Join the Housing Register
Southampton Homesearch
The new system is now live and you will be able to bid for accommodation through your online portal, make changes to your application, or send us a message.
Online form
The new online application form is now open, and you can use it to register for Southampton Homesearch. Please use the link below to complete the application form.
Register for Southampton Homesearch
Visit
You will need an email address to register. You must ensure that you use your own email address as we will use this to send you communications, and for you to access your account.
Before you can apply to join Southampton Homesearch, you will need to create an account. Once you have created an account, you will then be able to log in and complete the online form.
I do not have an email address
It is very easy to set up an email account; some of the more popular options include:
Alternatively, if you have a family member or support worker who can manage your account for you, they can set up an email account for you and register on your behalf. If someone is creating an account on your behalf, they must remember to enter your name on the first screen, not their own.
Bidding
There are changes to the way properties are advertised.
Properties will be added to Southampton Homesearch as they become available, and will be advertised for seven days. This means that properties are added daily, when available.
Your account can be set up so that you are notified of any new properties added that may meet your housing need. Applicants will still have three bids to use. If you are not successful in a bid for a property when it is allocated, you will be able to reuse that bid on another property.
If you are at risk of homelessness
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like support, please contact us:
Our policies
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.
For more information, see nominate an advocate.
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
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- 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
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- 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
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- Birth certificates for any children in household
- Proof of child benefit for any children in household
Frequently asked questions about the changes to the Housing Register
What has changed?
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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
Under the new policy applicants will be able to refuse two offers of accommodation without penalty however if a third suitable offer is refused, they will be placed the lowest band (band D) for six months. After this time, as long as their circumstances or household need has not changed, they will be placed back into the band they were previously in. If they then refuse one further offer of suitable accommodation the application will be closed and they will be 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.
How long will it take for me to be housed?
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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.
Due to the lengthy waiting times in accessing social housing you should ensure that you are considering all other housing options available to you.
