How We Allocate Houses

General Needs Housing

General Needs Housing refers to rented accommodation suitable for people aged 16 and over who do not require additional care or support. This includes single people, couples, and families. Properties are typically provided as self-contained bungalows, houses, flats, or maisonettes.

General needs housing and sheltered accommodation are allocated through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Common Selection Scheme.

Applying for Social Rented Accommodation

To apply for social rented accommodation, you must be assessed under the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Housing Selection Scheme and placed on the common waiting list. In most cases, applicants must be aged 18 or over and have a local connection to Northern Ireland.

Points are awarded based on housing need. For more information on how points are allocated and calculated, please refer to the Housing Rights points guide (link opens in new tab)

You can apply by completing a Housing/Transfer Application Form. Forms are available:

• Online (link opens in new tab)

• Housing Executive District Office

• Grove’s office or from another Housing Association

Guidance notes are included with the form. If you need further assistance, you can contact the Housing Executive or Grove on 02890 773330.

The Housing Selection Scheme

The Housing Selection Scheme is a points-based system used by the Housing Executive to assess applicants’ housing needs and personal circumstances. Once assessed, applicants are awarded points and ranked on the common waiting list accordingly.

Grove have access to the Housing Executive system and targets vacancies to eligible applicants on the waiting list. Applicants will be notified in writing if they are being considered for a vacancy. Allocation decisions are based on points and any additional criteria set by the Housing Executive.

Please note that an applicant’s position on the waiting list may change. Any change in circumstances must be reported to the Housing Executive, as this may affect your application.

Next Steps in Applying for Social Rented Housing

If you are currently living in social rented housing, your landlord will arrange for a Housing Officer to assess your circumstances. Your housing needs will then be reviewed and, where appropriate, you will be placed on the common waiting list.

Once your application has been received, the Housing Executive or your landlord will arrange a home visit to complete the assessment process.

Applying from Outside Northern Ireland

If you are applying for social rented housing from outside Northern Ireland, your eligibility and housing needs will be assessed in the same way as other applicants. However, as a home visit cannot be carried out, you will be asked to complete a Housing/Transfer and Self-Assessment Form.

If You Are Homeless

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, you should contact the Housing Executive as soon as possible on 03448 920 900. They will assess your eligibility for social housing and homelessness assistance.

Requesting a Transfer

If you currently live in a Housing Executive or housing association property and wish to move to another social rented home, you must complete a Housing/Transfer Application Form and return it to your landlord’s office.

A Housing Officer will visit you to carry out a housing needs assessment. If you are eligible, points will be awarded and you will be placed on the common waiting list for the areas you have requested.

Mutual Exchange

A mutual exchange is an alternative way to move home and may be quicker than waiting for a transfer, particularly where your housing need is assessed as low priority. This involves swapping homes with another social housing tenant, subject to eligibility.

If you find a suitable exchange, both tenants must request permission from their landlords. Each property will be inspected by a Housing Officer before a decision is made. Both parties will be notified of the outcome in writing.

You can search for potential exchanges by registering with HomeSwapper(link opens in new tab). This free service allows tenants to advertise their homes and find suitable swaps.