Finding a home in Westminster is difficult, so many people turn to the us for help even if they are not homeless. Anyone can apply for housing, but due to the shortage of available homes we cannot offer a home to most applicants and even when someone qualifies for housing, they can wait many years before they get a property.
The Housing Solutions 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 seek assistance as soon as possible. For homelessness advice and assistance please see our homelessness guide as soon as possible. Numbers currently waiting as of November 2021 are:
- over 2,300 homeless households
- over 1,300 tenants waiting for a transfer
- over 490 in other priority groups
- over 4,100 households in total
Supply of permanent accommodation
Between April 2023 and March 2024, we let 790 properties in total. This means we re-housed approximately 14% of the households on the housing register. Waiting times can vary depending on a number of factors, such as location, property type and priority group.
| Property size | Waiting time |
|---|---|
| Studio or 1 Bed | 4 years |
| 2 Bed | 11 Years |
| 3 bed | 15 years |
| 4 or more beds | 29 years |
Most people face a wait of several years for their new home and many applicants have told us that if they had realised how long the wait for housing would be, they would have been more willing to consider other options when they first applied.
The Care Act 2014
The Care Act 2014 came into effect on 1 April 2015 and aims to improve an individual’s wellbeing and independence by giving greater control and influence to those in need of support. If you do not want to move from your home but would like a little extra help visit PeopleFirst for further advice, or for more information on the Care Act.
