What is affordable housing?

Affordable housing is designed for people who may not be able to afford to rent or buy a home on the open market.

Affordable housing can include:

Affordable rent homes
Social rent homes
Shared ownership homes
Low-cost home ownership schemes

If you’re looking to rent or buy affordable housing in Cheltenham, you will need to meet eligibility criteria to secure an affordable home.

Looking for an affordable rented home?

You can apply for rented affordable housing through Homeseeker Plus, which advertises homes available in Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire.

Rented affordable homes are provided by Cheltenham Borough Council and local housing associations.

Demand for affordable housing is high, and there are usually more people looking for homes than there are properties available. When allocating homes, priority is generally given to applicants with the greatest housing need and, in many cases, a local connection to Cheltenham.

Visit the Homeseeker Plus website to find out more about applying and how homes are allocated:

Visit Homeseeker Plus

Types of affordable rented housing

Social rent

Social rent homes usually offer the lowest rents and are the most affordable type of rented housing.

Rents are set using a government formula and are typically well below private rents. Service charges are included.

These homes are owned and managed by Cheltenham Borough Council and local housing associations.

Affordable rent

Affordable rent homes are let at a higher rent than social rent properties but still below typical market rates.

Rents can be up to 80% of the local market rent and may include service charges.

These homes are owned and managed by Cheltenham Borough Council and local housing associations.

Intermediate rent

Intermediate rent homes are designed for people whose income is too high for social rent but who may still struggle to afford private renting.

Rents are usually set below market levels, typically up to 80% of local market rent.

These homes are relatively uncommon in Cheltenham and may be offered by housing associations.

Affordable private rent

Affordable private rent homes are provided by private landlords through Build to Rent developments.

Rents are usually offered at a discount to local market rents and may include service charges.

As far as we are aware, there are currently no homes of this type in Cheltenham.

Affordable home ownership

Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership allows you to buy a share of a property and pay rent on the remaining share.

You can usually increase your share over time, making it a popular option for people who are unable to buy a home outright.

Find out more about shared ownership

First Homes

The First Homes scheme helps eligible first-time buyers purchase a home at a discounted price.

Properties are sold for 30% to 50% less than it their market value, helping people who have a local connection and key workers get onto the property ladder.

Find out more about First Homes