City of Westminster

Apply for housing

Finding a home in Westminster is difficult, so many people turn to the Council for help. Anyone can apply to Westminster City Council for housing, but due to the severe shortage of available homes we cannot offer a home to most people who apply.

All London boroughs have a serious shortage of housing and Westminster is no different. Demand far exceeds supply, and even when someone does qualify for housing, they usually wait for many years before they get a property.

The Housing Options Service can help you to find alternative solutions to your housing problem. If you are worried that you are about to become homeless, you should get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Waiting times for homes can be up to:

  • Studio - 3 years 1 month
  • 1 bed - 2 years 5 months
  • 2 bedroom - 6 years 8 months
  • 3 bedroom - 8 years 5 months
  • 4 bedroom - 12 years 5 months
  • 5+ bedroom - 9 years 4 months

Numbers currently on our waiting list:

  • Over 1700 homeless households
  • Over 1500 tenants waiting for a transfer
  • Over 800 in other priority groups

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    I want to apply

    When you apply for housing, we look at your circumstances to see if you fit into one of our priority groups. Priority groups are:

     

    If you don't qualify for priority, unfortunately we will not offer you a home and you will not be registered on any waiting list. You will not be able to bid for properties in thse circumstances.

    You can download an application for housing here. Please also have a look at our Housing Allocation Scheme before applying.

    Please note that the Council no longer holds a general housing waiting list for applicants who do NOT qualify for housing priority.  Applicants previously registered on Low Priority Group lists have had their applications closed. Anyone who feels that they qualify for one of the priority groups should re-submit a fresh application, which will be reconsidered in line with the Allocations Policy.

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