Apex operates the statutory ‘House Sales Scheme’ approved by the Department for Communities (DfC). The Scheme offers tenants the opportunity to purchase their home outright or buy a percentage equity share, providing they meet the eligibility criteria set out within the Scheme.
Tenant eligibility criteria
If you wish to purchase your home, you must meet the criteria set out in the DfC ‘House Sales Scheme’. You may qualify for the Scheme if you have been a secure tenant with a qualifying tenancy of five years or more. Time spent as an introductory tenant can count towards this.
You will be disqualified from applying if:
- You are a squatter
- You are under investigation for anti-social behaviour
- Apex has served a relevant statutory notice to seek possession during the previous three months
- Proceedings for possession of the dwelling are pending
- You are obliged to give up possession by order of the court
What if I am in rent arrears?
If you apply to purchase and you are in rent arrears, your application will not be rejected on those grounds but shall be allowed to proceed to completion stage. However, no sale shall be completed until all arrears, whether for rent or any other payment due have been paid.
Property types exempt from sale
Certain types of properties are exempt from sale under the DfC House Sales Scheme. You cannot buy your property if it is:
- A sheltered housing property
- A bungalow with two bedrooms or less, or
- Any specialist Apex accommodation, such as a group housing scheme or a special needs property
Further information on the details of the House Sales Scheme can be found within the House Sales booklet which can be obtained from Apex.
Steps to purchasing your home
If you wish to purchase your home, you should request a ‘House Sales Booklet’ and ‘House Sales Application Form’ from the Apex Allocations Officer.