Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are community-owned organisations that provide permanently affordable housing. They separate land ownership from housing, keeping homes affordable for future generations.
What is a Community Land Trust?
A Community Land Trust is:
- Community-Owned: Owned and controlled by the local community
- Permanently Affordable: Homes remain affordable forever
- Democratic: Community members make decisions
- Not-for-Profit: Surpluses benefit the community
- Local Focus: Serves local communities
How Do Community Land Trusts Work?
Land Ownership
- CLT owns the land
- Homes are built or purchased on CLT land
- Land is held in trust for the community
- Land never sold, keeping homes affordable
Home Ownership
- Residents own their homes
- But not the land (owned by CLT)
- Homes can be sold, but at affordable prices
- Resale restrictions keep homes affordable
- Community benefits from any value increase
Benefits of Community Land Trusts
Permanent Affordability
- Homes remain affordable forever
- Resale restrictions keep prices low
- Future generations benefit
- Community asset
- Long-term housing security
Community Control
- Community owns and controls the land
- Democratic decision-making
- Local priorities
- Community benefit
- Collective ownership
Who Can Access CLT Housing?
Eligibility varies but often includes:
- Local Residents: Usually need local connection
- People on Low Incomes: Cannot afford market housing
- First-Time Buyers: Help getting on property ladder
- Key Workers: May prioritise key workers
- Community Members: May need to be CLT members
Finding Community Land Trust Housing
Application Process
- Find CLTs: Search for CLTs in your area
- Become a Member: Join the CLT (if required)
- Check Eligibility: Check if you meet criteria
- Apply: Complete application forms
- Assessment: Assessment of your needs and circumstances
- Allocation: Allocation if eligible
What to Look For
- Eligibility: Do you meet the criteria?
- Location: Is it in an area you want to live?
- Cost: Can you afford the home?
- Resale Restrictions: Understand resale restrictions
- Community: Does it feel right?
Resale Restrictions
How Resale Works
- When you sell, price is restricted
- Usually linked to local incomes or inflation
- Keeps home affordable for next buyer
- You get back what you paid plus limited increase
- Community benefits from value increase
Benefits
- Home remains affordable
- Future generations benefit
- Community asset
- Prevents speculation
- Long-term affordability
Your Rights
Homeowner Rights
- Right to own your home
- Right to live in the property
- Right to privacy
- Right to make improvements (with permission)
- Right to sell (with restrictions)
Community Rights
- Right to participate in CLT
- Right to vote on decisions
- Right to information
- Right to be heard
- Right to benefit from community asset
Browse Community Land Trust Providers
Find community land trust providers in your area. These community-owned organisations provide permanently affordable housing for local communities.
Image Gallery
External Resources
Service Directories
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Community Land Trust?
A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a community-owned organisation that provides permanently affordable housing. The CLT owns the land, while residents own their homes, keeping homes affordable forever.
How do Community Land Trusts keep homes affordable?
CLTs own the land permanently and place resale restrictions on homes. When homes are sold, prices are restricted (usually linked to local incomes), keeping them affordable for future buyers.
Who is eligible for CLT housing?
Eligibility varies but often includes local residents, people on low incomes, first-time buyers, and key workers. Each CLT has its own eligibility criteria, and you may need to be a CLT member.
How do I apply for CLT housing?
Find CLTs in your area, join the CLT if required, check if you meet eligibility criteria, and complete application forms. You may need to demonstrate local connection and housing need.
What are resale restrictions?
Resale restrictions limit how much you can sell your CLT home for. Prices are usually linked to local incomes or inflation, ensuring the home remains affordable for the next buyer.
Can I make a profit when I sell my CLT home?
You can make a limited profit, but resale restrictions mean profits are capped. The home must remain affordable for the next buyer, so profits are usually modest and linked to inflation or local incomes.
Do I own the land my CLT home is on?
No, the CLT owns the land permanently. You own your home, but the land is held in trust by the CLT. This separation is what keeps homes affordable forever.
What is the difference between a CLT and other affordable housing?
CLTs provide permanently affordable housing through land ownership and resale restrictions. Other affordable housing may become unaffordable over time, but CLT homes remain affordable forever.
Do I need to be a CLT member to get CLT housing?
Many CLTs require membership, but this varies. Check the specific requirements for CLTs in your area. Membership usually involves joining the CLT and may include participation in CLT activities.
Are Community Land Trusts regulated?
CLTs are registered organisations, often as community benefit societies or industrial and provident societies. They may also be registered charities and must meet regulatory requirements.