Social Housing in Gwent
Social housing in Gwent 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.
GwentRegister 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 Gwent
Across Gwent, we cover Newport and 5 other towns, among them Risca, Caerphilly and Cwmbran. Neighbouring areas we also cover include South Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan and West Glamorgan.
Registrations for Gwent cover two- and three-bedroom family homes, homes for first-time buyers and homes for affordable rent. In Wales, where Gwent sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the county or county borough council (or a national park authority).
Register for Gwent and we will contact you if we bring homes forward nearby.
Our approach in Gwent
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.
Built to landlord standards
Social landlords have their own design and quality standards, and we design to them from the outset so homes are ready to transfer.
Nation-aware
Social housing law, regulation and funding differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and we work within each system.
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.
Planning in Gwent: the Welsh rules
Social Housing Grant funds councils and registered social landlords to buy land, build new homes and convert existing buildings across Wales, including around Gwent. It can support social rent, intermediate rent and shared ownership. On private schemes, the council's Local Development Plan sets the affordable housing requirement, which is secured through a Section 106 agreement. Land to Homes can offer sites, design and construction to housing association partners.
In Wales, social homes are owned by councils and registered social landlords regulated by the Welsh Government. Tenants hold secure occupation contracts under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Many councils run common housing registers with housing associations, and new homes funded by Social Housing Grant are usually built to the Welsh Development Quality Requirements.
| National planning policy | Planning Policy Wales (Edition 12) and Future Wales: the National Plan 2040, supported by Technical Advice Notes |
|---|---|
| Local planning document | Local Development Plan (LDP) |
| Who decides applications | The local planning authority, usually the county or county borough council (or a national park authority) |
| In-principle consent | Outline planning permission, with reserved matters approved later |
| Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer) | Land Transaction Tax (LTT) |
| Land registration | HM Land Registry |
| How a sale becomes binding | As in England, a land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, with the title registered at HM Land Registry. |
| Developer contributions | Section 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council has adopted it |
Questions about Social Housing in Gwent
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.
Who owns and manages new social homes?
A council or a housing association, often called a registered provider in England and a registered social landlord in Wales and Scotland. The landlord sets the rent within the rules that apply, handles repairs and manages tenancies. A developer such as Land to Homes builds the homes and transfers them, but does not manage them as a social landlord.
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.
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 I register for new homes in Gwent?
Yes. Registering for Gwent is free and does not commit you to anything. There are no homes available yet; if we bring homes forward in or near Gwent, we will contact you.
Read more: Social Housing · Guide: Renting a new-build home: tenancy rules in England, Wales, Scotland and NI