Found a property you want to apply for but you're unsure if you meet the local connection requirement? We're here to help.
What is a local connection?
Put simply, a local connection requirement means that a buyer must currently live, work or have an immediate family member living in the catchment of the local government authority. It's a condition that local authorities put in place to give local people a better chance of securing an affordable home in their area.
Types of local connection
In order to determine whether you have a local connection, we must assess whether you meet at least one of the following criteria:
- You are currently living in the local area
- You are currently employed (full-time or part-time) in the local area
- You have an immediate family member (e.g. parents, siblings) who currently lives in the local area
Please note that in some cases the local authority may set more stringent requirements. Our sales team are on hand will be discuss this with if you are interested in buying a property.
Why do we have local connection requirements?
Demand for affordable housing is greater than ever, and local governments will often put provisions in place to ensure that local constituents have access to affordable rental and shared ownership properties near them. One way this is being delivered is through the local connection requirement. This requirement outlines geographic criteria on which applicants eligibility for housing in the local area is assessed. It often forms one part of a legally binding agreement that we, and all other developers will enter into with the local government.