Social Housing in Ashton-in-Makerfield
Social housing in Ashton-in-Makerfield 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.
Ashton-in-Makerfield · WN4Register 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 Ashton-in-Makerfield
Ashton-in-Makerfield sits about 17 miles west of Manchester in Greater Manchester, in the WN4 postcode district. Nearby, we also cover Golborne, Newton-le-Willows and St Helens, all within 4 miles. Within England, Ashton-in-Makerfield falls in the North West region.
When you register for Ashton-in-Makerfield, you can choose homes for first-time buyers, one- and two-bedroom apartments or larger family homes. Planning in Ashton-in-Makerfield follows England’s rules: the National Planning Policy Framework sets national policy and the council’s Local Plan sets local policy.
Tell us what you need in Ashton-in-Makerfield and we will be in touch if homes are released nearby.
Our approach in Ashton-in-Makerfield
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.
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.
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.
Planning and land rules in Ashton-in-Makerfield
Councils and housing associations around Ashton-in-Makerfield 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.
| 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 transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) |
| How a sale becomes binding | A land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry. |
Common questions in Ashton-in-Makerfield
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are there new homes available in Ashton-in-Makerfield now?
Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in Ashton-in-Makerfield at the moment. You can register your interest for Ashton-in-Makerfield, 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