Affordable housing - discount market sale scheme customer information guide

Discount Market Sale scheme conditions may vary in each Local Authority. It is important to be aware of the eligibility criteria in Stockton-on-Tees.  

During the twelve week notice period applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• applicants must be aged over 18 and employed or self-employed (unless cash only purchase) 
• applicants must have a combined household income of under £80,000 per annum, be unable to purchase a property outright, and able to access a mortgage 
• applicants must be either living in the area and have a housing need such as being relocated as part of a regeneration scheme or homeless
• have a local connection through previous residency, family connections, being a care provider, employment or training, relocation due to fleeing domestic or other violence, or other safeguarding reasons 

Housing need is assessed on household size compared to the size of the property available. For example, a co-habiting couple will be expected to share the largest main double bedroom and the requirements of other household members considered separately. 

Generally, households will qualify for one more bedroom than they require. For example, a couple or single applicant would qualify for a two-bedroom property. A couple with one child would qualify for a three-bedroom property. 

In exceptional medical circumstances where an extra room is required to accommodate medical equipment at home this will be considered over and above any housing need required based on the household size. Equally, if a purchaser requires three days or more per week "live in" support, they will be entitled to an additional bedroom. No additional bedrooms are considered for home working arrangements. 

Applicants will be ineligible under the following circumstances:  

• they have an outstanding County Court Judgement 
• they are bankrupt 
• they have or have had rent arrears (unless this is an outcome of a confirmed domestic violence coercive control relationship) 
• breached a tenancy agreement 
• they have a history of anti-social behaviour 
• they own or have a share in another property or have an existing mortgage (some exemptions apply)