Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing is a broad term that covers housing that is available to eligible households who cannot access open market housing. 

Housing Associations provide most of the affordable housing for rent in Allerdale, at either a social or affordable rent. Social rent levels are set by local housing associations with reference to government guidance, and Affordable rent properties are available for a rent which is no more than 80% of the local open market rent. There are a small number of properties available for affordable rent from a private landlord. A list of housing associations can be found on the  Social and Affordable Rented Housing  page.

There are options for purchasing affordable housing in Allerdale. On larger developments we ask developers to build affordable housing - our Planning department will request this if the development meets the threshold. We operate a Discounted Sale scheme which provides homes for sale at below market value. Alternatively, there are properties in Allerdale available for Shared Ownership , these properties are jointly owned by a household and a housing association.

There is a variety of affordable Older Persons Housing available in Allerdale.

The Housing Policy team work to increase the affordable housing stock available in Allerdale. Our role is to make sure that the right type of affordable properties are built where they are needed. For more information about affordable housing in Allerdale, please e-mail  housing.developmentteam@cumberland.gov.uk .

The Government’s Help To Buy scheme does not provide affordable housing, but can help households on to the housing ladder. You can find more information about the scheme at  helptobuynw.org.uk .