Useful Links

There are many organisations, websites, telephone numbers and leaflets that offer detailed advice. The following information gives you an idea what help is available and points you in the right direction to find out more. 

The information and advice in this section is correct at the time of going live. Information may change over time, so we recommend that you use the websites listed below to check the latest facts and figures.

Are you a first time buyer with a household income of less than £60k a year and looking to buy or rent in London?

MHO is the Local HomeBuy Agent for east, north and west London and works in partnership with L&Q (the Local HomeBuy Agent for south London) to offer a single point of access to home seekers looking to buy or rent a home for less in the capital. The service was provided under the FIRST STEPS brand.

The new service name brings improvements including a new website which offers excellent usability, a fresh design, the ability to search for a home and an affordability calculator so that home seekers have a better idea of what they can afford.

www.communities.gov.uk
The central Government department responsible for Housing.

www.homesandcommunities.co.uk
The website for The Homes and Communities agency, the national housing and regeneration agency, who fund HomeBuy products.

www.tenantservicesauthority.org
The regulator for affordable housing.

www.direct.gov.uk
Information on low cost home ownership products available across the country.

www.housing.org.uk
The National Housing Federation represents 1400 independent, not-for-profit housing associations in England and is the voice of affordable housing. Our members provide 2 million affordable homes for 5 million people.

www.cih.org
The body for Housing professionals, find out about current reports in Housing, training and professional development and standards.

www.affordablehomeownership.co.uk
The website of the London Home Ownership Group, which showcases new developments and customer stories from housing associations in London.

www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
Financial Services Authority mortgage calculator.

www.mhp-online.co.uk
The website for the Metropolitan Housing Partnership - our parent business.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk
The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice from over 3,000 locations, and by influencing policymakers.

www.shelter.org.uk
Homelessness charity that runs a housing helpline, has a network of housing aid centres, and works with local citizens advice bureaus.

www.womensaid.org.uk
Support for women trying to escape domestic violence.

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Environmentandgreenerliving/Greenerliving

A quick guide on what you can recycle and how to live a greener lifestyle.

www.greenhomeslondon.co.uk
For advice on how to make your home more energy efficient.

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Provide impartial information and advice and have a network of advice centres in the UK specifically designed to help people take action to reduce CO2 emissions.

www.freecycle.org
Find free stuff, donate don't dump!

accessible-property.org.uk
The register for accessible housing UK-wide.

www.mysafehome.info
Mortgage advocates for people with disabilities.

www.nhas.org.uk/index.htm
The National Homelessness Advice Service (NHAS) offers advice providers in England the specialist support and professional resources necessary for giving the most appropriate, accurate and timely housing advice to people.

www.warmfront.co.uk/
A government funded scheme providing grants to make your home better insulated and more energy efficient.

www.homesandcommunities.co.uk
Get information on the mortgage rescue scheme from the HCA.