What is social housing? All your questions answered

The Brunswick Centre social housing in Bloomsbury, London

We hear a lot about social housing, but what does it mean? What is social housing? Who is it for? How does it work? Read on for a full rundown of this essential property type and how it fits into the UK property landscape.

What is social housing?

In the UK, social housing is a property development programme where housing associations, local councils and their partner developers rent out homes on a not-for-profit basis. Social housing covers a wide range of property types across the country.

What is the purpose of social housing?

The purpose of social housing is to provide affordable, decent homes to those who need it. There is still a severe shortage of quality affordable properties in the UK, with over one million households on social housing waiting lists. The expanding programme addresses this shortage, giving vulnerable and low-income households access to homes.

Family moving into social housing.

How does social housing work?

Social housing works by letting those eligible apply and then secure a tenancy agreement on a property owned by a council, housing association or approved property development partner. Tenants rent their home like a normal tenancy. However, they will pay a monthly rate significantly lower than the going market rate.

Who qualifies for social housing UK?

Qualifying for social housing is different depending on where you are in the UK. This is because the availability of properties, and the number of people waiting for them, differs from place to place. However, here are some common factors.

Social housing is designed for people who cannot afford to rent or buy a suitable home on the open market. To qualify for social housing in the UK you only need to be a UK citizen, or have a right to remain in the UK with no restrictions. However, your position on the waiting list depends on:

  • Your income status
  • The condition of your current home (i.e.: if it is cramped, or hazardous to your health)
  • If you care for someone resident in the area
  • If you have connection to the local area and if you have already lived there for some time

Remember – nobody has an automatic right to social housing. It is a process that you must apply for and your success will depend on a wide range of factors.

What is affordable social rent?

Affordable social rent is one of the main ideas behind social housing. It means that tenants will rent at a monthly rate that is significantly lower than the market average. Most housing associations and councils will rent at a rate at around 60% of local market prices for similar properties.

The coalition government brought in the affordable rent tenure in 2010. It capped the rent of social housing at 80% of market rent levels within the local area.

Mother and daughter packing boxes.

How is social rent calculated?

Housing associations calculate rent on social housing by first comparing the average rental rates of similar properties in the area. Then, they will apply their chosen percentage level to that figure – often around 60% but no higher than 80%. Then they will adjust the final figure up or down depending on particular features of the property.

You should note that if you are renting a social housing flat or property within a communal building, you may still have to pay service charges. The property owner will make any charges clear in the tenancy agreement.

What is the difference between social housing and council housing?

The difference between social housing and council housing is that they offer slightly different types of tenancy agreements. They are broadly similar in their purpose and how they work, just with minor differences regarding factors like tenant rights, eviction processes, tenancy duration, charges and so on.

Woman with packing boxes.

What are the disadvantages of social housing?

A potential disadvantage of social housing is that projects can be mismanaged, leading to poor quality builds and/or maintenance. Additionally, only a finite amount of public money is invested in social housing. Sometimes projects can run out of funds, leading to cut corners or a lack of ongoing support for residents.

However, this is the exception, not the rule. Affordable housing is currently a much-discussed political and societal issue. The Government just announced another £8.6 billion of investments to build 120,000 affordable homes, with 30,000 earmarked for social rent.

What are the benefits of social housing?

The main benefit of social housing is that it provides homes at much cheaper rental rates. This is especially important for people living in cities. They often can’t afford the rising costs of private renting, let alone buying.

Other benefits include higher availability of longer-term fixed tenancies, which gives tenants extra stability.

What is HomeViews?

Who gets priority for social housing?

Determining who gets priority for social housing is different depending on the council in question, as they will have different priorities and targets to meet. Generally, those who have been on the waiting list the longest will get priority.

How many people are waiting for social housing in the UK?

In 2022, well over 1 million UK households are waiting for social homes. Social housing availability is dropping, as more social homes are sold off or redeveloped, with not enough new ones being added to the pool. In 2021, 29,000 social homes were sold or demolished, and less than 7,000 were built.

How long does it take to get social housing in 2023?

It takes about 40 days to be assessed for social housing. However, due to the current backlog, you could be waiting on the list for up to 10 years. The waiting time will depend largely on where you live, because this will determine the availability of social housing and the number of people already in the queue.

To get a better idea of how long you are likely to wait, make sure you consult with your council’s social housing representatives. They should be able to give you a clear idea of the realistic timeframes involved.

Can I get social housing if I have a job?

Social housing qualifying criteria differ between local authorities, but it’s possible to be eligible for social housing while you’re working in a full-time job. Your local authority will assess your income levels alongside several other factors when determining whether you’re eligible. If you’re working, but you’re on a low income, you might still qualify.

Can I get social housing if I have savings?

If you have a large amount of savings, you’re unlikely to qualify for social housing. The exact amount of savings that disqualify you from joining the social housing register varies according to your location, but it might be as high as £50,000. Local authorities will consider any savings alongside other factors, such as your income and care responsibilities.

Housing associations with reviews on HomeViews

Housing associations are some of the main providers of social housing in the UK. There are around 1,600 housing associations currently operating in the UK, and they provide accommodation for around 6 million people. You can find reviews of some of the major UK housing associations on HomeViews below, or you can click through to find the best-rated providers here.

Southern Housing

Southern Housing

Number of Developments

33
3.70 Rating (based on 195 reviews)

Southern Housing, formerly known as Southern Housing Group and Optivo, is one of the largest housing providers in the UK. With over 77,000 homes across London, the Southeast, the Isle of Wight, and the Midlands, we provide affordable housing for more than 167,000 people. It offers a wide range of housing options, including: Traditional social […] Read more about Southern Housing

Sovereign Network Group

Sovereign Network Group

Number of Developments

29
3.74 Rating (based on 327 reviews)

Sovereign Network Group is one of England’s leading providers of quality homes, specializing in London Living Rent and Shared Ownership properties across London and Hertfordshire. They take great pride in the homes they deliver and manage, operating commercially while reinvesting profits into building more affordable homes and providing excellent customer service. In October 2023, Network […] Read more about Sovereign Network Group

L&Q

L&Q

Number of Developments

69
3.72 Rating (based on 1098 reviews)

L&Q believe passionately that people’s health, security and happiness depend on where they live. L&Q house around 250,000 people in more than 105,000 homes, primarily across London and the South East – but L&Q are more than just a registered charitable housing association. L&Q create better places to live by delivering high quality homes, neighbourhoods […] Read more about L&Q

A2Dominion

Number of Developments

7
3.86 Rating (based on 78 reviews)

A2Dominion is a residential property group based in the UK, who own and manage over 32,000 homes across London and Southern England. Its property portfolio is diverse with a range of affordable, private and social rented homes, housing for older people alongside student, NHS and temporary accommodation. Deepak House, West Plaza, Keybridge House – Exchange […] Read more about A2Dominion

Clarion Housing

Number of Developments

16
3.85 Rating (based on 101 reviews)

Clarion Housing is the UK’s largest housing association, with 125,000 properties across the nation housing 360,000 residents. Clarion aims to ‘build homes and develop futures’, and is set to deliver 50,000 more residential units over the next ten years. The company is focused on sustainable regeneration of existing communities and has won a plethora of […] Read more about Clarion Housing

The Hyde Group

Number of Developments

16
3.80 Rating (based on 128 reviews)

The Hyde Group is a UK-based housing association that’s primarily focused on residential property in London and the South East of England. It currently manages around 50,000 homes in London, with a mission to provide ‘a great home for everyone.’ HomeViews lists developments by The Hyde Group situated across London. Bermondsey Spa in Southwark is […] Read more about The Hyde Group

Metropolitan Thames Valley

Number of Developments

11
3.58 Rating (based on 146 reviews)

Metropolitan Thames Valley is a partnership between Metropolitan and Thames Valley Housing and works across London, the South East, East Midlands and the East of England developing properties at different levels of affordability. It is a member of the G15 group. Marvelfairs House is a Metropolitan Thames Valley development currently listed on HomeViews located in […] Read more about Metropolitan Thames Valley

Notting Hill Genesis

Notting Hill Genesis

Number of Developments

41
3.78 Rating (based on 402 reviews)

Notting Hill Genesis was founded in 2018 – a merger between Notting Hill Housing and Genesis Housing Association. It exists to provide new communities characterised by quality, affordable housing, and operates across London and England’s South East regions. Notting Hill Genesis developments on HomeViews include Zenith Close – a peaceful, purpose-built neighbourhood in emerging Colindale, […] Read more about Notting Hill Genesis

One Housing Group

Number of Developments

8
3.49 Rating (based on 16 reviews)

Founded in 2007, One Housing Group is a not-for-profit organisation that manages around 16,000 homes across London and the surrounding counties. The company plans to build 5,000 new homes over the next ten years. One Housing Group developments listed on HomeViews include Brackenbury Grove – a collection of one, two and three-bedroom luxury apartments and […] Read more about One Housing Group

Peabody

Number of Developments

27
3.86 Rating (based on 364 reviews)

Peabody is one of London’s largest housing providers, committed to designing, building and maintaining quality homes and neighbourhoods. Peabody and Family Mosaic merged back in 2017, and now look after thousands of residents in homes across London, Essex, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent. HomeViews lists Peabody developments across the capital, from E13’s Upton Village to SW11’s […] Read more about Peabody


If you’re looking to rent or buy and need extra help, take a look at our many guides below. They have plenty of extra information on help-to-buy, housing associations and other key elements of securing your home.

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HomeViews provides verified resident reviews of the UK’s housing developments. We’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to recognise high performers and help improve standards in the built environment.

written by

Jan Moys

A residential property expert with over 15 years’ experience creating content... Read all

A residential property expert with ov... Read all