Join the Housing Register
Demand for social housing in Southampton far exceeds supply.
The council is not able to help everyone who applies. Applicants must consider alternative housing options in addition to the housing register, for example:
- Renting privately
- Living with family
- Renting a room
- Low cost home ownership
If you are at risk of homelessness, please see Are you at risk of homelessness or call 023 8083 2327.
Important Information
Due to changes to our housing register, we will not be accepting new applications from 18 November 2024 until further notice. We will continue to process any applications that have been received prior to this date.
For those who are already registered on Homebid, you will be able to bid as normal and will not be affected by this temporary closure of the housing register.
Housing Register
To be considered for a council property you must join the Housing Register.
Not everyone qualifies to join the Housing Register. If you do qualify, you will be added to a waiting list but are not guaranteed a property.
Once on the Housing Register, the council use a 'points' based system to decide who is offered housing. Points are based on housing need.
The length of time you will wait for a property depends on a number of factors such as the type and size of accommodation you need.
It will be difficult to give you an accurate prediction of when you will be housed however the majority of people will wait several years.
Find out more about our points-based allocation system.
Before you apply
To be eligible to join the Housing Register, you must:
- Currently live in Southampton: There are provisions in place for social housing tenants (council and Housing Association) who do not yet live in Southampton but need to move to Southampton to take up an offer of employment in the city, or to move closer to existing employment in the city
- Have lived in Southampton for three years: You are only eligible to join the Housing Register if you have lived in the city for three continuous years at the point of applying
- Be over 18: You are only eligible to join the Housing Register if you are 18. If you are under 18 and at risk of becoming homeless, or if it is not safe for you to stay where you are, there is advice and help available. Contact Homelessness Advice or call 023 8083 2327
- Not own a residential property, in the UK or abroad
- Not be subject to immigration control: The law says that the council cannot allocate housing to people who are subject to immigration control including asylum seekers, those who have been refused leave to remain in the country, and those with no recourse to public funds
Apply to join the Housing Register
If you are sure that you are eligible to join the Housing Register, please use the following link to apply:
Apply to join the Housing Register
If you need any assistance with this form, please contact us via:
Please be advised that we will require your full address history for the last five years. We will not be able to proceed with your application without this information.
Transferring tenants will need their rent reference number to complete the online application form. Your application will be assessed quicker if you also provide your documents. Original documents can be brought to Gateway where they will be scanned and verified.
What documents do I need to provide?
UK applicants
SHOW
- Current passport or UK birth certificate
- National Insurance number proof, for example: national insurance card, wage slip, P45, letter from benefits agency
- Proof of current address, for example recent utility bill, recent bank statement, tenancy agreement
- Birth certificates for all children in the household
- Proof of child benefit for all children in the household
European Economic Area (EEA) applicants
SHOW
- Current passport
- Proof of EU Settled Status or pre-settled status, or your share code, available at View and prove your immigration status
- Proof of current employment or UK Permanent Residence card
- National Insurance number proof, for example, national insurance card, wage slip, P45, letter from benefits agency
- Proof of school attendance or GP registration for all children in household
Applicants subject to Home Office Immigration Control
SHOW
- Current passport
- Current Visa and Home Office documents or Biometric ID card
- National Insurance number proof, for example national insurance card, wage slip, P45, letter from benefits agency
- Proof of current address
All applicants
SHOW
- Birth certificates for any children in household
- Proof of child benefit for any children in household
The council may request additional documents if this is deemed necessary.
Nominating an advocate
If you find it difficult to understand or just want extra help in understanding your housing issues, you can give consent for information and documentation to be disclosed to someone you trust. Visit nominate an advocate for more information.
Frequently asked questions about the changes to the Housing Register
What are the changes being made to the Housing Register?
SHOW
We are currently updating our application form to make the application process simpler and more efficient. When the register is open you will be able to apply online and set up an online portal to send and receive communication in relation to your application to join the Housing Register.
Did you know that the Allocations Policy is also changing.
What has changed?
SHOW
People applying for a council home will be assessed on their level of need rather than the number of points that they have accrued. Applications will be allocated to one of four bands: A, B, C, and D, with A being the highest band.
There are five main changes coming into effect when the Housing Register re-opens:
1. Moving to a banding system
We are moving from a points based system to a banding system.
2. Refusals
Applicants will be able to refuse three offers of accommodation. If a fourth is refused, then the application will be placed into band D for six months. After this time, (if their circumstances/household has not changed) they will be placed back into the band they were previously in. If they then refuse one further property, they are removed from the waiting list.
3. Bedroom eligibility
We are moving in line with Housing Benefit ruling on bedroom eligibility. More information can be found on our benefit and welfare webpages.
4. Local connection
Changes to residency requirements. Applicants should:
- Currently have lived in city for three years
- Lived in city for three out of five years prior to date of application
- Have permanent paid employment in the city and to have been in employment in the city for a minimum of two years
5. Re-registration requirements
Applicants will be required to register to confirm that their details remain accurate once a year. A reminder will be sent through the online portal.
When can I apply to join the Housing Register
SHOW
When the Housing Register is re-opened, we will ensure that communications are issued to notify residents that they are able to make an application. We cannot provide any dates at this time.
A very small proportion of applicants may have an urgent need to move because of disability, medical, or welfare grounds. This includes people living in conditions which pose an imminent, unavoidable risk of serious physical or mental harm, and for whom other housing options are not reasonably available.
If you feel you meet this need then please complete the triage form on the website. You can upload evidence to support your case. If you do not provide enough information your case may be refused at this time.
How long will it be before I know if my application has been accepted?
SHOW
We will aim to notify you as soon as possible if your application has been accepted. If we are able to accept your application, you will be issued with an application number to access your Homebid account.
What happens if my application is refused?
SHOW
If you do not meet the urgent criteria to join the waiting list whilst it is closed, we will notify you in writing or via email.
If your application is not accepted and you are in housing need as per the Allocations Policy 2019, you will be eligible to keep the qualifying date that you would have been awarded when you reapply once the Housing Register is re-opened. If your application is not accepted you will need to reapply once the Housing Register is re-opened. If at that time you are, and remain in housing need as per the Allocations Policy 2019, you will be eligible to keep the qualifying date that you would have been given.
Once you re-apply, when the Housing Register reopens, you will need to provide the letter or email containing this information. You will then be notified in writing of your qualifying date. Please note that if you are not in housing need when you reapply your application will not be accepted.
How does it affect my current application?
SHOW
If you applied before 18 November 2024, your application will be processed as normal and you will be notified of the outcome of the assessment of your application. If you already have an active Homebid account, you will be able to bid as normal. You are still required to update your application if there is a change in your circumstances or contact details.
How long will it take for me to be housed?
SHOW
Due to the limited availability of social housing, waiting times are considerable and, in most cases, it takes years before an offer of accommodation is made. By changing to a banding system, we are aiming to ensure that those with the most acute housing needs are given the greatest opportunity in accessing alternative accommodation.
Under the current points-based system we publish a list of let properties twice a month. This contains details on where the property is located, number of bedrooms, type of property, how many bids were placed and how many points it was let for. This can be accessed on the internet by visiting Southampton Homebid results.
