Each affordable housing scheme serves a different purpose and type buyer profile, and brokers add value by knowing when a particular route might be appropriate.

The main schemes include:

Buyers purchase a share of a property (typically between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remainder, usually to a housing association or local authority. Mortgage affordability is assessed on the share being purchased, but brokers must also factor in rent and service charges. Lender criteria vary too — for example, Halifax lends up to 95% of the share being purchased.

While equity loan schemes are far less common since the end of Help to Buy, a number of locally delivered shared equity models remain. These are typically provided by local authorities, housing associations or regional partners, with Help to Buy Wales continuing until September. Buyers fund most of the purchase price through their mortgage and deposit, with the remaining portion provided as an equity loan — usually expressed as a percentage of the property’s value and repayable on sale or redemption.

Although availability is limited, understanding these schemes can help brokers identify opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked.

Discounted ownership products — including First Homes and locally agreed Discounted Market Sale (DMS) or Resale Price Covenant (RPC) homes — offer buyers the opportunity to purchase a property at a fixed discount, with that discount permanently attached to the property and passed on at resale, to keep the home affordable for future buyers.

• First Homes: A national scheme in England offering first‑time buyers a minimum 30% discount (up to 50% in some areas). Eligibility is controlled locally and often prioritises buyers with local connections or key worker status.
• Discounted Market Sale / Resale Price Covenants: Similar in structure to First Homes but delivered through locally negotiated planning agreements, meaning discount levels, eligibility rules and resale processes vary by area.

For brokers, understanding local criteria — and how they interact with lender policy — helps ensure clients can assess these options confidently.

New‑build and affordable housing advice is sometimes viewed as a specialist area, with the perception that only advisers tied to major developers can support clients. While referral partnerships between large developers and specialist brokers do exist, the full picture is more accessible.

A significant share of new homes is delivered by small and medium‑sized builders, particularly on smaller and brownfield sites. These developers are far less likely to operate broker panels or exclusive partnerships, which means many buyers have more freedom in choosing their adviser.

This creates clear opportunities for mainstream and local brokers to support new‑build buyers without needing to position themselves as specialists — especially in areas where SME‑led development contributes meaningfully to supply.

Halifax Intermediaries has long‑standing experience across new-build and affordable housing. These cases often involve scheme‑specific requirements, multiple stakeholders and tighter timelines. Our experience matters because we’ve seen — and worked through — the documentation issues, delays and practical challenges these cases can present.

We’re continuing to invest in our service, with a focus on strengthening support for new‑build and affordable housing cases, helping brokers navigate scheme rules and keep cases moving.

Affordable housing cases often take more work — more explanation, more coordination and more moving parts. We recognise that complexity.

That’s why Halifax Intermediaries has introduced minimum proc fees for affordable housing cases, to better reflect the value of the advice involved, particularly where loan sizes tend to be lower, but the effort required is greater.

It’s part of our wider commitment to the broker market, acknowledging the vital role advisers play in supporting customers.

For buyers without access to family support, affordable housing schemes can be the difference between waiting years and getting onto the property ladder now.

That creates a clear opportunity for brokers. Understanding where these schemes fit, recognising that the new‑build market is more open and diverse than is often perceived, and working with lenders who have the experience to support more complex cases, all help deliver better outcomes.

Affordable homeownership isn’t niche — it’s a growing, essential part of the market. And it’s an area where knowledgeable brokers can make a meaningful difference to clients’ lives.

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