Social housing is found in all parts of the United Kingdom.
Yet, since it was first introduced many years ago, many people still don’t know what this term means.
This blog gives an in-depth guide to social housing in the UK.
What is social housing in the UK?
Social housing is affordable renting or part-rented living in the United Kingdom.
Local councils or housing associations often own these properties. They’re then let out at an affordable price.
Social housing is a government-led creation. Its goal is to support people on lower incomes.
Most of the time, applicants must meet an eligibility requirement.
The building may also be maintained or renovated to a slightly lower standard due to low service charges.
It’s scarce for social housing to be a detached or semi-detached property. It’s usually a flat in a building. The council or housing association typically owns the entire building.
Tenancies are relatively secure for social housing. The landlord has reduced eviction powers.
This gives the residents more security to live there for a while.
When was social housing introduced in the UK?
Many people consider social housing a product of the late 20th century.
But that’s not the case at all!
Believe it or not, the first recorded social housing was in 1890.
Parliament introduced an act that enabled councils in London to build housing and collect sums.
Then, in 1919, local councils made it compulsory to provide housing. This was especially useful after World War II.
How common is social housing?
Data from the government states that around 17% of people in England live in social housing. This is around 4 million people.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, around 24% of properties are social housing. And the number is about 16% in Wales.
What is the eligibility for social housing?
Each local council has their eligibility criteria for social housing.
However, there tends to be a crossover between these subjects. You can see the main requirements below.
Age
You usually need to be older than 18 to live in social housing.
Some councils permit you to live there from 16, if you have a guarantor.
Income and savings
You must show that you can’t afford to live in the private sector.
This is usually a combination of having a low income and no savings. The council will ask for proof of this.
Housing need
You may be prioritised for social housing if you have a pressing need.
This could be because you’re homeless, or because you’re living in unsuitable conditions. It might also be related to having a disability.
Local connection
Most local councils want you to have a connection to the area. This might mean that you’ve lived there for a while.
Or that you’ve got family living there. Being employed in the area for a long time may also qualify.
Good tenant history
The council will want to look into this if you have a track record of being a tenant.
They’ll want to know that you’ve met all past payments. And that there haven’t been any evictions due to bad behaviour.
Is social housing less expensive?
Yes, social housing is less expensive. That’s why the criteria focus on low-income people, who are thus in greater need.
According to Shelter England, social housing is about half the price compared to the private sector.
On average, social housing costs £89 per week, while the private sector costs roughly £196 per week.
How to know if a property is Social Housing
Ask the council
This is one of the quickest ways to find out.
The local council will have details of all social housing. They can confirm over the phone whether it applies.
Check the title deeds
The title deeds of the property will give details about ownership. This is relatively inexpensive to get hold of.
Look for housing associations
Housing associations will often give details about all their properties.
Their website may disclose this, or you could ask them directly.
Remember that the council owns plenty of social housing. So, this wouldn’t cover all your bases.
Ask other residents in the building
If you know anyone else in the building, ask if their property is social housing.
All the properties tend to fall under the same umbrella. This can give you an indication.
Does the council always run Social Housing?
No, not always. A housing association can also run it. Some charities run social housing as well.
Can private property be turned into Social Housing?
Yes. This happens when the local council or a housing association buys the property.
The central government will often provide funding to support this.
Can a Social Housing property be made private?
Yes, this is possible.
Government-backed schemes such as ‘Right to Buy’ or ‘Shared Ownership’ often enable this.
The residents can save money and buy a larger stake in the property.
By growing this over time, they may be able to buy the property outright. This makes them a private owner.
Advantages of living in Social Housing
Affordable
As explained above, social housing is about half the price of the private sector.
This acts as a helpful safety net for people on a low income, with no savings.
It can help to stop homelessness levels from becoming even worse.
Stability
The tenancy contracts that you sign in the private sector give you a reasonable amount of protection.
Unless you break the terms of your agreement, your landlord can’t evict you. You can thus feel safe and secure, which is rare in the private sector.
You can often buy it outright
Even if you start renting in social housing, it doesn’t need to stay this way forever. You can increase your percentage ownership in the property.
There are a couple of government-backed schemes that enable this. This gives you a clear, affordable path towards building equity.
Disadvantages of living in Social Housing
Limited choices
There’s not usually a wide range of choice for social housing.
Many of these properties are already occupied due to the residents’ security of tenure. So, it’s not always possible to be picky.
Lower quality communal spaces
Compared to the private sector, less money is spent on communal spaces in social housing.
This can be noticeable when you first walk into the building. The walls are less frequently scrubbed, and the facilities are slightly less pricey.
Stigma
There can be a stigma surrounding social housing. A certain type of person might turn their nose up at it. That’s something to keep in mind.
Although many argue that this is disappearing due to the property market becoming so expensive.
More people are finding that they meet the eligibility criteria and thus consider it a serious option.
