Key worker scheme
This page will give you general information regarding the Key Worker scheme. Use the links to the Housing Association websites to find out about specific schemes in the area of your choice.
Those helping to improve the education, health and safety of Dartford 's community, other public sector workers and some private sector workers who meet the Council's criteria can benefit from housing options available in the Borough.
Who can benefit?
Those helping to improve education, health and safety of Dartford 's community, other public sector workers and some private sector employees who meet the Council's criteria.
If you are a ‘key worker' in one of the groups listed below, you could get help to buy your first home or to move into a family home. Opportunities are also available to rent homes at affordable prices. This help is available in Dartford and other areas of the country where the high cost of housing is affecting employer's ability to recruit and retain staff.
- NHS front line staff, e.g Nurses
- School Teachers, Teachers in Further Education
- Kent Police Officers
- Probation Service Staff
- Local Authority staff, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Educational Psychologists
- Other Public Sector Workers, Care Workers, Support Staff, Teaching Assistants, Front-line Service staff etc
- Private Sector employees who can demonstrate that they are special value to Dartford's community and local economy e.g Bus Drivers, Nurses in prvate care homes etc
Your eligibility for certain housing association schemes is restricted depending on whether the scheme has been subsidised by the government. For example, for equity loans the government only recognises the first five occupations listed above as key workers.
What is available?
The following discounted housing schemes are available in Dartford :
- Shared ownership of newly-built properties. You purchase at least 25% of the home by obtaining a mortgage and pay a reduced rent on the remaining share. You can increase your ownership in the future and buy outright as your circumstances change. If you choose to sell the property then you receive the equivalent of the percentage value that you own.
- Equity loans to help key workers buy a home on the open market or a new property built by a registered social landlord. The loan is only repayable if you decide to sell your home or if you want to buy the loaned portion at a latter stage. Because the percentage stays fixed, the value of this will either increase or decrease in line with the property value. The amount you are eligible for is based on your individual circumstances, such as where you work and your income.
- Low cost market housing is typically newly-built properties that are sold at a discounted rate, usually 75% to 85% of open market value. The discount is only repayable when the property is sold.
- Intermediate renting , where the rent is set at a level between that charged by the Council and housing associations and those charged by private landlords. You are likely to pay around 75% to 80% of the local market rent for the type of property you live in. You will have an assured shorthold tenancy while you remain a key worker.
How do I apply?
You can apply to any of the local housing associations offering key worker schemes in the borough or you can join the council register for key workers.
To speak to speak to one of our Housing Advisers call 01322 343814 who will be able to advise you on the current availability of the discounted housing schemes in the Borough and send you an application form.
- Alternatively, you can click here for a Key Worker Application Form
Housing Associations operating Key Worker Schemes in the Borough of Dartford
Moat Housing Association
96 High StreetSevenoaks
Kent TN13 1LP
07002 662846
www.moat.co.uk
Hyde Housing
181 Lewisham High Street
Lewisham
London SE13 6AA
0209 297 1500
www.hyde-housing.co.uk
www.inplace.co.uk
Tower Homes
70 Court Road
Eltham
London SE9 5NP
0800 056 3601
www.towerhomes.org.uk
