Home Ownership: Qualifying Criteria

HOLD uses shared ownership to enable disabled individuals with a range of different impairments to part buy (together with a Housing Association) a home of their own. You can purchase a home from the open market or a Housing Association development. You'll purchase a share (typically 25% - 75%) using an interest only mortgage, the Housing Association buys the remaining share and charges you rent (paid for by Housing Benefit). You're free to remain in your home for as long as you wish, with the mortgage being repaid when the property's sold. The mortgage itself is paid through Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) with an additional top up payment being made from your other benefits (NB: SMI's a loan which is repaid from any equity left on your share when the property's eventually sold, the sum repaid CANNOT exceed this remaining equity so any shortfall will be written off). To ensure that you have sufficient income to make these payments this model is only open to buyers on High or Middle Rate Care Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or PIP equivalent. We also insist on a number of other strict qualifying criteria. You must be:

• 18+ years old with clean credit history and no outstanding debts
• In the ESA Support Group or Universal Credit Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) Group - following major changes to the 'zero earnings' rule in April 2023 you CAN now earn some money through paid employment AND qualify for a HOLD mortgage
• In possession or in the process of arranging a suitable Care and Support package (if required), either with a Local Authority, a private care provider or your family
• Able to prove your mental capacity or have Court of Protection or Lasting Power of Attorney in place
• Looking to live on your own - you can share but with caution!
• Able to put down a deposit and pay fees associated with buying your new home - this costs c. £17,000+ (this includes a 10% deposit on the property PLUS getting you ready for home ownership and ensuring it's sustainable) AND able to contribute to your housing costs of c. £30 per week. NB: Mortgage products and deposit requirements can and do change, so please contact us to find out the very latest information.

If you meet these criteria and have spoken with us to go through a few simple eligibility questions (otherwise you may be completing the form when you're not eligible) you can now complete your Pre Mortgage Application Form here!

To find out more about the process involved in buying a home using HOLD please download a copy of our comprehensive MySafeHome Guide to Buying a Home of Your Own. If you need any assistance at any stage please email enquiries@mysafehome.info.