How to apply
Most of our homes are allocated through local authority housing registers and Choice Based Lettings (CBL) schemes. This means you'll usually need to register with the council covering the area where you'd like to live. Once your application has been assessed, you can search for and apply for available homes through the local authority's housing system.
All councils manage a housing waiting list. Many do this using an online service that allows you view available homes online and express interest in homes that meet your needs. Once you've registered with them you will get a secure log in. If you forget your log in details, please contact them directly, we do not have access to these details.
Each council runs their service slightly differently, but most operate using the following principles below:
- The service is free and simple to use.
- You can bid for properties that are suitable for you.
- Every property is advertised for at least a week.
- You can express interest in two properties at any one time.
- You will only be made one offer of suitable accommodation so please only bid on properties you want, and which are suitable.
- If you refuse a suitable offer, your application will be reassessed.
Some people’s needs are more urgent, so how long you wait for a home will depend on how often the homes you are looking for become available in the locations you want. To improve your chances of getting a home, you can widen your search criteria and apply with other housing associations and councils.
How social housing is allocated
Social housing includes Social Rent and Affordable Rent homes, providing lower cost housing options for people who need them. However, demand is often much higher than the number of homes available.
To make sure homes are allocated fairly, local authorities use an allocations policy to assess applications and determine who receives priority for housing.
When assessing applications, councils may consider factors such as:
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Your current housing circumstances
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Whether your home is overcrowded
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Medical or welfare needs
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Whether you are homeless or at risk of homelessness
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Any local connection to the area
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The size of home your household needs
Each council has its own allocations policy, so eligibility and priority can vary depending on where you apply.
Waiting times can vary depending on:
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The area you would like to live in
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The type and size of home you need
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Your housing priority
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How many homes become available
Being flexible about location and property type may increase your chances of receiving an offer.
Step by step - what happens when a home becomes available
Step 1: Register
Join the housing register for the area where you'd like to live.
Step 2: Complete your application
Provide details about your household, your current housing situation and any support or medical needs.
Step 3: Search for available homes
Properties are advertised through the relevant Choice Based Lettings scheme.
Step 4: Apply for homes you're interested in
You'll be able to express an interest in suitable properties.
Step 5: Offers are made
Applications are assessed in line with the local authority's allocations policy and priority system.
Step 6: Getting ready to move
Before a new customer moves in, we carry out final checks to make sure the home is safe, secure and ready to let.
Homes in Manchester are generally advertised through Manchester Move.
Key things to know:
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Applicants are assessed according to their housing need and circumstances.
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Priority is awarded using the council's allocation system.
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Local connection criteria may apply.
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Demand for homes is high in many areas, particularly for larger family homes.
Visit Manchester Move to register and search for homes.
Homes in Salford are generally advertised through Salford Home Search.
Key things to know:
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Applications are assessed based on housing need and eligibility.
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Different priority bands are used to allocate homes.
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Some properties may be available only to applicants who meet specific criteria.
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Waiting times can vary significantly depending on location and property type.
Visit Salford Home Search to register and search for homes.
Homes in Trafford are generally advertised through Trafford Home Choice.
Key things to know:
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Applicants are placed into priority categories based on housing need.
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Some homes may be prioritised for applicants with a local connection or specific housing requirements.
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Demand is often highest for family homes and popular neighbourhoods.
Visit Trafford Home Choice to register and search for homes.
Homes in Stockport are generally advertised through Homechoice.
Key things to know:
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Applicants are assessed according to their circumstances and housing need.
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Priority categories are used when allocating homes.
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Some properties may be reserved for applicants with specific needs.
Visit Homechoice to register and search for homes.
Homes in Bolton are generally advertised through Homes for Bolton.
Key things to know:
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Priority is awarded based on housing need and eligibility.
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Applicants can apply for suitable advertised properties.
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Demand varies across different neighbourhoods and property types.
Visit Homes for Bolton to register and search for homes.
Homes in Bury are generally advertised through Bury Homes Options.
Key things to know:
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Properties are advertised weekly.
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Applicants can apply for suitable advertisedproperties.
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Once bidding has closed, eligible applications are assessed and suitable applicants are referred to Irwell Valley Homes.
Visit Bury Homes Options here.
Homes in Pendle are generally advertised through Be with us.
Key things to know:
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Applicants are placed into priority categories based on housing need.
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Some homes may be prioritised for applicants with a local connection or specific housing requirements.
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Applicants can apply for suitable advertised properties.
Visit Be with us here.
Homes in Tameside are not advertised. Your application will be assessed and placed into a priority band based on your housing circumstances. When a suitable property becomes available, Tameside Council will identify applicants whose housing needs match the property. The applicant with the highest priority and longest waiting time may be nominated to the housing provider for consideration.
Key things to know:
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Tameside does not currently operate a bidding system for council nominations.
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You do not need to express interest in individual properties.
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Homes are allocated through a nomination process based on housing need, suitability and waiting time
Visit the Tameside Housing Advice here.
Social housing at a glance
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Social housing is a limited resource and demand is often significantly higher than supply.
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Homes are allocated using local authority allocation policies designed to ensure a fair and transparent process.
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Most housing association homes are advertised through local authority housing registers and Choice Based Lettings schemes.
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The number of available homes and waiting times vary by area and property type.
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The type and size of home you're eligible for will depend on your household's assessed housing need.
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Keeping your application up to date helps ensure your housing needs are accurately reflected if your circumstances change.
Need help?
If you're unsure which housing register you need to join, or you have a question about an Irwell Valley Homes property, our team will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Please note that housing applications, eligibility assessments and priority decisions are made by the relevant local authority in line with their allocations policy.
Existing applications
If you have previously registered for a home with us, using our previous housing application form, and need help with your application, please get in touch through our customer portal, by emailing contact@irwellvalley.co.uk, or by calling 0300 561 1111.