Social Housing in Romford
Social housing in Romford is low-cost rented housing owned and let by councils and housing associations to households in housing need, with rents kept well below market levels. Land to Homes aims to plan and build social rent homes on the sites it brings forward, working with councils and housing associations. We do not allocate homes: allocations are made by councils and housing providers through their own lists.
Romford · RM1Register 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 Romford
Romford (RM1) is one of the Greater London towns we cover, about 14 miles east of London. Nearby, we also cover Hornchurch, Dagenham and Becontree, all within 3 miles. Romford is part of England’s London region.
Registrations for Romford cover accessible and adaptable homes, homes for private rent and larger family homes. In England, where Romford sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority).
Register for Romford and we will contact you if we bring homes forward nearby.
Why work with Land to Homes in Romford
We do not allocate homes
Allocations are made by councils and housing providers through their own lists and policies. We cannot add anyone to a list or influence who is offered a home.
Nation-aware
Social housing law, regulation and funding differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and we work within each system.
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.
Clear signposting
If you need a home, we point you to your council's housing team or, in Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Planning and land rules in Romford
In England, affordable housing on market developments in Romford is normally secured through a Section 106 agreement, which sets the number, tenure and transfer of homes to a registered provider. Grant from Homes England can add further homes, and the 2026 to 2036 programme expects at least 60% of funded homes to be Social Rent. Land to Homes can supply land, design and build homes, or deliver completed homes for councils and housing associations.
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.
| National planning policy | National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised August 2026, with national planning practice guidance |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Common questions in Romford
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 tenancy do social housing tenants get?
It depends on the nation and the landlord. Council and housing association tenants in England usually have secure or assured tenancies, Wales uses secure occupation contracts, Scotland uses the Scottish secure tenancy and Northern Ireland has its own secure tenancy arrangements. Some landlords start new tenants on an introductory or starter tenancy first.
Does building new social homes shorten waiting lists?
New social homes add to the supply that councils and housing associations can allocate, which helps, but waiting times depend on local demand, turnover of existing homes and allocation policies. We cannot say how any individual household would be affected. Your council's housing team can explain local waiting times and your position on the list.
Can social housing be built on land I own?
Yes. Land can be sold to a developer who includes social homes in the scheme, or offered for a scheme built entirely for a council or housing association. Planning policy often requires affordable homes on larger sites anyway. Our free site appraisal looks at whether your land suits new homes and which route makes sense.
Are there new homes available in Romford now?
Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in Romford at the moment. You can register your interest for Romford, and we will contact you if we bring homes forward there or nearby.
Read more: Social Housing · Guide: How affordable and social homes are delivered across the UK