Housing
There is a huge variety of places to choose from. Whether it be an urban setting or a leafy village, the location exists in Hertfordshire!
Housing and Home Ownership
There are well-established estate agents across Hertfordshire's towns and villages, offering a wide range of properties to buy and rent. Many also provide mortgage and financial advice to help you take your next step on the property ladder.
If you're a first-time buyer or looking for affordable routes into home ownership, there are a number of schemes that may be available to support you:
Shared Ownership
Shared Ownership allows you to purchase a share of a property and pay a reduced rent on the remaining share. In many cases, you can increase your ownership over time through a process known as staircasing.
Find out more: Shared Ownership Scheme
First Homes Scheme
The First Homes Scheme helps eligible first-time buyers purchase selected homes at a discount of at least 30% below market value, making home ownership more accessible.
Find out more: First Homes Scheme
Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
The Mortgage Guarantee Scheme supports lenders in offering mortgages with deposits as low as 5%, helping more buyers access the housing market.
Find out more: Mortgage Guarantee Scheme information
Lifetime ISA (LISA)
A Lifetime ISA can help first-time buyers save for a home. You can save up to £4,000 each tax year, with the Government adding a 25% bonus, up to £1,000 annually.
Find out more: Life time ISA [moneyhelper.org.uk]
Support for Teachers and Education Professionals
If you work in education, specialist mortgage advice may also be available through organisations that understand the profession and its career pathways.
Teachers Building Society offers mortgage guidance and products designed to support all people working in education and first-time buyers.
Find out more: Teachers Building Society
Although council housing was originally a district/borough council function, many of the districts and boroughs have sold their affordable housing on to housing associations. Details can be found on the Herts Direct website:
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/how-the-council-works/district-and-borough-councils.aspx
Before You Apply
Eligibility criteria, property availability and government support schemes can change over time. We recommend checking the latest information with mortgage providers, housing associations and official government guidance before making any decisions.