Rent to Buy

A helping hand towards owning your home

Rent to Buy helps you save for a deposit while renting your home

You'll pay a reduced rent, usually around 80% of the local market rate, giving you the chance to build your savings while enjoying the security of your home.

The reduced rent period is typically available for up to five years, although it may be shorter in some cases. We'll let you know exactly how long your reduced rent period will last before you sign your tenancy agreement.

How it works

1. Move in

Move into your Rent to Buy home and pay a reduced rent.

2. Save for your future

With rent typically lower than market rates, you can save towards a deposit. We'll keep in touch to see how you're getting on.

3. Plan your next step

As your reduced rent period comes to an end, we'll contact you to discuss your plans and the support available.

4. Take your next step

Depending on your circumstances, you could buy your home, ask for more time to save for a deposit, or move to another home on the open market.

Rent to Buy period

This is one of the most important things to be aware of when considering a Rent to Buy home.

The Rent to Buy period runs for up to five years from the date Yorkshire Housing takes ownership of the home, which may be before you move in. This means your reduced rent period could be less than five years.

We'll explain the timescales for your home before you sign up and keep in touch throughout your tenancy, so you know what to expect and can plan ahead.

Rent to Buy is designed to help you move into homeownership, so it's important to start thinking about your future plans well before your reduced rent period comes to an end.

Frequently asked questions

Rent to Buy is for people who would like to own a home in the future but aren't in a position to buy yet. The scheme helps you save towards a deposit while renting your home.

No. With Shared Ownership, you buy a share of the home and pay rent on the part you don't own.

With Rent to Buy, you rent the whole home during the Rent to Buy period. If you decide to buy, you'll usually buy the whole property at its market value.

No. Buying your home is your choice. However, it's important to understand that Rent to Buy homes are intended to be sold at the end of the five-year period. If you choose not to buy, you'll need to make plans for moving on.

The Rent to Buy period lasts five years from the date Yorkshire Housing takes ownership of the property, not from the date you moved in.

The five-year Rent to Buy period starts when Yorkshire Housing takes ownership of the home, not when you move in. This means some customers may live in their home for less than five years before the scheme comes to an end.

We'll make sure you know the end date of your Rent to Buy period before you move in, and it's included in your tenancy agreement. We'll also keep in touch throughout your tenancy and contact you before the end of the Rent to Buy period to discuss your plans.

That's up to you. The scheme is designed to help you save towards a deposit, so putting money aside regularly could help you if you'd like to buy your home in the future.

Yes. Many customers start looking at mortgage options before the end of the scheme. You may find it helpful to speak to an independent mortgage adviser or lender to understand what you may be able to afford.

You may be able to. If you're thinking about buying with a partner, family member or someone else, speak to us as early as possible. We'll explain the process and help you understand the next steps.

The sale price is based on the market value of the property at the time of sale.

Please talk to us as soon as possible. If you're still working towards buying your home, we may be able to consider giving you more time. Each request is looked at individually and we can't always guarantee more time.

We know life doesn't always go to plan. If your finances, health, work or family circumstances change, please let us know as soon as possible. We'll discuss your situation and explain the options available.

We'll talk to you about your plans and explain what happens next. Because Rent to Buy homes are intended to be sold at the end of the scheme, you'll eventually need to move out so the property can be sold.

We can't guarantee another Yorkshire Housing property. If you decide not to buy your Rent to Buy home, we'll provide information and guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next steps.

No. Rent to Buy homes are sold at their market value at the time of sale and there is no additional discount. The benefit of Rent to Buy is the chance to pay a reduced rent during the Rent to Buy period, helping you save towards a deposit.