Affordable Housing in Ashford (Kent)
Affordable housing in Ashford (Kent) 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.
Ashford (Kent) · TN24Register 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
Homes we plan around Ashford (Kent)
We cover Ashford (Kent) as part of Kent. It is about 18 miles south-east of Maidstone, around postcode district TN24. The nearest other places we cover are Faversham (12 miles), Canterbury (13 miles) and Folkestone (13 miles). Ashford (Kent) is part of England’s South East region.
People registering interest around Ashford (Kent) can tell us whether they want homes for shared ownership, homes for private rent or two- and three-bedroom family homes. Because Ashford (Kent) is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).
Registering for Ashford (Kent) is free and you can ask us to remove your details at any time.
How we work in Ashford (Kent)
Delivered through planning
Affordable homes are usually secured by a planning obligation, such as a Section 106 or Section 75 agreement, agreed with the council at planning stage.
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.
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.
Designed to fit in
We design affordable homes to sit alongside homes for sale and spread them through a scheme, so the tenures are hard to tell apart.
The English system, as it applies in Ashford (Kent)
Councils and housing associations around Ashford (Kent) 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.
| Who decides applications | The local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority) |
|---|---|
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| Land registration | HM Land Registry |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it |
Affordable Housing in Ashford (Kent): questions
Can I register interest in an affordable home with Land to Homes?
Yes, but registering with us is not an application and does not affect eligibility. If a site we bring forward includes affordable homes, we will tell you which council or housing provider is responsible so you can apply through them. You should also register directly with your council and with housing associations in the area.
Who decides if I am eligible for an affordable home?
The council, the housing association or other provider, and the rules of the particular scheme. Eligibility usually depends on household income, housing need and sometimes a local connection to the area. Land to Homes does not decide eligibility or allocate homes. If you are interested, contact your local council's housing team and housing associations working in the area.
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 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.
Are there new homes available in Ashford (Kent) now?
Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in Ashford (Kent) at the moment. You can register your interest for Ashford (Kent), and we will contact you if we bring homes forward there or nearby.
Read more: Affordable Housing · Guide: Renting a new-build home: tenancy rules in England, Wales, Scotland and NI