The Council recognises that it will never meet the demand for social housing through its own housing stock, or through registered providers’ housing stock. Applicants are encouraged to explore all housing options that are open to them whilst making the best use of the limited supply of properties that become available in social housing.

Other housing options that could be considered are:

  • Seeking a mutual exchange with Solihull or another council or registered provider. You can register here at HomeSwapper to see tenants who are seeking to swap properties.
  • Affordable home ownership such as shared ownership. See the Government’s shared ownership homes page for more information.
  • Renting in the private sector.
  • Options to remain in your current home. We can assist with money and benefits advice and adaptations to your home.

The demand for social housing is extremely high, so the Housing Allocation Scheme’s focus is to help those in greatest housing need whilst making best use of the housing stock and offering applicants a choice where possible.

Properties are allocated based on housing need and how long you have been waiting for. Housing need is determined by your current housing circumstances and a banding award will be applied to your housing application.

The bandings are Band A (very urgent housing need), Band B (urgent housing need), Band C (reasonable preference), and Band D (reduced priority).

Housing stock

Our housing stock is limited. We have very few four and five-bed houses. If you are waiting for properties of this size you will likely be waiting a long time. This wait will be longer for those who are not awarded a high banding priority.

The bedroom standard has changed from 28 July 25. We will now be expecting any two children/adolescents of the same gender under 21 years of age to share.

Flexibility

It’s important to be as flexible as possible when you are bidding on properties. If you can, always consider bidding on all property types and areas.

Bidding

We often receive questions from applicants who ask why there is nothing to bid on. We can only advertise properties when a tenant notifies us that they are moving out. We also advertise some properties for our partner Registered Social Landlords when they have vacant properties to let.

For information on average waiting times, please visit the Solihull Home Options website.