Affordable Housing in Richmond
Affordable housing in Richmond means homes for rent or sale offered below market levels to people whose needs are not met by the open market, such as social and affordable rent, shared ownership and discounted market sale. Land to Homes plans affordable homes into the sites it brings forward and works with councils and housing associations, which set eligibility and allocate the homes.
Richmond · TW9Register your interest
Tell us where you want to live and what you need. Free, no obligation.
Registering interest is not a housing application. Social and affordable homes are allocated by councils and housing providers through their own lists.
Prefer to talk? Call 0800 088 6248.
- Free to registerNo fees, no deposit, no obligation
- Hear firstIf homes are released near you
- Affordable homesWith councils and housing associations
- Clear informationTenure, specification and warranty
- UK-wideEngland, Wales, Scotland and NI
Registering for homes in Richmond
About 8 miles south-west of London, Richmond is part of our Greater London coverage, centred on postcode district TW9. Nearby, we also cover Isleworth, Hounslow and Barnes, all within 3 miles. Within England, Richmond falls in the London region.
Registrations for Richmond cover larger family homes, homes for first-time buyers and homes for affordable rent. In England, where Richmond sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority).
Tell us what you need in Richmond and we will be in touch if homes are released nearby.
Our approach in Richmond
Help for landowners
We explain how affordable housing requirements affect what a site is worth, so landowners understand an offer rather than just receiving one.
Eligibility set by others
Who can apply is set by the council, the housing provider and the scheme rules. We explain the process, but we do not decide eligibility or allocations.
Every main tenure explained
Social rent, affordable rent, shared ownership, discounted market sale and their equivalents in each nation, explained in plain terms with who each one is for.
Providers involved early
We aim to agree affordable homes with a housing association or other registered provider early, so the homes meet their standards and local need.
Planning in Richmond: the English rules
Councils and housing associations around Richmond can bid for grant through Homes England's Social and Affordable Homes Programme, which funds Social Rent, Affordable Rent at up to 80% of market rent, and shared ownership. Landlords of the rented homes must be registered with the Regulator of Social Housing. National policy also expects local plans to set a minimum Social Rent proportion for major development. Land to Homes is ready to discuss sites, partnership and delivery.
In England, affordable housing is defined in the National Planning Policy Framework and is usually secured through Section 106 agreements. Homes are transferred to registered providers regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. Grant funding is usually channelled through Homes England, or the Greater London Authority in London. Tenures include social rent, affordable rent, shared ownership and discounted market sale.
| National planning policy | National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance |
|---|---|
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it |
Affordable Housing in Richmond: questions
What is shared ownership?
Shared ownership lets you buy a share of a home, usually with a mortgage, and pay rent to the housing provider on the remaining share. You can normally buy further shares over time, which is known as staircasing. Schemes and rules differ by nation and by provider, so check the details and take independent legal and financial advice before committing.
How is affordable housing delivered on new developments?
Usually through planning. The council's development plan sets out how much affordable housing a scheme should provide, and the commitment is secured in a planning obligation. The developer builds the homes and transfers them to a registered provider at a price that reflects their affordable status, sometimes supported by public grant. The provider then lets or sells them.
Does affordable housing reduce what my land is worth?
It usually affects value, because affordable homes are transferred to a provider for less than open market homes would sell for. The council's affordable housing policy, and other planning obligations, are among the costs a buyer allows for when valuing land. Our free site appraisal explains how these factors apply to your site.
What is the difference between social rent and affordable rent?
Social rent is the lowest-cost rented housing, with rents in England set using a government formula and kept low by policy or regulation elsewhere. Affordable rent, used mainly in England, is set by reference to local market rents and is usually higher than social rent. Both are let by councils and registered providers to eligible households.
Are there new homes available in Richmond now?
Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in Richmond at the moment. You can register your interest for Richmond, and we will contact you if we bring homes forward there or nearby.
Read more: Affordable Housing · Guide: How affordable and social homes are delivered across the UK