Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible?
To confirm that you are eligible you need to complete an application form. We are unable to confirm whether you are eligible for Low Cost Home Ownership without a fully completed application form. First Time Buyers with a household income of less than £60,000 who are unable to purchase a home in the area they live or work without assistance normally qualify.
I have made an application with New Futures. What happens next?
We will write to you giving a purchase price limit on New Build HomeBuy (shared ownership). Once you have received this you can start searching for your new home on our website.
I have seen a property I like. What should I do next?
Once you have completed your application simply call the Housing Association selling that property and they will guide you through the buying process.
Which scheme is for me?
We have various schemes to enable the purchase of your first home. Once you have completed your application form we will confirm if you qualify for the Low Cost Home Ownership schemes we offer.
Some new homes are being built – can you send me details?
If the properties are not listed on our website then we have not yet been informed of this development. We recommend you apply with us, as Housing Associations will write to applicants already registered when new properties become available.
What is your connection to the Housing Associations?
We hold a list of qualifying applicants for Housing Associations to use for marketing their homes. We are a HomeBuy agent and all applicants need to have been accepted by us before they can be considered for Low Cost Home Ownership.
There are various HomeBuy agents in England. Which one do I apply to?
You need to apply to the HomeBuy agent that covers the area where you currently live regardless of where you wish to live. If you are a Keyworker you should apply to the HomeBuy agent that covers the area where you work. To see the area we cover simply click here
I am relocating to the New Futures area. However, you have sent me a letter saying I live outside the area. Why has this happened?
You need to apply to the HomeBuy agent that covers the area where you live regardless of where you wish to live. Once they have received your application form and carried out the necessary checks they will send your form to us. To find out the HomeBuy agent in your area simply visit http://www.housingcorp.gov.uk/server/show/nav.2128
I have applied and been accepted. Can you increase my purchase price limit?
We are unable to increase the purchase price limit you have been set. Our aim is to help people into homes they can afford and sustain for the long term.
I have applied and been accepted. What do I do next?
You simply need to find a suitable home in our property pages here. Then simply call the Housing Association selling that property and they will guide you through the buying process.
I have registered my email address to enable me to apply online. However I have not received my activation email
Because our systems are automated, some email accounts place this in your ‘junk’ or ‘spam’ folder. Please check there or use a different email address.
I am a Keyworker. What scheme do I qualify for?
Keyworkers can apply for all of our Low Cost Home Ownership options and in most circumstances are given priority.
I am a current home owner. Can I qualify for these schemes?
There would need to be a valid reason why your home is no longer suitable. Simply state this on your application form.
Do I need to register with a Local Authority?
If you are solely interested in Low Cost Home Ownership we have negotiated with the following Local Authorities, so that you only need to register with us.
- Gloucester City Council
- South Gloucestershire Council
- Stroud District Council
- Tewkesbury Borough Council
- North Somerset Council
If you live outside of these areas please register with us then contact your Local Authority. This will ensure you are given a higher priority.
Can I buy at auction?
Our schemes do not currently allow you to buy at auction.
I have debts over £15,000. Am I eligible?
We feel that applicants with debts over £15,000 will struggle to meet the monthly repayments associated with owning a home.
My household income is over £60,000. Am I eligible?
Applicants with household income over £60,000 are unable to apply for Low Cost Home Ownership.
Can I visit you to discuss my application?
Our office is based in the centre of Gloucester opposite the town library and museum. There are a number of parking spaces for the registered disabled located on Brunswick Road, opposite our front door. There are also a limited number of visitor car parking spaces available at the rear of our offices (accessed via St Michaels Square) which you may be able to book in advance by contacting us.
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Our office is open to visitors between the following times:
| Monday | 10am-4pm |
| Tuesday | 10am-4pm |
| Wednesday | 10am-4pm |
| Thursday | 10am-4pm |
| Friday | 10am-4pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Can I apply by telephone?
We can currently accept applications online or by post.
Can I contact you?
| Our phone number is: | 0800 073 1315 |
| Our address is: | New Futures 2 St Michaels Court Brunswick Road Gloucester GL1 1JB |
| Our fax number is: | 0870 479 3442 |
| Our email address is: | help@homebuysouthwest.com |
I am calling from a mobile - do you have a landline number?
Our landline number is (01452) 541601
