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New homes and housing · Hertfordshire

Social Housing in Stevenage

How are new social rent homes delivered in Stevenage?

In Stevenage, 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.

Quiet new-build cul-de-sac of semi-detached brick homes with block-paved drivesStevenage · SG1

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 Stevenage

Stevenage (SG1) is one of the Hertfordshire towns we cover, about 19 miles north-east of Watford. Close by, our coverage also takes in Hitchin, Letchworth Garden City and Welwyn Garden City. Stevenage is in the East of England region of England.

People registering interest around Stevenage can tell us whether they want larger family homes, homes for private rent or two- and three-bedroom family homes. As Stevenage is in England, applications are judged against the National Planning Policy Framework, and the buyer of land pays Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT).

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

Why work with Land to Homes in Stevenage

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.

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.

Nation-aware

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

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 in Stevenage: the English rules

Councils and housing associations around Stevenage 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 Stevenage
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
How a sale becomes bindingA land sale becomes legally binding on exchange of contracts and finishes on completion, after which the buyer registers the title with HM Land Registry.

Social Housing in Stevenage: questions

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 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.

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.

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.

Are there new homes available in Stevenage now?

Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in Stevenage at the moment. You can register your interest for Stevenage, and we will contact you if we bring homes forward there or nearby.

Read more: Social Housing · Guide: Renting a new-build home: tenancy rules in England, Wales, Scotland and NI

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