Accessing safe, secure, and affordable housing remains one of the biggest challenges for millions across the UK. To help address the housing crisis, the UK government has introduced several schemes—among them, the Affordable Homes Programme (AHP) stands out as a key initiative designed to increase the supply of affordable homes across England.
But if you’ve registered your interest or applied through a housing association or local authority under the AHP, you might be wondering: how do I check if I’ve been approved? Unlike some government programmes that publish public lists of beneficiaries, the AHP operates through local partners and has a more decentralised approach.
What Is the Affordable Homes Programme (AHP)?
The Affordable Homes Programme is a government-funded initiative administered by Homes England (for England) and by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in London. The programme provides funding to housing associations, local councils, and private developers to build homes that are rented or sold at affordable prices.
The current AHP covers the period from 2021 to 2026 with an allocated budget of £11.5 billion, aiming to deliver approximately 130,000 new homes. These homes can fall into different categories:
- Social rent: Typically 50-60% of market rent.
- Affordable rent: Up to 80% of market rent.
- Shared ownership: Buy a percentage of your home and pay rent on the rest.
- Rent to buy: Rent at a reduced rate with the option to purchase later.
🧾 Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility is determined by local authorities or housing associations, not directly by Homes England. General eligibility criteria may include:
- Being on a local housing register or waiting list.
- Having a household income below a certain threshold (usually £60,000 or less).
- Being a first-time buyer, key worker, or someone living in inadequate housing.
- Not owning another home (for most schemes).
🔎 Does the AHP Have an “Approved Applicants List”?
Unlike lottery-style programmes, the AHP does not publish a centralised list of approved applicants. This is due to privacy regulations and the nature of how homes are allocated—through local councils and housing providers based on need and availability.
However, you can still check your status or position on the housing register through your local authority or housing provider. Here’s how:
📝 How to Check If You’ve Been Approved or Allocated a Property Under AHP
1. Contact Your Local Council or Housing Association
This is the most direct and reliable way to check your status.
Steps:
- Visit your local council’s housing portal online.
- Log in to your account (or create one) using your application reference number or personal details.
- Navigate to “Housing Applications”, “My Housing Options”, or similar section.
- Look for status updates like:
- Application received
- Under review
- Eligible and awaiting allocation
- Offer made
- Approved for a specific property
Alternatively, you can call or email the housing team. Make sure to have your application reference number and National Insurance number ready for quicker service.
2. Check With the Housing Provider or Developer
If you applied for a shared ownership or rent-to-buy scheme directly through a developer or housing association, contact them to inquire about your status.
- Many housing providers have online portals for applicants to track their application.
- You can also contact their sales or allocations team by phone or email.
Providers like Clarion Housing, Peabody, L&Q, and Notting Hill Genesis are among the largest involved in delivering AHP homes.
3. Use Local Choice-Based Lettings Systems
Most local authorities in England use Choice-Based Lettings (CBL) systems to advertise available properties. You must bid on properties to express interest.
Popular CBL platforms include:
- Home Connections
- Locata
- Select Move
- Kent Homechoice
By logging into the platform used in your area, you can:
- Track bids you’ve made.
- See where you rank for each property.
- View upcoming or recently let properties.
Note: Being registered does not guarantee a property—it often depends on availability, priority band, and length of time on the list.
How Long Is the Wait?
Due to high demand, waiting times for affordable housing in the UK can be long:
- 1-bed properties: 1 to 3 years
- 2-3 bed family homes: 3 to 5 years
- 4+ bedroom homes: 5 to 10+ years
In some areas, like London or Manchester, wait times can stretch even longer. Your priority band (A, B, C, etc.) and specific housing needs will significantly impact your chances of being allocated a home sooner.
What Happens After You’re Approved?
If you’re approved and allocated a property, you’ll typically:
- Receive an offer letter or notification via email/phone.
- Have a chance to view the property.
- Complete necessary checks (references, income, ID).
- Sign the tenancy agreement or shared ownership lease.
- Arrange a move-in date.
If you reject a property without a valid reason, some councils may remove you from the register or move you down the list—so it’s important to only bid or apply for homes you’re genuinely interested in.
What If You Haven’t Heard Anything?
If you haven’t received any updates:
- Check your application status online or contact your housing provider.
- Update your contact details to ensure you receive notifications.
- Keep bidding regularly on suitable properties.
- Review your application to ensure all documentation is complete and up to date.
You can also ask for a review of your housing banding if your circumstances have changed (e.g., health issues, overcrowding).
Final Thoughts
The Affordable Homes Programme offers a vital route to homeownership or affordable renting for thousands across the UK. While there is no single “approved list” you can view, staying active, informed, and engaged with your local housing provider is key to moving forward in the process.
Checking your application status regularly, keeping your details up to date, and bidding wisely on available properties can make a significant difference in your chances of securing a home.
Remember—affordable housing may take time, but with persistence and patience, your opportunity will come.
