Shared ownership

HomeBuy

There are options available under the HomeBuy initiative so please visit Catalyst Housing's website (see below) for more details of products which may assist you into home ownership.

What is HomeBuy?

HomeBuy is a Government driven initiative that helps eligible individuals and families find homes that meet their current needs. The Government has appointed a number of HomeBuy Agents throughout England to help those who are seeking to live in specific areas. For many people, this program will provide the best chance of owning a home in the area in which they want to live and work.

What is a Homebuy agent and who are Catalyst Housing?

Catalyst Housing is the Government appointed HomeBuy Agent for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. Catalyst Housing provides a "one-stop-shop" service for home ownership opportunities that exist in these areas. By registering with Catalyst HomeBuy, individuals are assessed to identify the schemes they are eligible for.

Shared ownership

This scheme offers brand new high quality homes available on a 'Part-buy/Part-rent' basis. Under this initiative, eligible individuals are able to become home owners by buying a share of a newly built property (sometimes from as low as 25 per cent) and pay a subsidised rent on the portion they don't own. Individuals then have the opportunity to increase their share of the property as their financial situation allows by 'staircasing'.

Catalyst Housing can provide you with details of the developments in your area that offer part-buy/part-rent opportunities.
From time to time shared ownership, or part-buy/part-rent, properties will become available as a result of existing owners moving further up the property ladder. These are known as resale properties.

Eligibility considerations

There are priority groups for allocating and targeting HomeBuy units, including existing social tenants, MOD personnel and other first time buyers. To be eligible for HomeBuy schemes, candidates must fit the criteria and must not have a household income in excess of £60,000 per annum.

For the latest eligibility criteria for HomeBuy, please register with Catalyst HomeBuy by calling 0845 601 7729 or complete an online application on Catalyst Homebuy's website (see link below). You can find more details about the available options and schemes on the website.

All current home owners who wish to be considered for HomeBuy options are required to have a priority need for accommodation as assessed by their current local authority before they register with the local HomeBuy Agent for the area they wish to live in. The priority need for accommodation will be assessed in accordance with the Housing Act 1996.