The Key
For Key Workers

Affordable housing,
near where you work.

Download the Key Worker App to apply for a home, check eligibility, and manage your tenancy. Free to download.

Download Free

Housing applications are processed through the app only. This website does not accept applications directly.

Eligibility

Key Workers
Deserve Better

The Key exists because the people who power our hospitals, schools and emergency services can no longer afford to live in the communities they serve.

Our homes are reserved exclusively for key workers. Rents are set as a proportion of salary, not market rate, so that affordability is genuine and lasting.

The Commitment

"Truly affordable housing within a mile of your place of work."

Who Qualifies

NHS & Healthcare

Nurses, doctors, paramedics, allied health professionals, healthcare support workers

Education

Teachers, teaching assistants, lecturers, school support staff

Emergency Services

Police officers and staff, firefighters, ambulance crew

Social Care

Social workers, care home staff, children's services, adult social care

Local Authority & Public Services

Council staff, public transport workers, housing officers

Not sure if you qualify? Register anyway, our team reviews every application.

What You Get

More Than Just A Home

Genuinely Affordable Rent

Rents are capped at 30% of your take-home pay, not market rate. Increases are linked to RPI only, and if you ever lose your job, your rent falls within Local Housing Allowance, giving you security of tenure regardless of circumstance.

Within One Mile of Work

Every development is located within one mile of a key worker employment hub. Say goodbye to 60-mile commutes and 3-hour daily journeys, and reclaim that time for yourself.

A Connected Community

Live alongside fellow key workers. Access community events, facility bookings, maintenance support, concierge services, and local transport through The Key Worker App.

Build Your Future

Because you're spending far less on rent, you can genuinely save. Many of our residents use their time with The Key to build a deposit and eventually buy their own home on the open market.

Your Journey

From Website
to Your New Home

The Website is your starting point. Once you've found a development that interests you, the Key Worker App becomes your gateway, for applications, onboarding, tenancy management and community services.

1

Browse developments on this website

Find a development near your place of work and check availability, location and amenities.

2

Download the Key Worker App

Available on iOS and Android. Create your profile and verify your key worker status. Allocations are made through a points-based system in partnership with local authorities and employers.

3

Apply and manage your tenancy through the App

The App handles your full application, resident onboarding, rent payments, maintenance requests and access to community services.

The Key Worker App

The sole gateway for housing applications, resident onboarding, tenancy management and community services.

No housing applications are processed through this website. All applications must be submitted through the Key Worker App.