Apply for property assistance schemes
Property scheme guidance
If HS2 construction or operation affects your land or property, we can help. We offer property schemes based on how close you are to the railway and how you’re affected.
Read our guide to property schemes to see what support is available in your area. If you’re not sure which phase of HS2 you’re closest to, contact our HS2 helpdesk.
Overview of property schemes
Express purchase
The express purchase scheme makes it easier for you to sell your property to the government. It relaxes some rules that normally apply to statutory blight.
This scheme is for properties in the surface safeguarding area.
Read more about express purchase.
Rural support zone
The rural support zone (RSZ) is the area outside the safeguarded area. It’s typically up to 120 metres from the centre line of the railway in rural areas.
In the RSZ, you can choose from two schemes:
- a cash offer, or
- the voluntary purchase scheme.
Read more about the rural support zone.
Homeowner payment scheme
The homeowner payment scheme (HOP) covers the area outside the safeguarded area. It’s typically between 120 and 300 metres from the centre line of the railway in rural areas.
If your property is eligible, you’ll get a one-off cash payment. The amount depends on how far you are from the centre line of the railway.
Read more about the homeowner payment scheme.
Need to sell
This scheme helps you if you have a ‘compelling reason’ to sell but cannot do so – or can only sell at a much lower price – because of HS2.
Read more about the need to sell scheme.
Rent back
Rent back lets you continue living in your home after selling it to the government under an HS2 property scheme. We can consider all homes we agree to buy for rent back, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
Read more about the rent back scheme.
Special circumstances and atypical properties
The government recognises that some residents and businesses near the HS2 route may need help even if they do not meet the strict eligibility requirements. This could include buying their property, making a payment, or offering other support.
The government considers these cases on their individual merits.
Read more about special circumstances and ’atypical’ properties.
Shimmer Estate
The Shimmer Estate is in Mexborough, South Yorkshire – between Rotherham and Doncaster. Because of the unique impact at this location, a cash offer scheme was announced for owner-occupiers living on the estate on 29 June 2017.
If you’re an owner-occupier on the Shimmer Estate, read the guidance document to find out if you’re eligible.
The Shimmer relocation assistance scheme is a tailored scheme for owner-occupiers on the Shimmer Estate. Read our Shimmer relocation assistance leaflet for more information.
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