Discounted for Sale properties offer an affordable home ownership option for people who can't afford to buy a property on the open market.
- Eligibility for affordable home ownership
- Apply for a Discounted for Sale property
- How we process affordable home ownership applications
- If your housing needs change
Eligibility for affordable home ownership
You must be able to show that:
- you cannot afford to buy a house at the full market price
- you can get a mortgage
- you have sufficient savings for a deposit and legal fees
- the combination of your savings and your income would not allow you to buy on the open market
You must seek advice about mortgages specifically for affordable housing and have a 'mortgage promise' prior to us being able to consider your application. Details of evidence needed as part of the application are available with the application form.
You will not be considered if:
- you can afford to purchase on the open market
- your annual income is under £15,000 (unless you have substantial savings)
- you currently own or have a share in another home
- you are unwilling to provide income or mortgage details
- you are a cash buyer (except in exceptional circumstances)
- you have a bad credit history - this means that you would not normally be able to get a mortgage
Apply for a Discounted for Sale property
To apply for a Discounted for Sale property, complete our affordable housing application form.
Affordable home ownership application
You'll need to prepare the following information:
- 5 years' address history
- details of any previous council or housing association tenancies
- employment details
- landlord contact details, if in rented accommodation
- a short statement in support of your application
You'll have the opportunity to provide the following documentation as part of the online application, which will be required in support of your application:
- photo identification
- proof of address, dated in the last 3 months
- proof of income - 3 months' payslips
- an up to date mortgage promise
- proof of National Insurance Number
- proof of Child Benefit - if applicable
If you don't upload these documents at the time of application, this may delay your application.
If you require any support with your application, contact our Housing Registrations Team.
How we process affordable home ownership applications
We'll contact you at point of assessment to request any outstanding documentation.
We cannot guarantee how long you'll have to wait to buy a Discounted for Sale property - it could be a few months, a year, or more, depending on:
- homes which become available
- the number of bedrooms you request
- whether you match the financial requirements
- how many other people are looking for a similar property
- how flexible you are on location
Affordable homes are offered to residents of York in the first instance. Non-resident applications will only be considered if a home is not sold to a York resident during the initial marketing period.
If your housing needs change
The current policy is targeted at first time buyers. If you already own a 'discount sale' home you won't be eligible for another, unless your housing needs have significantly changed - for example you need a smaller or larger home.
In these circumstances, if you're assessed as eligible you'll need to resell your affordable home before the final legal completion of any future discounted sale.
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