Apply for a Property with Magenta Living

Thank you for your interest in renting a home with Magenta living. We are the largest affordable housing provider in Wirral with over 12,000 homes.

For properties in Wirral and Halton you will need to register with Property Pool Plus  for our Cheshire East Homes you will need to register with Cheshire Home Choice and for Cheshire West, registration is with the choice based lettings scheme West Cheshire Homes.

We may occasionally advertise a property on our website, which will include an expression of interest form for you to complete.

Shared Ownership homes are also available, find out more here.

We also have Rent to Buy homes available, find out more here.

How we allocate homes

As a registered provider, we work closely with the Local Authority, who are responsible for assessing each applicant's housing needs. You'll start by completing an application with them and providing any evidence or supporting information they ask for.

The Local Authority will then review your circumstances and place you in the band that best reflects your level of need. Once this is done, you can apply for any of our available properties through their choice based lettings system.

We then receive a shortlist of applicants for each home and work through it in order. This helps make sure the process is fair, transparent and consistent for everyone.

If you'd like to find out more about how we allocate properties, please read our policy below:

Allocation & Letting Policy

Local Lettings Plans

Local Lettings Plans are agreed between Magenta and the Local Authority to allocate homes in a way that best meets the needs of local communities and the people who live in them. The plans allow a more tailored approach to letting homes in certain areas, helping us build safe, balanced, and sustainable communities.


Why we have them

  • To create balanced communities - aiming to make sure communities include a mix of different households. This helps to support thriving and successful communities.
  • To respond to specific local issues - in some cases, they are used to deal with challenges in a particular area - for example, where there have been high levels of anti social behaviour or a strong need for affordable homes.
  • To support people who may need extra help and can help to prioritise certain groups who may benefit from additional support or who need homes suited to their circumstances and who may need help to sustain their tenancy.


How This May Affect You

If a home is being advertised under a Local Lettings Plan, it will clearly state this in the provided information and will explain, who is eligible, any criteria that applies and why the policy is being used in that area. We currently have local lettings plans in the following areas:

Three Sails Point, Local Lettings Plan

Woodchurch Local Lettings Plan

Understanding our tenure options

As an affordable housing provider, we offer a range of tenure options to meet different needs and circumstances. Below is an explanation of the main types of affordable homes you may see advertised by us, including what they mean and who they're usually suitable for.

Social Rent and Affordable Rent

Social Rent homes are designed to be genuinely affordable for people on low incomes or those in housing need.  

Rents are set using a  government approved  formula that takes account of local income levels, property  values  and home size. Because of this, social rents are usually much lower than private rented homes in the same area and are intended to remain affordable over the long term.   

Social Rent homes are typically  allocated  through the local council's housing register, based on housing need. Tenancies are usually  long term , offering stability and security.  

Social Rent may be suitable if you:  

  • Are on a low income  

  • Have a recognised housing need  

  • Are looking for a secure,  long term  home  

Affordable Rent homes are offered at a lower cost than private  renting, but  are  usually higher  than Social Rent.  

Rents can be set at up to 80% of the local market rent, including any service charges, in line with government guidance.  Like Social Rent, these homes are usually allocated through the local authority, based on eligibility and housing need.  

Affordable Rent may be suitable if you:  

  • Are unable to afford private rent  

  • Do not qualify for Social Rent  

  • Are looking for a more affordable rented  option  

Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy

Shared Ownership is a  part buy ,  part rent   option  that helps people get onto the housing ladder.  

You buy a share of your home (usually between 10% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share, which is owned by the housing association. Because  you're  only buying part of the home, the deposit and mortgage needed are smaller than buying outright.   

Over time, you can usually buy more shares in your home through a process called  staircasing . As your share increases, the rent you pay reduces. Shared Ownership homes are normally leasehold properties.  

Shared Ownership may be suitable if you:  

  • Want to buy a home but  can't  afford to buy outright  

  • Have a regular income and some savings  

  • Are a  first time  buyer or looking to buy again  

To find out more about Shared Ownership options with us, click here:  www.magentaliving.org.uk/shared-ownership


Rent to Buy helps people save for a deposit while living in a new home.  

Homes are rented at around 20% below the local market rent for a fixed period, usually up to five years. The reduced rent is designed to help you save money towards buying a home in the future.   

At the end of the rental period, you may have the  option  to buy the home outright or through Shared Ownership, depending on your circumstances and the scheme offered.  

Rent to Buy may be suitable if you:  

  • Are working and want to buy a home in the future  

  • Are finding it difficult to save for a deposit while renting  

  • Want a stepping stone between renting and home ownership  

To find out more about Rent to Buy options with us, click here:  www.magentaliving.org.uk/rent-to-buy  

Choosing the right option

Everyone's situation is different. Availability, eligibility and exact terms can vary depending on the home and local demand. If  you're unsure which option  is right for you, please contact us  and our team will help explain what's available and guide you through your choices .

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