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New homes and housing · Hertfordshire

Social Housing in Rickmansworth

How are new social rent homes delivered in Rickmansworth?

Social housing in Rickmansworth 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.

New three-storey low-rise apartment block with balconies and a communal gardenRickmansworth · WD3

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 Rickmansworth

We cover Rickmansworth as part of Hertfordshire. It is about 4 miles west of Watford, around postcode district WD3. Watford is the closest neighbouring place we cover, at about 4 miles, followed by Chalfont St Peter and North Watford. Rickmansworth is part of England’s East of England region.

When you register for Rickmansworth, you can choose accessible and adaptable homes, homes for first-time buyers or larger family homes. Because Rickmansworth is in England, land titles are registered with HM Land Registry and transfers attract Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

Register for Rickmansworth and we will contact you if we bring homes forward nearby.

Our approach in Rickmansworth

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.

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.

Nation-aware

Social housing law, regulation and funding differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and we work within each system.

Planning and land rules in Rickmansworth

Councils and housing associations around Rickmansworth 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 Rickmansworth
Local planning documentLocal Plan
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
Land transaction tax (paid by the buyer)Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT)
Land registrationHM Land Registry

Questions about Social Housing in Rickmansworth

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.

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.

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.

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 register for new homes in Rickmansworth?

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