Moving out of your temporary accommodation over Christmas?

You will be charged the full rent until the keys for your accommodation are returned. If you live in a property where the repairs are managed by an agent, please contact the agent directly to hand in your keys and to obtain a receipt. Please do not leave keys in the property.

For all other properties, the housing options service at the Town Hall, 160 Whitechapel road, London E1 1BJ, will re-open on Thursday 2 of January 2025. You need to return your keys to the office before midday to avoid charges.

Please remember to notify your housing officer, housing benefit and Council Tax.

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Intermediate rent

Buying or renting a home below the market rate  

Intermediate housing offers people who are unable to purchase a home or pay rent on the open market an opportunity to so at a cost that is below the market rate.   

Applicants can buy or rent a brand new or existing home. There are several schemes available for eligible applicants. (This includes groups such as key workers.) 

Help with buying a home 

If you are interested in owning a home, you may be able to get help to purchase it or buy a share of a property (shared ownership).  

Shared ownership  

Shared ownership enables people to purchase a new or existing home from a Registered Provider otherwise known as a Housing Association. You can buy up to a 75% share in the property starting with a minimum share purchase stated by the Association.  

You then pay rent on the remaining share. There is the option to purchase additional shares in the property annually up to 100%. Properties are either brand new or being sold by existing shared owners. The rent on the outstanding share is usually set a maximum of 2.75% on the value of that share when the home is first sold.  

For more information on purchasing a shared ownership property visit the government’s Shared Ownership pages.

Affordable home ownership schemes and properties for Londoners 

The London Mayor offers help with some affordable home ownership options.

To search for property details, check your eligibility, and register your interest, visit the Mayor of London’s affordable homes page 

Intermediate Rent 

This lets you rent a brand new or existing home with a view to buying the property at a later stage. The rent charged is up to 80% of the open market rent for the area. As well as being more affordable, you have the assurance that the home will be managed and let by a Registered Housing Provider. 

To be allocated a property you will need to apply to be included on the Intermediate Housing Register. 

Building new homes for residents  

The council is committed to tackling the lack of affordable homes. We are working with our partners to provide new affordable homes for residents.

Find out about current schemes in development.