There are currently 1,600 housing associations in the UK.
They collectively own over 2 million homes.
That’s nearly 7% of all UK houses.
This blog explains what they are, their typical eligibility requirements, and more.
What is a housing association?
A housing association is a type or property organisation in the United Kingdom.
It gives housing to people who are considered ‘in need’. This might involve:
- Low-income families
- Young people leaving care.
- Key workers
- People with disabilities
- The elderly.
And more.
Advantages to living housing association properties
Many housing association properties have relatively low rental rates. They also offer shared ownership schemes.
This means someone can buy a percentage of a property while renting the rest.
Some housing associations also offer specialised living options. This is useful for elderly people with mobility and disability issues.
They might also give temporary housing to people who are homeless or fleeing domestic abuse.
How many housing associations are there?
Statista states there are 1,600 housing associations in the United Kingdom.
Roughly 1,309 are non-profit, 218 are local authorities, and 69 are for-profit.
Keep in mind that many of these organisations have branches all over the country.
The largest housing association, Clarion Housing, is in 170 local authorities. This provides housing to 360,000 residents in 125,000 homes.
How to find a housing association property
Housing associations’ own websites
Most housing associations list all their properties on their website.
This allows you to look through the various options and find one that may be suitable.
Local council
You can also contact your local council, who will give you details about housing associations in the area. They should also be able to place you on the housing register.
Regular online listings
You can find some housing association properties on regular online property listings.
For instance, shared ownership opportunities can often be found on Rightmove and Zoopla.
Dedicated websites
It’ll be in the description if eligibility criteria are involved with this.
There are some dedicated websites for housing association properties. Homefinder UK is one example.
Eligibility for a housing association property
Every housing association has unique criteria. And this may vary based on the opportunity – e.g. renting versus shared ownership.
You could visit their website or contact them for details about this.
Most housing associations follow similar criteria. This includes:
- Income – must be below a certain amount
- Location – you should live nearby
- Disability – proof of physical or mental challenges
- Status – such as being an immigrant or widowed
- Age – focusing on the elderly or young people out of care
- History – evidence that you’ve been well-behaved in past rental properties.
Housing associations won’t trust your word that you fit within these categories. You’ll need to show proof.
This could involve:
- Birth certificates
- Payslips
- Past landlord references
- Proof of address.
Some charities exist to help you apply for housing association properties.
And the organisations themselves often have experts on hand to support you.
Pros of living in a housing association property
Less expensive
Housing association properties are usually less expensive. This makes it a viable option for people on a lower income.
You may also be eligible for housing benefits, which can pay part (or all) of your rent.
Extra stability
There is also extra stability involved with a housing association property.
You’re less likely to face unreasonable changes to your agreement, such as major price hikes. And the standard of housing is often higher.
You’ll be dealing with an ‘above board’ organisation that provides proper channels to lodge complaints.
Support network
Housing associations tend to own entire buildings and complexes. This means that you’ll often be living alongside other vulnerable people.
This can offer a support network for people going through difficulties similar to yours. This sense of community can be invaluable.
Cons of living in a housing association property
Limited options
You don’t have limitless options for finding a housing association property.
Each area will only have a set number of these. And it can be difficult if there aren’t many available at any given moment.
Sense of stigma
Some people feel that a sense of stigma surrounds housing association properties.
You may feel cut off from the rest of society. Or there may be a sense of shame amongst the residents living there.
This can create complex interactions in some parts of your life.
Dependent on the government
You often depend on the government when living in a housing association property.
You need them to fund this aspect of society. And they can change the rules or laws anytime, which can affect you.
What happens if I have a complaint about my housing association?
Your first step is to complain to your social landlord.
Your housing association should provide details on their website for registering a complaint.
A member of their team can guide you in how to do this, too.
If you fail to reach a resolution, contact the Housing Ombudsman. They will investigate your complaint. This will involve liaising with both sides.
After establishing the facts, they aim to find a resolution within 12 months of you opening the complaint.
Are some housing associations better than others?
Like with all organisations in the non-profit sector, you’ll see variety in many things.
Each housing association could have different eligibility requirements. Customer service varies based on the organisation, too.
Some housing associations have a better reputation than others.
It’s worth checking online reviews to see what past customers have said. Or ask to speak to a current resident.
Often, you don’t have lots of options for housing associations. The number of these types of properties available is limited.
So, you may have to accept whatever you can find.
Can I buy a housing association property outright?
Yes, it’s possible to buy a housing association property outright.
The following three methods are popular.
1. Share ownership schemes
To start with, almost all housing associations offer shared ownership schemes. This involves buying 25% or 50% of the property.
You can then ‘staircase’ your ownership upwards to 100% – making you the outright owner.
There are government schemes that you can take advantage of, too. This applies to people who’ve been renting a housing association property.
2. Right to buy
For example, ‘Right to Buy’ allows you to buy your council home at a discount if it’s your main home and you’ve had a public sector landlord for at least three years.
3. Right to acquire
‘Right to Acquire’ is a similar initiative.
You can buy a housing association property at a discount if you’ve been a tenant for at least three years.
And if you and your landlord meet the eligibility requirements.
Alternatives to housing associations
Council housing is a common alternative to housing associations. And sheltered housing is another.
Mutual exchange enables you to swap your housing association property with another resident.
This only applies if you both have permission from your landlord.
Other alternatives are homeless shelters, care homes, and supported living.
