Rent-to-Buy: Am I eligible?

Rent-to-Buy: Am I eligible?

If you meet the criteria, rent-to-buy could be your path to homeownership.

Rent-to-Buy: Am I eligible?
Saskia Da Costa
Published on
July 28, 2025
4 min read
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Looking to get on the property ladder without an upfront deposit? Keyzy’s rent-to-buy model could be the solution. It lets aspiring homebuyers move into a brand-new, modern home as a renter - with the option to buy it later when you're ready. Whether you're a first-time buyer, self-employed, or simply need more time to save, here’s everything you need to know about rent-to-buy eligibility.

What is the rent-to-buy eligibility criteria?

Eligible homebuyers are able to convert up to 100% of their rent to their deposit when they decide they’re ready to buy.

Keyzy properties are available to eligible homebuyers across the UK, providing an alternative pathway to homeownership. You can learn more about rent-to-buy and how it works here.

Am I eligible for the rent-to-buy option?

To qualify for rent-to-buy with Keyzy, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

  1. Income and Affordability

To qualify, your household income must be at least 2.75 times the annual rent of the property you’re applying for.

Example: If the rent is £2,500 per month (£30,000 per year), your household income must be at least £82,500.

  • Joint applications are accepted - you can apply with a partner, friend, or family member, and combine your income. We do not accept House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) applications.

  • Self-employed applicants are welcome. You’ll need:

    • A minimum of 12 months’ trading history
    • Proof of income, such as SA302s, tax year overviews, and accounts (if available)
  1. Employment and Income Stability

We welcome a wide range of employment types. What matters most is that your income is:

  • Legal
  • Stable
  • Evidenced

You must also:

  • Have received your income for at least 3 consecutive months (if employed)
  • Have the legal right to rent and work in the UK

Whether you're salaried, freelancing, contracting, or working shifts - we focus on what's reflected in your bank statements, not your job title.

  1. Banking Behaviour (This Bit’s Important)

We care less about your credit score and more about how you actually manage your money. That’s why we use Open Banking to get a real view of your finances.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

  • No recent returned or failed payments
  • A good track record of rent payments, if you’re currently renting
  • No payday loans in the last 6 months
  • No bankruptcies or IVAs in the last 3 years
  • No CCJs or defaults in the last 12 months
  • No excessive gambling or other financial red flags

In short: If you earn enough, spend sensibly, and can comfortably afford the rent - you’re likely a good fit.

  1. Open Banking: Yes, It’s Required

All applicants will need to securely connect their bank accounts via Open Banking. This allows us to:

  • Understand your real income and spending habits
  • See how you manage bills, rent, and day-to-day finances
  • Assess whether the home you’re applying for is genuinely affordable

We may run a credit check in some cases, but our focus is on real-time affordability, not just your credit history.

  1. Residency & Visas

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have the legal right to rent and work in the UK
  • Ideally be on a clear path to settled or permanent status

Please note: We don’t accept applicants without legal residency, even with a guarantor.

  1. Household & Lifestyle
  • Applicants must be 18 or over

  • You can apply alone or jointly, we may consider more applicants but can’t allow the property to be let as a house in multiple occupation (HMO)

  • Students can apply, but only if those living in the home meet the full income requirement

    (We don’t accept guarantors for Rent to Buy applications)

We also allow:

  • Pets
  • Children
  • Smokers

Are Rent to Buy properties available near me?

Ready to step onto the property ladder? Explore rent-to-buy homes on the Keyzy property page and see what’s currently on the market.

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Keyzy is a trading name of Kollitom Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales (Company No. 13075506) with its office at LABS Atrium, Chalk Farm Rd, London, NW1 8AH.

Keyzy’s offering does not fall within the scope of financial services regulation. Customers should ensure they understand what this means before they use the Keyzy product.

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