Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust

Bucks Home Choice is our Choice Based Lettings (CBL) scheme. It is a partnership with Paradigm Housing Association and 4 district councils: Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe.

Housing applicants have the chance to see all the available vacancies and choose what properties that you want to apply for (if eligible).

We believe that CBL is the best way to work with you to ensure you are housed as quickly as possible, in a property that you like.

How are applications prioritized?

All applications are assessed under a 4-band system depending on the applicant’s circumstances. We will work with you to ensure that you are placed in the correct band.

Why does the partnership have a banding system?

Residents and potential applicants have told us that  the points system is complicated and they do not really understand how it works. Banding is more straightforward, and we hope you will find the system is clear and easy to understand. Please let us know your feedback, as this will help us to improve Bucks Home Choice in the future.

How can I find a home?

Available properties are advertised once every 2 weeks in various places, like the Bucks Home Choice website, at Fairfax House and in the offices of the other members of Home Choice. The adverts give details like the size and type of property, the area and street, rental costs and service charges if applicable, and other things you may find interesting.

How can I show an interest in a property?

You can express an interest in any advertised property that you are eligible for on the Bucks Home Choice website or in person at one of the Partnership’s customer service centres. If you are not sure what to do, please call our Customer Contact Centre, who will be able to help you. You can apply for up to three vacancies at a time.

Can I participate even if I don’t have a computer?

We don’t just advertise available homes on the internet. As well as being able to view the information in the offices, there are newsletters and property adverts, as well as a  24-hour advertising hotline.
You can apply for a property you like by text message and a 24-hour bidding hotline.
For anyone who does not have access to a computer, but would like to participate using the web site, libraries across the partnership can help with Internet access.

Are more homes be available as a result of Bucks Homes Choice?

Bucks Home Choice will not increase the supply of affordable rented homes in the area. There may even be times when there are no properties available for which you are eligible to bid.

However, CBL gives you an easier way to apply for a home, and more say in where you live. You are able to see, read or hear for yourself what is available and to apply for a property you would like to live in.