What affordable housing is, types of affordable housing and how to apply

What affordable housing is

Affordable housing is for people in housing need who cannot afford to buy or rent on the private market.

There are eligibility criteria for people needing an affordable home in Bristol. 

See Affordable home ownership for options to buy an affordable home ownership property.

Find an affordable rented home

Register with Home Choice Bristol to find an affordable rented home in Bristol.

Information on Homechoice Bristol about how we allocate homes Go to https://www.homechoicebristol.co.uk/content/Bands/Prioritisingapplications (opens new window).

Renting affordable homes

Affordable housing to rent includes:

  • Social Rent 
  • Affordable Rent
  • Intermediate Rent 
  • Affordable Private Rent 

Social rented properties

Social rented properties usually have the lowest rents, rents are set using a government formula. These rents exclude service charges. 

Some social rented housing is owned by us and some by registered providers, such as housing associations. 

Affordable rented properties

These properties are more expensive than social rented properties but the rent is controlled. The rent is not more than 80% of local market rents and we try to keep them below Local Housing Allowance level. These rents includes service charges. 

Some affordable rented housing is owned by us and some by registered providers, such as housing associations.

Intermediate rented properties

These properties are more expensive than social rented properties but the rent is controlled. The rent is not more than 80% of local market rents.

Intermediate rented properties may be offered by housing associations and let on an assured shorthold tenancy.

Build to Rent: Affordable Private Rent

Affordable private rent homes are let by Build to Rent landlords at 20% below market rent.  We expect this to be below Local Housing Allowance rates.

These properties include eligible service charges. 

Find further information in the pdf Build to Rent Practice Note (326 KB) .

More detailed information about nominations and allocations is in the pdf Affordable private rent nominations and allocations plan (143 KB) .

Affordable home ownership

For options to buy an affordable home ownership property see affordable home ownership.