Frequently asked questions

• Can I get a council house?
• Can I apply to go on the Housing Register?
• How do I apply?
• What happens once I've applied to go on the Register?
• Who chooses who gets a home?
• What happens if a refuse the offer of a home?
• How long will I have to wait for a house?
• What if I live outside the South Norfolk Council area?

Can I get a council house?

In May 2004 we transferred ownership of our housing stock to a housing association (Saffron Housing Trust), which means we do not have any homes any more. We still keep a housing register on behalf of our housing association partners.

How do I apply?

The quickest way to apply is to do it online at the Home Options website [external link], which gives you the option to be added to the Housing Registers with Norwich City & Broadland Councils as well as with us. Find out more about Home Options.

You can also get an application form by contacting our Housing Advice Team. See our web page on Making an application for the Housing register.

Can I apply to go on the Housing Register?

We have an open register, which means anyone can apply to join. The law prevents some people from abroad who are subject to immigration control from going on the Housing Register. If you are not sure if you qualify please contact us for more advice.

What happens once I have applied to go on the Housing Register?

We will assess your housing needs, the type of housing you need and where you want to live. We will then give you a ‘banding’, which is an indication of your housing need.

Who chooses who gets a home?

Under the Home Options Scheme, properties are advertised every week and applicants can bid for the properties they are interested in. There are many ways to bid, including via the Home Options website, by phone, text or digital TV. Find out more about Home Options.

The landlord will get a shortlist of everyone who has bid, and they will normally offer the property to the applicant with the highest priority.

What happens if I refuse the offer of a home?

Most applicants won't be penalised for refusing an offer. If you are accepted as homeless, you'll be expected to bid for suitable properties. If you haven't made a bid for a property within six weeks and we think that suitable ones have been available, we will make you a direct offer of a property. We will only offer one property, but you have the right to ask for it to be reviewed if you don't think the property is suitable. 

How long will I have to wait for a house?

Only applicants with a very high priority are likely to be successful. If you already have a tenancy with a housing association or a council, finding a mutual exchange (someone to swap with) would be the best way to move. Ask your landlord for more advice.

What if I live outside the South Norfolk Council area?

We have an open register, which means anyone can apply to join. People living in the South Norfolk area have a higher priority with South Norfolk properties, but your individual circumstances will be taken into account.

Related pages on this website

• How to get on the Housing Register
• Homelessness
• Home Options Information

External links

Home Options
Apply online to the Housing Register, and bid for properties in South Norfolk, Norwich City & Broadland Council areas. Home Options is the new scheme for finding social housing in the greater Norwich Area. Includes answers to frequently Asked Questions.

Saffron Housing Trust
We sold all our council houses in 2004 to the Saffron Housing Trust (then South Norfolk Housing Partnership).The Saffron website gives useful information to residents and tenants such as who to contact regarding repairs, building services (e.g. joinery), property services (e.g. surveying), how rent can be paid, disruptive tenants, and support for old and vulnerable people.

About links to other websites.