Rent to Buy lets you rent a new home at a reduced rent so you can save a deposit at the same time. Later you may be offered the chance to buy it.
People in work, outside London, who are first-time buyers or returning to home ownership after a relationship breakdown. The landlord checks that you can pay the rent and save.
You apply to rent a home that the landlord has placed in the scheme, then use the gap between your rent and a full market rent to build savings. When the rental period ends, the landlord may offer you the home to buy outright or through shared ownership.
Renting through the scheme does not guarantee you can buy that home, and the price is set when the offer is made. Councils and housing associations can add their own requirements, so ask about them before you apply.
Each rule in its primary source's own words, with the date it applies from.
The home must be offered for Rent to Buy by its landlord.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was last updated.You apply to rent a property that is in the scheme.
Rent to Buy is available in England outside London.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was last updated.The scheme is available in England, apart from London.
You must be in full or part time employment.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was last updated.in full or part time employment
You must be a first-time buyer, or returning to home ownership after a relationship breakdown.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was last updated.You may also be eligible for Rent to Buy if you are returning to home ownership following a relationship breakdown.
You must be able to pay your rent and save for a deposit at the same time; the landlord checks this.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was last updated.able to pay your rent and save for a deposit at the same time
Councils and housing associations may set extra eligibility requirements.
. Start date: the source states no start date, so this is the day it was last updated.There may be extra eligibility requirements to apply.
Answer what you know. Each rule is checked against your answers, and anything left blank shows as a fact the check still needs.
As of 12 Nov 2026. Lenders, providers and councils make the final decision.