability to follow your ideal lifestyle. Excellent transport makes this a comprehensive whole, and a great selection of properties means it’s possible for people from all walks of life to take advantage of everything the county of Durham has to offer.

Follow the path to homeownership

Share to Buy is the country’s leading property portal dedicated to affordable homeownership and buying schemes. Our goal is to inspire, guide and empower budding buyers facing challenges in today’s housing market.

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1

Research your options

Housing options made clear. Use our resources to learn about different home-buying and rental schemes, and work out which might be right for you.

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2

Check your affordability

Mortgages made manageable. Use our affordability calculator to work out how much you may be able to borrow to buy a home.

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It’s time to find your space. Head to our free property search tool and use filters to find your new home.

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Search in County Durham for your new home

Share to Buy lists thousands of properties across the country, available through affordable homeownership schemes such as Shared Ownership, First Homes, Deposit Unlock, Rent to Buy and more. Aspiring homeowners can start their search on our property portal.

If you want to keep up to date with affordable homes in County Durham, be sure to sign up to Share to Buy and register to receive alerts.

Affordable housing options in County Durham

What first time buyer homes are available in County Durham? Am I eligible for homes in County Durham? How much do new homes in County Durham cost?

Whether you have questions about specific housing schemes, the buying process, or mortgages and affordability, we’ve got you covered. Offering a clear path to expert information, check out our FAQs and guides to learn more.

Explore Shared Ownership homes for sale in County Durham

For budding buyers who believe that purchasing a home is out of reach, Shared Ownership houses and Shared Ownership apartments in County Durham could help them take those vital first steps onto the property ladder. The Shared Ownership scheme is available on a variety of property types across the country, including cosy studios, stylish apartments and traditional family homes.

If you’re a first time buyer, growing family or someone looking to downsize in the North East, then a Shared Ownership home in County Durham could be the ideal solution.

Ready to get started? Step onto the housing ladder by exploring our listing of Shared Ownership properties in County Durham, including Shared Ownership new-build and Shared Ownership resale homes.

Home-buying guides

Knowledge is key. Check out our expert guides and articles to learn about housing options and the buying process.

All guides

How to start your property search

A guide to property viewings

A complete guide to mortgages

Shared Ownership: What is it?

Bright open plan kitchen and dining room space

Rent to Buy: What is it?

Deposit Unlock: What is it?

First Homes scheme: What is it?

Discount Full Ownership: What is it?

Discount Market Sale: What is it?

Intermediate Rent: What is it?

Affordable housing in your area

Find your way home. If you’re interested in first time buyer homes, affordable housing schemes or affordable rental options, learn more on Share to Buy.

Access more FAQs

What is Shared Ownership?

Shared Ownership is a government scheme that allows buyers to purchase a share in a property, usually between 10% and 75%, while paying a reduced market rent to a housing association on the remainder. The scheme gives first time buyers and those that do not currently own a home the opportunity to purchase a share in a new-build or resales property.

Learn more about Shared Ownership

What is Rent to Buy?

What is Discount Market Sale?

What is Help to Buy?

What is Deposit Unlock?

What is Intermediate Rent?

What is a new-build Shared Ownership home?

What is a resale Shared Ownership property?

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Properties for sale and rent in County Durham

Share to Buy lists thousands of homes nationwide. Explore a selection of properties to buy or rent in your area, including those available through Shared Ownership, First Homes, Deposit Unlock, Rent to Buy and more. Continue your search today.

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