Questions to Ask When Viewing a Rent-to-Own Home

Rent-to-own homes can be an appealing option for buyers who aren’t quite ready to secure a mortgage or don’t have a deposit saved, but who want to work toward homeownership. Knowing what to ask before or during a viewing can help you clearly understand how the process works and decide whether the home is the right fit for you.

1. How Does the Rent-to-Own Process Work for This Home?

Ask how long the rental period lasts, when you can purchase the home, and whether buying at the end of the term is optional or expected. Understanding the overall process upfront helps you know exactly what you’re committing to.

With private rent-to-own providers like Keyzy, the rental period is two years at a fixed rental rate, meaning there are no rent increases during that time. You’ll have the first option to buy the home once your rental period is complete, with no obligation to proceed if you choose not to.

2. What Is the Future Purchase Price?

Find out whether the purchase price is agreed upon at the start or determined later based on market value. A set price can provide certainty, while a future valuation may reflect changes in the market. Knowing this helps you assess affordability and plan ahead.

With Keyzy, the future purchase price is agreed upfront. This gives you complete price certainty and removes the risk of unexpected increases when you’re ready to buy.

3. How Much Rent Goes Toward Buying the Home?

Some rent-to-own arrangements allow part of your monthly rent to be credited toward the future purchase. Ask how much is allocated, how it’s tracked, and when it becomes available to use.

With Keyzy, 100% of your rent is returned to you after two years if you decide to buy the home, helping you turn rent payments into real progress toward ownership.

4. Is There an Upfront Fee or Initial Payment?

Many rent-to-own homes require an initial payment. Ask how much this is, whether it’s refundable, and if it’s deducted from the final purchase price. Understanding this cost early helps you budget with confidence.

Keyzy operates with full transparency. All fees are clearly outlined upfront, including a one-off product fee of £1,999, or £999 for key workers.

5. Who Is Responsible for Maintenance and Repairs?

Maintenance responsibilities can differ from a standard rental. Clarify whether you’re responsible for everyday upkeep, major repairs, or both.

With Keyzy, you’re typically responsible for minor, day-to-day upkeep, while larger structural or significant repairs remain Keyzy’s responsibility until you purchase the home. Full details are set out in your agreement.

6. Can I Buy the Home Earlier Than Planned?

Some rent-to-own agreements allow you to purchase the home sooner if your financial situation improves. Ask whether early purchase is an option and if any fees apply.

With Keyzy, you can buy earlier if you’re ready. An early purchase fee of 2% of the full purchase price applies, and up to 100% of the rent you’ve already paid will still go toward buying the property. The final buyback price is the pre-agreed price minus all rent paid up to the purchase date.

7. What Happens If I Decide Not to Buy?

Plans can change, so it’s important to understand your options if you choose not to proceed with the purchase.

With Keyzy, you can walk away at the end of your rental term, subject to the agreed conditions. Alternatively, you may choose to sell the property on the open market. In that case, you’ll receive the difference between the sale price and the future buyback price, minus your rental payments and any transaction fees.

Practical example:

If your future buyback price is £500,000 and you’ve paid £50,000 in rent over two years, then sell the property for £500,000, you would receive £50,000 back (minus any applicable selling costs such as agent or legal fees).

8. Who Owns the Property During the Rental Period?

Confirm who legally owns the home while you’re renting and ensure it isn’t at risk of sale or financial issues.

During the rental period, the property is owned by Keyzy. As the tenant, you’ll always have the first option to buy the home at the end of your agreement.

9. How Is Rent-to-Own Able to Give Back My Rent and Still Make Money?

This is an important question to ask, especially if it sounds too good to be true.

Keyzy’s goal is to help first-time buyers get onto the property ladder - not to be a long-term landlord. Keyzy makes money by selling the home at the end of the two-year rental period, working with investors and developers to make new-build homes available through the rent-to-own model. A small upfront fee of between £999 and £1,999 also helps support the service.

How Do I Qualify for a Rent-to-Own Home?

Qualification criteria for rent-to-own are often more flexible than traditional mortgages. Ask what income, employment, or credit requirements apply and whether there’s flexibility if you’re still improving your financial position.

Keyzy looks at factors like income stability and overall creditworthiness, but requirements are typically more accessible than those of traditional lenders. Get in touch to see if you qualify.

Viewing a rent-to-own home isn’t just about liking the property - it’s about understanding the journey to owning it. Asking the right questions helps you move forward with clarity and confidence, knowing exactly how each step supports your path to homeownership.

To learn more about private rent-to-own, visit **keyzy.com** or explore more common questions.