You are responsible for most repairs in a Shared Ownership property
Frequently Asked Questions
Over 55s/ Retirement FAQs
Frequently asked questions about Older Persons properties
Want To Ask Us A Question?
Hopefully the frequently asked questions will help you on this page.
If you have a specific question that you’d like the answer to, feel free to get in touch.
MovingSoon FAQs
Please see the details below of frequently asked questions. Feel free to get in touch with us if you can’t find the answer to your query.
What is the benefit of using MovingSoon?
We bring together social and affordable homes in one place so you can find your new home for less. Start your search today.
How do you create an account with MovingSoon?
You can create an account by completing the form on the login page.
How do I apply for a property on MovingSoon?
You can apply for a property by completing the form on the property page you wish to apply for
I cannot log in to my account
If you need help logging in to your account or if you have forgotten your password, you can go to the login page and select ‘lost password’
Why would I choose to register with MovingSoon?
If you are interested in applying for several properties at once you can do so using our Quick Apply function. So there is no need to keep filling in a form for each property you are interested in.
Do I have to register with MovingSoon?
No, but if you choose to apply for several properties you will need to fill out a separate enquiry form for each one.
Who can list properties on MovingSoon?
Affordable housing providers that offer affordable and social homes. These includeHousing Associations, Estate and Letting Agents and House Builders.
Do you have a specific property listing criteria?
We only list homes that are for Social Rent, Affordable Rent, Market Rent, Rent to Buy, Shared Ownership and outright Sale.
How do I submit a property listing?
You will need to register with our website and then follow through the steps to add your property listing.
Do you have any special offers for property listings?
Please take a look at our clients page as this will contain any details about special offers.
Where can I find your contact details?
You can email us via the Contact Us page.
Can I still list a property if I am not registered?
No, you need to register with us to be able to list your available homes.
What options are there to advertise properties on your website?
There are a range property listing packages. Please get in touch with us for further details.
How long will my properties be listed on your website?
We will explain this as it will depend on the package you have signed up to.
Do I have to pay any commission fees for properties listed on your website?
No. All we charge for is your listings package. No other fees; it is as simple as that!
Do I have to pay to renew my property listings on your website?
It is a rolling contract. Get in touch to find out more.
Are you an Estate Agent?
We are not estate agents. So no estate agent fees, no commission on sale completion. We are simply the UK’s property website marketing affordable and social homes.
How do I respond to a property listing?
Fill in the Request Details & Viewing form on the property you are interested in. Then click send. This will go to the property advertiser for them to respond to your query.
What if I do not hear back after submitting my interest in a property?
You will need to follow up with the property advertiser direct. We allow them to advertise their properties to you. We are not responsible for the adverts or arranging viewings.
Do you offer a free moving house checklist?
Yes, take a look at our interactive moving house checklist.
Do you offer a house removals quotes?
We work with reallymoving.com to provide you with competitive quotes. You simply complete the removals request form and submit it to us. They will then arrange for up to 5 local providers to contact you direct and provide quotes.
Can I contact removals firms direct?
We’ve taken the hassle away from you and have partnered with a reputable company that have had great reviews on previous jobs they’ve completed. It saves you searching the internet. Plus they have many providers who operate throughout the UK.
Shared Ownership FAQs
What is Shared Ownership?
Shared Ownership is a government home ownership scheme where you part buy and part rent a property. Typically you can buy shares ranging from 25% through to 75% with rent being paid on the remaining share.
What is Part Buy Part Rent?
This is just another name for Shared Ownership.
How does Shared Ownership work?
You get a mortgage for the percentage of the property you are buying, typically from 20% and rent the remaining part from the Housing Association.
Are Shared Ownership properties new build homes?
Shared ownership are typically new build homes. It depends on the Housing Provider.
Who offers mortgages for Shared Ownership homes?
There are different providers who can offer mortgages for a Shared Ownership homes. Most high street lenders offer shared ownership mortgages.
What are the benefits of Shared Ownership?
There are many benefits to owning a shared ownership properties with the main one being that it gives you the opportunity to own your own home.
Do you still have to pay council tax on a shared ownership property?
Yes, just like a regular sale property, you are required to pay council tax on a shared ownership property
Do you still need to save for a deposit for a Shared Ownership home?
Yes, it is similar to buying your house outright. You will still need to have a deposit in place, typically 10% of the share of the property. So, for example, if you were buying a 25% of a property with an overall value of £100,000 this would equate to a mortgage of £25,000. So in this instance if you required a 10% deposit it would be £2,500. The remaining share of the property, £75,000, would be owned by the Housing Provider and you would need to pay them a monthly rent they will have worked out. So you will have both mortgage repayments and rent to pay. Start your search for shared ownership properties.
Who is eligible for Shared Ownership?
Shared Ownership homes are aimed at first time buyers, downsizers or those who used to own a home, but are unable to buy one at the moment.
You are eligible if you have a household income that is less than £80,000 per year (in London it is less than £90,000).
You can find out more about shared ownership eligibility on our blog
What is the minimum income for Shared Ownership?
The eligibility for shared ownership depends on your income. In London, your household income needs to be less than £90,000 and outside of London your household income needs to be less than £80,000.
Can I buy a bigger share in my Shared Ownership home at a later date?
It will depend on the criteria and whether this is possible. In many cases it is and this is called Staircasing. You will need to get in touch with your Housing Provider at a later date.
What is Staircasing?
It is where you can buy a bigger share in your Shared Ownership home. You will need to get in touch with your Housing Provider at a later date. You can check our blog for further information on how staircasing works
Can I buy my Shared Ownership home outright at a later date?
Some schemes allow you to buy the whole property, while on others there is a limit. It is best to find the properties you like and to ask the Housing Associations direct what the criteria for outright ownership is.
Where can I find Shared Ownership properties?
Start your search for shared ownership properties.
Can you decorate a Shared Ownership property?
Yes, you are able to decorate your shared ownership property. However, if you want to make large changes, you must have permission from the housing association. Start your search for shared ownership properties.
Who pays for repairs in a Shared Ownership property?
Can I have a lodger in my shared ownership property?
You are usually allowed to rent out a room in your shared ownership property but you will have to check this with your housing provider. Start your search for shared ownership properties.
Do you need a solicitor for shared ownership?
Yes, you will need a shared ownership conveyancing solicitor to complete a shared ownership sale
Do you need good credit for Shared Ownership?
Having bad credit may make it harder to get a shared ownership mortgage as ‘high street lenders’ may be reluctant to lend you money. However, there are other providers who may consider you for a shared ownership mortgage. Find out if you can get a shared ownership mortgage with bad credit.
Is there an age limit on Shared Ownership?
No, there is not an age limit for those wanting to buy a shared ownership property over the age of 18. However, there is a shared ownership scheme directly for those over the age of 55. This scheme makes it possible for those over the age of 55 to still be able to have a shared ownership home but they can only own up to 75% of the property. Search for Older Persons Shared Ownership properties
Do you pay stamp duty on Shared Ownership?
Yes, when purchasing a shared ownership property as a first time buyer you will have the option of paying stamp duty on the full value of the property, like an outright sale. This means that you won’t have to pay stamp duty again even if you buy the property. However, if you are only buying a share of the property and you are not wanting to staircase in the future, you may not have to pay stamp duty if the share price is under the cap limit.
Can you have a pet in a Shared Ownership property?
This is something which you will have to consult individually with your housing provider.
Can you negotiate a price on Shared Ownership?
Shared ownership property prices are typically non-negotiable. Speak to the housing provider for further details. Start your search for shared ownership properties.
Can rent increase on Shared Ownership?
Yes, your rent can increase. This is usually by 0.5-2% in line with any increases in Retail Price Index periodically, usually each year. Start your search for shared ownership properties.
Is it easy to sell a Shared Ownership property?
Selling a shared ownership property usually means that you have to let the housing association market the property for 8 weeks and if it does not sell, you are able to use other marketing channels. Check out our blog post on how to sell a shared ownership property
Do you have more information and news stories about Shared Ownership?
Yes, please take a look at our Shared Ownership blog category.
Renting FAQs
Where can I find no deposit required properties for rent?
Search for no deposit properties.
What is meant by no deposit required?
Typically in the private sector landlords will ask for a deposit which is usually the same value as one month’s rent. This is to protect them in the event there is damage done to the property that they can claim against for the repairs, or it can be used against unpaid rent.
So when homes are advertised with No Deposit Required it means you do not have to pay this bond.
Search for no deposit required properties.
Why are there homes available where no deposits are required?
Housing Associations due to the nature of how they work tend not to charge a deposit for Social Rent or Affordable Rent properties.
What is meant by no bond required?
This is the same as No Deposit. It is just another way of saying it.
What is Social Rent?
Housing Associations provide these homes on a secure basis.
Most of the time they are available via the Choice Based Lettings Schemes. However, there are occasions where they may be marketed direct to potential tenants.
How does Social Rented Housing work?
A key function of social renting is to provide accommodation that is affordable to people on low incomes. The government will limit the rent increases of such homes by law so they are kept affordable.
Who qualifies for social rented housing?
Typically those who qualify for social housing fit this criteria; They are
- A British citizen who is living in the UK aged 18 or over (some councils may accept 16+)
- A citizen of another country with the right to stay in the UK with no time restrictions on the length of stay.
Is Social Housing cheaper than private rent?
In short, yes. Social Housing is aimed at those who are unable to afford properties in the private rental market.
Who decides who is most in need for Social Rented Housing?
Social rent will depend on the local council’s allocation scheme. So it may vary area to area. Since the Localism Act 2011, councils can decide who is or isn’t eligible to go on their waiting lists for social housing. If you are looking for an affordable rental property why don’t you start your search today?
What happens when you get offered a council house?
You will normally only have a short amount of time to say if you accept or the house could be offered to someone else. You will then be given a time to exchange and sign contracts.
How much is housing benefit?
This is based on individual circumstances. How much you get depends on:
Your ‘eligible’ rent, whether you have a spare room, your household income – including benefits, pensions and savings and your circumstances, eg if someone has a disability and the age of the other people in the household
What is Affordable Rent?
It is where Housing Associations let their properties at up to 80% of those that would be charged by Private Landlords, Estate Agents and Letting Agents. You can search for affordable rental properties on MovingSoon
Who can apply for Affordable Rent properties?
Those in need as well as working people.
What is an example of Affordable Rent?
For example, say you saw a 3 bed house to rent for £500 a month from a Private Landlord or Estate Agent. However, you also noticed a Housing Association had a similar 3 bed house in the same street, but it was on the market for £400 per month as they were marketing it as an Affordable Rent property.
In this instance, you can see that the rental cost of the Housing Association property is 80% the value of the same house being advertised for rent in the same street by the Private Landlord or Estate Agent.
In summary, these affordable rental homes are discounted rentals.
How does Affordable Rent differ from Social Rent?
The difference between affordable and social homes are that the tenancies typically offered are for a fixed term only and not for life. Start your search for social and affordable homes here
Who can apply for Affordable Rent properties?
Those in need as well as working people.
How are you eligible for Affordable Rent properties?
Affordable rent homes will typically be available to applicants in housing need that have household incomes of up to £71,000 (if moving into one or two bed homes) or £85,000 (if moving into three bed or larger homes). If you match this affordable rent criteria you can search for affordable rental properties on MovingSoon.
Do you have to have a local connection to apply for Affordable Rent properties?
It depends on which Housing Association is listing the property. They should explain their criteria in the property description. If not, please feel free to get in touch with them direct.
How do you get on the housing waiting list?
You apply for council housing through your local council. If you meet their requirements, you will then be placed on the housing waiting list in order of urgency
Are Affordable Rent properties New Build homes?
No, the higher rent will be charged for newly-built homes and some existing homes that are being re-let.
Will the rent on Affordable Rent properties remain the same throughout the life of my tenancy?
The maximum annual rent increase on an affordable rent property will be inflation + 0.5%. This is the maximum a Housing Association can increase the rent during the fixed term of your tenancy. They will rebase the rent on each occasion that a tenancy is renewed, meaning that rents could go up or down depending on market conditions.
Are Affordable Rent properties New Build homes?
No, the higher rent will be charged for newly-built homes and some existing homes that are being re-let.
Are there any other differences with Affordable Rent properties?
Residents moving into homes charged at an affordable rent will have the statutory and contractual rights associated with their tenancy type.
So, like current social rent, an affordable rent should still be cheaper than renting privately.
What are Market Rent properties?
Market rent is essentially a property for rent that will have similar pricing to those offered in the Private Sector by Private Landlords, Estate Agents and Letting Agents.
What is Rent to Buy?
Rent to buy is a government initiative to help renters in social housing to buy a home.
Over 55s / Retirement Housing FAQs
What is Over 55's Housing?
This because there are some housing schemes which specifically cater for this age group. They have facilities dedicated to them which is why they are restricting applications.
What is Sheltered Housing?
It is rented accommodation for older people, typically over the age of 55, where there is usually a scheme manager. Sheltered housing is for the elderly and could be in a block of flats, bungalows or even small houses.
Typically older people who are living in Sheltered Accommodation are able to look after themselves.
What criteria is required for Sheltered Housing?
You will find that there will be a set of criteria to meet depending upon the sheltered housing scheme you are applying for. Most of the schemes will want applicants to be over the age of 55. However, there may be flexibility if someone is claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA). It really depends on the sheltered accommodation you are apply for.
What is Retirement Housing?
This is essentially the same as Sheltered Housing. There may be slight differences depending on the Housing Provider.
Where can I find Sheltered Housing properties?
Search for Sheltered Housing properties.
What is Independent Living?
This is essentially the same as Sheltered Housing. There may be slight differences depending on the Housing Provider.
Where can I find Independent Living properties?
Search for Independent Living properties.
What is Extra Care Housing?
This is very similar to Sheltered Housing, except Extra Care housing includes the provision of on-site care and social activities.
Who is entitled to Sheltered Housing?
Those aged 55-60+ depending on individual properties. It is perfect for those who want to still live independently but have support available if they need it. You can search for sheltered housing on MovingSoon.
Who can buy retirement property in the UK?
Retirement properties are available to those over 55. You can find out more about who is able to buy retirement property in the Uk in our blog.
Can someone under 55 live in an over 55 property in the UK?
Those aged 55-60+ depending on individual properties. It is perfect for those who want to still live independently but have support available if they need it. You can search for sheltered housing on MovingSoon.
Can you get a mortgage on a retirement property?
Yes, you are able to get mortgages on retirement properties.
Can I rent out my retirement flat?
Your lease should explain if you are able to sublet your retirement property.Start your search for retirement properties to buy
Do you have to pay council tax in sheltered accommodation?
Yes, you will have to pay council tax in most retirement properties
