Housing options for school-based staff
London & Quadrant (L&Q) is the Government’s HomeBuy Agent (HBA) for South East and South West London - in partnership with Metropolitan Home Ownership (the HBA for the East, North and West London regions), they run the FIRST STEPS service for Londoners that are not able to afford to buy or rent good quality accommodation on the open market.
They work closely with local authorities in South London to help meet the housing needs of local residents.
The schemes provide a mixture of affordable accommodation to both buy and rent - many more schemes are in operation to help people to buy property with fewer schemes on the rental side.
Schemes for buying properties
Shared Ownership
You buy a share (minimum 25%) in a brand new or refurbished home - you pay a mortgage and deposit on the part that you own and pay a subsidised rent on the part that you don't own.
You can increase the share of the property that you own, until you eventually own the property outright.
Shared ownership resales are available, where existing shared owners are looking to move to another property.
FirstBuy
This helps first-time buyers to buy a home directly from a property developer with the help of an equity loan of up to 20 per cent of the property market value - no interest is payable on the loan for the first five years.
HomeBuy Direct
This helps first-time buyers to buy a home directly from a property developer with the help of an equity loan of up to 30 per cent of the property market value - no interest is payable on the loan for the first five years.
Schemes for renting properties
Intermediate Rent (IMR)
This offers you the opportunity to rent a brand new or refurbished home at around a 20% lower level than if you were renting from a private landlord.
You also have the assurance that your home is built, managed and let by a registered housing provider.
Rent to Buy
This scheme allows you to rent a new build home at a discounted price (minimum of 20 per cent discount), on an assured shorthold tenancy, of up to five years. When you are ready, you can buy your home on Shared Ownership terms.
For more information, visit the First Steps website.
How do I apply?
If you would like to apply, please visit the First Steps website, or contact London and Quadrant at:
Cray House
3 Maidstone Road
The Grange
Footscray
Kent
DA14 5HU
Tel: 0844 406 9997
Email: firststeps@lqgroup.org.uk
Lambeth does not keep a list of staff looking for housing.
Renting through local estate agents
All school-based staff can, of course, use any local estate agent to find property.
Agents with properties in the local area include: