26 Feb 2026

Bringing energy saving support to your doorstep with Daikin's mobile van

We teamed up with Daikin to bring their mobile demonstration van right to people’s doorsteps in Towson Close, Spennymoor, and Omnibus Way, Bishop Auckland, so families settling into their new homes could get hands‑on guidance on how to operate their heating system effectively.

Survey feedback from families in our new‑build homes showed that clear, straightforward guidance on air‑source heat pumps would make a real difference. This insight directly shaped practical, user‑friendly support and is reflected in our latest TSM results on listening to customers and acting on their feedback.

The visits from Daikin offered clear, friendly advice on how to get the best out of the air source heat pump system. Combined with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, these energy systems will help lower energy bills by around £450 a year in a typical two‑bedroom home and support a more carbon‑friendly way of living for families.

Paul Atherton, Livin tenant, said: "I’m really happy with the work Livin is doing. After living in Newton Aycliffe for 7 years, myself, wife and daughter moved in about a week ago, I already feel supported and It was great to have the engineers on site to answer our questions."

Ben Andrew, Specification Sales Manager, Daikin, said: "The tenants on site had fantastic things to say about the work done by the install and Livin team. They were grateful for the explanations on how to run the air source efficiently and in the most cost effective way. Daikin are delighted with this scheme and look forward to partnering Livin on many more Heat Pump projects moving forward."

Pictured: Georgia Anderson (Assistant New Homes Surveyor), Ben Andrew (Specification Sales Manager, Daikin), Paul Atherton (Livin Tenant) and Shane Gavin (Development Co-ordinator)

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How do I apply for a Livin home or bungalow?

We advertise all of our available homes on our Find A Home page, simply visit this page for more information.

Before you can place a bid on one of our homes, you must first have an active account with the relevant Choice Based Lettings Scheme. Almost all our homes are located in County Durham and therefore are allocated through the Durham Key Options scheme. Durham Key Options (DKO) is a partnership between Durham County Council and landlords across County Durham.

We have a small number of homes which are located outside Durham, these are all advertised through Tees Valley HomeFinder, Hartlepool HomeSearch and Darlington HomeSearch; They are similar to Durham Key Options but we do not process applications registered for these schemes. If you wish to register an application for homes advertised in this area, please apply directly.

Once your application is approved, you will then be able to bid on homes that meet your needs. You can access the application form directly by visiting the relevant Choice Based Lettings system.

How long will it take for my application to be processed?

We aim to start processing your application within 10 working days. If we require any further information after this point, we will contact you to ask for this. Once we have received all the required information we will notify you of our decision within 20 days, and if accepted we will activate your account. You can also check your application status online by logging into the DKO portal.

How can I get involved with Livin and help to shape services?

To find out more about the different ways you can get involved, please visit our getting involved section.

Can I apply to buy my home under Right to Buy?

Tenants who have been with Livin since before the transfer from Sedgefield Council in 2009 may have the “Preserved Right to Buy” their property. Full details of the scheme are available on the Government Right to Buy website. If you are thinking of applying, please contact us.

Can I apply to buy my home under Right to Acquire?

If you have been a tenant for 3 or more years you may have the right to buy your property under the Right to Acquire scheme. Full details of the scheme are available on the Government Right to Acquire website. If you are thinking of applying, please contact us.