Social housing is housing owned by local councils and housing associations. We offer it to people and families who have been assessed as having the greatest housing need. 

There is a severe shortage of social housing, and the housing register, also called the waiting list, is extremely long. Most people will be on the housing register for years and will never get a social housing property.  

This guide will explain how to apply for social housing but it’s usually better to try other options. For example, like moving outside London where properties can be more affordable and waiting times may be shorter.  

You are more likely to be able to rent privately outside London than get a social housing property. 

Use our housing support finder to check your waiting time for social housing and explore the available support to maintain or find a settled home.