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New homes and housing · County Durham

Social Housing in Billingham

How are new social rent homes delivered in Billingham?

In Billingham, as across the UK, Land to Homes aims to bring forward new social rent homes with councils and housing associations, either within a mixed development or as a scheme built entirely for a social landlord. We handle land, planning and construction. The landlord owns and manages the homes, sets the rent within the rules and allocates them from its housing list.

Newly completed terrace of two-storey affordable homes with small front gardensBillingham · TS23

Register 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 Billingham

About 11 miles north-east of Darlington, Billingham is part of our County Durham coverage, centred on postcode district TS23. Stockton-on-Tees is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 2 miles, followed by Middlesbrough and Thornaby-on-Tees. Billingham is part of England’s North East region.

When you register for Billingham, you can choose accessible and adaptable homes, homes for affordable rent or homes for private rent. Because Billingham is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

Tell us what you need in Billingham and we will be in touch if homes are released nearby.

How we work in Billingham

Part of mixed schemes

Social rent homes are often the affordable housing element of a larger development, secured through a planning obligation agreed with the council.

Whole-site schemes

We can also discuss schemes built entirely for a council or housing association, on land we bring forward or land the landlord already owns.

Homes for social landlords

We plan and build social rent homes for councils and housing associations to own, manage and let to households from their lists.

Homes for the long term

Homes are designed for long-term letting, with durable materials, practical layouts and running costs for tenants kept in mind.

The English system, as it applies in Billingham

Councils and housing associations around Billingham 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, social rent homes are owned by councils and registered providers regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing, with rents set under the Rent Standard. Councils allocate homes under their published allocation schemes, often through choice-based lettings. New social homes are usually secured through Section 106 agreements or funded with grant through Homes England, or the Greater London Authority in London.

Key rules in Billingham
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
In-principle consentOutline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later
Land registrationHM Land Registry
Developer contributionsSection 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Social Housing in Billingham: questions

How are social rents set?

In England, social rents are set using a government formula under the Rent Standard, which the Regulator of Social Housing oversees. Wales has its own rent policy for social landlords, and in Scotland social landlords set rents in consultation with their tenants. Northern Ireland has its own arrangements. Social rents are generally well below private market levels.

What is the difference between social housing and affordable housing?

Social housing usually means low-cost rented homes let by councils and housing associations at social rents. Affordable housing is a wider term that also includes affordable rent, shared ownership, discounted sale and, in Scotland, mid-market rent. All social housing is affordable housing, but not all affordable housing is social housing.

Can I apply to Land to Homes for a social rent home?

No. Land to Homes does not allocate social housing or keep a housing list. Social homes are allocated by councils and housing associations through their own lists and policies. To apply, contact your council's housing team or local housing associations. In Northern Ireland, apply through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, which manages the common waiting list.

How is social housing allocated?

Councils and housing associations allocate social homes using published allocation policies that give priority to households in housing need, such as people who are homeless, overcrowded or living in unsuitable housing. Many areas use a shared register or choice-based lettings, where applicants bid for advertised homes. The details vary by council and by nation.

Can I register for new homes in Billingham?

Yes. Registering for Billingham is free and does not commit you to anything. There are no homes available yet; if we bring homes forward in or near Billingham, we will contact you.

Read more: Social Housing · Guide: How affordable and social homes are delivered across the UK

Own land that could take new homes?

Start with a free, no-obligation site appraisal. On option and promotion agreements we fund the planning work and pay your reasonable legal fees.

CallRegister interest