Implementing affordable housing policy

A significant proportion of the housing built will need to be affordable housing due to the needs of those unable to afford market housing. This includes workers who provide essential community services.

The provision of social rented affordable housing is a high priority, and we will continue to be a significant provider of social rented housing. Around 30% of households cannot afford to pay more than 'social rents', a social housing tenure which plays an important role for households, including families on single low incomes that are unable to afford the higher 'affordable rents'. These terms are explored in our Housing Affordability report. 

In circumstances where there is a particular local need, social rented housing will be sought in the form of family housing, with commensurate adjustments to the size, tenures and a mix of other forms of affordable housing to be provided, to achieve equivalent development viability. 

It is anticipated that most intermediate/affordable home ownership products will be in the form of shared ownership housing, especially in higher value areas. Discounted or low-cost home ownership products will be accepted as affordable housing if a lower quartile income household could afford to purchase the home at the offered price with a 10% deposit and a mortgage of four times household income. 

You can find out more information below relating to starter homes, first homes and intermediate housing.