How to Apply For Rent to Buy

If you're struggling to save for a deposit and have dreams of home ownership, Rent to Buy is the ideal scheme for you. 

Offering a number of unique benefits - with the ultimate goal being home ownership - Rent to Buy is a great alternative to private renting that can be much more beneficial over the long-term. 

Below we explore why you should choose Rent to Buy, how you can apply for Rent to Buy and what the process looks like.

Why Choose Rent to Buy?

Rent to Buy (RTB) is designed to ease the transition between renting and buying a new house for working households. Sometimes referred to as Rent to Save or Rent to Own, the scheme is a great alternative that provides a number of unique benefits. 

Firstly, with Rent to Buy, you pay below market rent, with the money you save all going towards a deposit for a new home. This takes some of the pressure away that you might find when private renting. 

Secondly, Rent to Buy is very flexible in when you can choose to buy. Depending on the terms set out by the housing association, you may choose to purchase the property between one year and five years of being in the Rent to Buy scheme.

This can be done via Shared Ownership or Outright Sale, based on what works better for you. 

How to Apply for Rent to Buy

Here are the steps you should take if you want to apply for Rent to Buy with Platform:

Register with Help to Buy

They’ll be able to assess your potential application, provide confirmation on whether you’re eligible and add you to their main database.

Get in Touch

Complete the 'Ask for Details' enquiry form on your ideal home and forward your Help to Buy reference, your application form, a form of ID and 3 months of bank statements/payslips/P60 to sales@platformhg.com.

Credit Reference Check

We refer you to a mandatory affordability assessment that ensures Rent to Buy is the right scheme for you financially.

With your consent, we send your details to a third-party letting agent that carries out a credit reference check - much like the traditional renting process.

Getting Ready to Move

If you pass this check, Platform will send you an offer letter for your chosen plot. Properties are allocated on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis and in the event of multiple applications for the same plot, we consider immediate housing needs.

At this point, you’ll sign an Options Agreement and arrange a viewing of the property, to ensure that you’re happy with the plot.

If you’re happy with the property, we help you complete the paperwork assigned with the tenancy and get you signed up.

Pay Your Deposit

At this point, you’ll pay the equivalent of five weeks' rent as a deposit, which is entered into the Deposit Protection Scheme.

Pay Your Rent

Following the deposit, you’ll also pay the rent for the remainder of the month from your tenancy sign-up date, as well as one month’s rent in advance. During this process, you’ll arrange a move-in date.

Move In

On move-in day, you’ll receive the keys and have access to your new home. Congratulations! You're well on the way to full home ownership and can sit back, relax and enjoy your new house.

Who is Eligible for Rent to Buy?

If you're applying for Rent to Buy, you have to check your eligibility. The criteria you have to meet include:

• Be part of a working household
• Not be a homeowner
• Plan to live in the property

Remember, the Rent to Buy scheme is designed for those who can't get a deposit together because they're privately renting, not simply those that can't buy a property at all.

Your household income also needs to be under a certain limit - typically £60,000. You also generally have to be a first-time buyer to be accepted, although there are exceptions to this rule.

Finally, you'll be expected to undergo a credit check to demonstrate that you're able to afford the rent and any future mortgage payments.

If you meet all of the above points, Rent to Buy might just be for you. Speak to us here at Platform and we can get you started on the path to home ownership via Rent to Buy.