The demand for permanent social housing in Haringey far outweighs supply. We currently have around 10,000 households waiting for secure housing. Therefore, for the majority of people, permanent social housing is not a realistic option.

Around 90 percent of people on Haringey's Housing Register will never be housed in social rented accommodation so it is important that you seriously consider the private rented sector. Private sector options can be found on Haringey Council’s website: https://www.haringey.gov.uk/housing/housing-options/renting-home-private-landlord

Other housing options

There are a range of other schemes that may help you find a home sooner. Some of these schemes are for those already in social housing.

Homefinder

Homefinder UK has properties across London and the UK and Westminster tenants and households in temporary accommodation can bid for them online. The scheme helps people find a home to match their household size as well as personal and financial circumstances. For more information about Homefinder UK please visit www.homefinderuk.org.

Mutual exchange/ Home Swapper

A mutual exchange is when you swap your home with another tenant. Mutual exchanges are available to you if you are a council or a housing association tenant. There are several Mutual Exchange schemes available for social housing tenants to exchange or swap properties. Homeswapper is the UK's largest service helping tenants of social landlords to swap homes. There are some restrictions on swapping and you must get permission from your landlord before going ahead with your swap. For more information visit www.homeswapper.co.uk.

Seaside & Country Homes

If you are aged 55 or older and you wish to move to a home outside of London then you may be interested in this scheme. Please remember this scheme does not guarantee you a move and priority is given to tenants who are giving up larger sized properties. You can find out more about Seaside & Country Homes by visiting the following website: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/housing-and-land/renting/seaside-and-country-homes

Shared ownership

This is also called part buy, part rent. There are a number of shared ownership schemes available including New Build HomeBuy and Rent to HomeBuy. Shared ownership means you can buy between 25 per cent and 75 per cent of a home from a housing association. You then pay rent on the remainder.

This works out cheaper than full ownership and you can buy more shares up to 100 per cent, when you can afford to. More information on shared ownership schemes can be found on Haringey Council’s website.