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New homes and housing · South Yorkshire

Social Housing in Sheffield

How are new social rent homes delivered in Sheffield?

Social housing in Sheffield 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 gardenSheffield · S1

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

Homes we plan around Sheffield

Sheffield is the main town we cover in South Yorkshire, centred on postcode district S1. Close by, our coverage also takes in Burngreave, Rotherham and Dronfield. Within England, Sheffield falls in the Yorkshire and the Humber region.

When you register for Sheffield, you can choose two- and three-bedroom family homes, larger family homes or homes for affordable rent. In England, where Sheffield sits, planning decisions are made by the local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority).

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

Our approach in Sheffield

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 social landlords

We plan and build social rent homes for councils and housing associations to own, manage and let to households from their lists.

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.

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.

Planning and land rules in Sheffield

Affordable homes in Sheffield are usually funded through a mix of Section 106 contributions from market schemes and grant from Homes England's Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026 to 2036, or from the Greater London Authority in London. Registered providers, regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing, own and manage most of them. Land to Homes can bring forward land and build homes for councils and housing associations, including homes for Social Rent.

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 Sheffield
Local planning documentLocal Plan
Who decides applicationsThe local planning authority, usually the district, borough, city or unitary council (or a national park authority)
Land registrationHM Land Registry
Developer contributionsSection 106 planning obligations, plus the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) where the council charges it

Social Housing in Sheffield: questions

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.

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.

Are there new homes available in Sheffield now?

Not yet. Land to Homes has no homes available in Sheffield at the moment. You can register your interest for Sheffield, 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

Social Housing elsewhere in South Yorkshire

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