People applying for part buy, part rent properties will normally be first time buyers who meet the eligibility. For many schemes we have specific arrangements with the local authorities in terms of how we prioritise applicants. This will be explained to you when you first enquire about the property. If you are eligible for shared ownership, we will generally offer properties to people in the following order of priority:

1. Public sector residents nominated by the local authority or HomeBuy Agent
   Offering a part buy, part rent property to a public sector resident already living in the area (who then gives up their rented tenancy) means that a low rent property then becomes available to someone else in housing need.
   
   
2. Other public sector tenants within the local authority
   Our residents or residents of other housing associations within the area will receive second priority.
   
   
3. People on the waiting list of the local authority or HomeBuy Agent
   These applicants have a housing need recognised by the local authority or HomeBuy Agent but, so far, have not been offered a suitable property.
   
   
4. Key workers living or working in the local authority
   The local authority or HomeBuy Agent will define key workers in relation to their specific area, and must meet these workers' needs. This will usually include applicants providing essential services to the local community (for example, in health, education and emergency services).
   
   
5. Public sector residents not living in the local authority
   Applicants whose landlord is a Registered Social Landlord (council or housing Association) but who live outside the local authority.
6. Key workers not living or working in the local authority
   
   
7. Any other first-time buyer not in the categories above
   
   
8. Existing homeowners not in the categories above (including existing shared owners)
   This may cover applicants losing their home as a result of a relationship breakdown or death. We need to be satisfied that it is appropriate to offer a property in each case.

Within each of these priority categories, homes will be offered to the first person or couple to commit to a purchase by paying a holding or administration fee. We will work this out from the date and time we received the fee.

Where more people need homes than there are properties available within any given priority group, and holding or administration fees have been received on the same day, we will consider the following priorities:

1. Size of the property being offered in relation to the needs of the buyer. For example, for a two-bedroom property, those applicants with dependants will be given a higher priority
   
   
2. Date on which we received the filled-in application form for New Build HomeBuy
   
   
3. Length of time on the waiting list.