Housing is one of the most important things to consider when moving to the United Kingdom. While options exist, affordable housing is mainly available through council housing and housing associations. You can also find a wallet-friendly private rental. Housing units vary depending on your income, location, and personal preference. The UK government may provide subsidised housing plans or low-cost housing for immigrants who meet the eligibility criteria.
At Remitly, we understand the struggles of moving to a new environment. To that end, we offer financial advice and helpful information to help immigrants navigate new challenges in whatever country they settle in. Follow our guide to affordable housing in the UK.
Immigrant housing options
- Council housing: Provided by the government and managed by local councils. This option is arguably the most affordable of the available options. Many people choose council housing, so you should expect to be on a waiting list.
- Housing associations: Provided by non-profit organizations. The application process is similar to that of council housing.
- Private rentals: Many privately owned properties may offer cheap rental rates. The key is to do a thorough search online, focusing on properties on the outskirts of urban areas.
- Shared ownership: The ideal choice for anyone who wants to become a homeowner. Under this arrangement, you buy a share of the property and pay rent on the remaining share.
Eligibility criteria for immigrants
Understanding whether you are eligible for affordable housing is key to starting the application process. Eligibility often depends on immigration status, income, residency rights, and family circumstances.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain: Immigrants who have been granted permanent residence, or IRL, can apply to council housing or housing associations.
- Refugee: Refugees who have been documented and provided with legal asylum status can apply through council housing and housing associations.
- Asylum seekers: In most cases, asylum seekers are not eligible for affordable housing plans under council housing. However, they can apply for temporary accommodation through local authorities.
- Temporary visa holders: Those with temporary visas, such as student and work visas, are often ineligible to apply for affordable public housing. However, they are free to explore private rental options.
- Undocumented immigrants: Individuals who do not have valid immigration status are ineligible to apply for affordable public housing.
Legal considerations for immigrants
Your immigration status has a huge impact on your ability to find affordable housing. The key is ensuring you have all the legal documents that allow you to reside within the United Kingdom in order. To qualify for an affordable housing plan, you must take the habitual residence test. The test ascertains whether an individual has made the UK their home and has sufficient ties to the country to access public funds.
It also seeks to establish several things regarding any immigrant seeking public benefits, such as affordable housing. One of the key elements of the test is to determine if an individual has been residing in the UK for a considerable amount of time.
Finally, the test considers if the individual is likely to remain in the country for a long period of time. Some factors that come into play include education, work, and family ties. Additionally, the test determines if the immigrant has significant ties to other countries, which may compromise loyalty.
While public funds and affordable housing plans may have strict eligibility criteria, individuals who do not qualify can still explore other ways to find accommodation. As previously noted, cheap rental houses owned by private citizens are an option.
Another thing to keep in mind is that individuals are eligible for emergency housing assistance or accommodation from local authorities regardless of their immigration status.
What’s more, some charities and NGOs offer shelter to individuals having difficulty finding accommodation.
Applying for council housing and housing association
Submitting applications for council housing and housing associations is almost the same process. Additionally, the eligibility criteria are similar.
1. Register with local council
The first step is to submit an application form that lists personal information. This can be done online or at a local council office.
2. Provide accurate information
Applicants must provide information, including their name and immigration status, and answers to questions about their current housing situation, family size, and health conditions. This information allows those in charge to prioritize applicants based on need. For instance, a person with a serious health condition will likely be moved up on the list of beneficiaries.
3. Assessment
Once all the required information is provided, the council will assess individual needs and place applicants on a waiting list. Priority is usually given to people with disabilities, pregnant women, the elderly, people living in overcrowded or unsafe places, and homeless individuals or families.
4. Approval
Once everything has been assessed and an opening becomes available, those accepted to public housing will receive communication via phone or email.
Private rentals
While social housing is excellent, it is only available to people who meet the eligibility requirements. Immigrants with temporary visas will need to seek alternative housing options.
Private rentals come in a variety of types and price tags. They can also be found in urban and rural settings, meaning renters won’t have to spend too much time searching before finding a suitable option.
How to find a private rental
The best way to find a suitable private rental is to go online and search through reputable listing websites. Rightmove, Zoopla, and OpenRent are among the best sites. Each website offers information regarding different housing units across the United Kingdom. You can also find relevant contacts on these sites. You can even search for houses by price range and location.
Contacting local estate agents can be another way to find private rental units. Such agents are often helpful when you move to an area that does not have property listings. Remember that some homeowners do not list their properties online, so the best way to find them is through a local estate agent. Social media pages or groups can also be helpful when searching for affordable private housing.
If you have a low income but meet the eligibility criteria for council housing or housing association, you should also consider applying for housing benefits or Universal Credit. This can be a good way to cover part of your rental fee.
Under this arrangement, you can buy a share of the property you wish to live in. This can be anywhere from 25% to 75% of the total cost of the property. You will be required to pay rent on the remaining share.
The upside to this arrangement is that it puts you on a firm footing to own property in the UK. That means you can eventually pay off the remaining amount and fully own the property.
Different housing associations have different eligibility criteria for this type of housing arrangement. Research thoroughly to find out what works for your location and budget.
Accessing help with rent for immigrants
If you cannot find accommodation through a social housing arrangement, you can always apply for financial support to cover part of your private rental fee. Universal Credit is one of the main funds that can help.
To qualify for this fund, you must meet the eligibility criteria, which include proof of low income. Pensioners, people living with disabilities, and unemployed people can benefit from this fund.
Emergency housing assistance is another option to consider. This option requires submitting an application to your local authority for assistance. It is usually available for people who are in danger of violence, abrupt eviction, homelessness, or other unfortunate incidents.
Resources and support for immigrants in the UK
As an immigrant to the United Kingdom, you may face challenges when looking for affordable housing. Things like eligibility, rules, and application processes may seem complicated, but there are plenty of resources to provide information and help.
Local authorities, housing charities, and online resources are easily accessible and will help make the process more straightforward.
Local authorities or councils
Local councils are the best place to start when you need assistance. They can help you apply for council housing or provide temporary accommodation while you make long-term arrangements.
They can also provide advice on how to navigate the local housing scene. To find support from local councils, visit the relevant website and get in touch through the contacts provided.
Housing charities
Some UK charities help people find information about affordable houses. These organisations offer advice, practical support, and even hands-on assistance.
- Shelter offers free advice to any immigrant who needs it. It is a good place to turn for information on housing rights, eligibility for housing benefits, and more. Visit its website for more information and contact details.
- The British Red Cross assists immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers by offering advice, temporary accommodation, and other housing-related services.
- Crisis mainly helps people who are facing homelessness. However, you can always contact the organisation for advice or assistance finding a place to stay.
Online resources
A few online resources can also provide helpful information on affordable housing for immigrants in the UK.
- Citizens advice has plenty of information on renting, evictions, and eligibility for housing benefits. The website provides legal information to help you stay on the right side of the law.
- Gov.uk is the official government website. It provides factual and accurate information about housing and is the best place to learn more about applying for council housing.
- Immigration advice service offers free or low-cost information for immigrants relocating to the UK. You can access information regarding the housing options available, the social benefits you are eligible for, and the best way to apply for public housing.
Common immigrant challenges and how to overcome them
While immigrating to the UK is an exciting experience, it may also present a few challenges. These challenges may include discrimination due to ethnicity, immigration status, or religion. If you feel that you are discriminated against, always seek legal advice. Housing charities can be a good place to turn to in such a case.
Another challenge you may face is the language barrier. Many councils offer language translation to make your immigration easier. Reaching out to friends and family for support during the affordable housing search will help make the process smoother.
FAQs
Can immigrants apply for council housing in the UK?
Yes, immigrants can apply for council housing in the UK. To do so, they must meet specific immigration requirements, such as ILR, refugee status, or EU-settled status.
Can I get housing benefits as an immigrant in the UK?
Your immigration status can determine if you are eligible for housing benefits. To benefit from the housing element of Universal Credit, you need to have EU-settled status.
Can I apply to private rental housing as an immigrant in the UK?
Yes. Immigrants are free to apply to private rental properties as long as they meet the landlord’s requirements. The landlord often requires you to sign a lease agreement to ensure smooth business.