Housing benefit tenants 'will not be declined' from renting one of 139 luxury new flats at Central Milton Keynes - but will they be able to afford it?

A new development of 139 furnished flats called Solstice Apartments in the heart of Central Milton Keynes will cater exclusively for the rental market, it has been announced.

But, while housing benefit tenants will technically be allowed, it is extremely unlikely they will be able to afford them.

For the majority of the luxurious one and two bed apartments, which are built on the site of two former office blocks, start at a rent of £1,050 per calendar month - though 14 of them will be available at a discount rent of £840.

And the landlords Grainger plc have imposed a condition that 'discount' tenants must have a household income of £30,000 and under and must live/work in Central Milton Keynes.

A spokesman for Grainger said: "Nobody on housing benefit will be immediately declined from having an apartment at Solstice Apartments. They need to meet the criteria. However, Grainger won't accept people on housing benefits if their monthly rent is more than a third of their monthly income. This applies to everyone, not just those on housing benefits."

However, to cater to lower-income renters, 14 of the apartments in Solstice Apartments will be available at "discount market rent" starting at £810 a month, says the company.

A spokesman said: "This is an innovative form of affordable housing that is pepper potted throughout a development rather than provided in a separate block, meaning all residents regardless of income enjoy access to the same amenities and apartment specification. "

The seven-storey high development is in Silbury Boulevard. The office blocks, which included CMK's Job Centre Plus, were demolished in 2017 and the developers won planning permission to build flats. But MK Council stipulated they should all be for rent and not for sale.

The scheme will open on April 21 when people will be able to view the complex, which offers an on-site fitness area, residents’ lounge, outdoor courtyard and communal terraces. Flats are available to "pre-lease" before then, say Grainger.

"Rents start at £1050pcm and include super-fast wi-fi, access to all amenities as well as dedicated on-site management team and concierge," said the spokesman.

"Apartments come complete with everything a renter needs for a hassle-free move-in, with all utilities ready to go from day one, a selection of stylish furnishing options available and fully integrated appliances," he added.

Solstice Apartments is the first build-to-rent (BTR) development to open in Milton Keynes.

Helen Gordon, Chief Executive at Grainger plc, said: “Milton Keynes is one of the most exciting cities in the UK with a fast-growing economy powered by thriving technology companies, but there is a shortage of good quality rental housing to suit modern lifestyles."

She added: “Solstice Apartments brings high quality, sustainable, rental homes and professional management to Milton Keynes. Grainger’s focus is on delivering excellent customer service and using technology to make our residents’ lives easier while still providing accessibly priced homes and shared on-site facilities to help create a genuine community.”