Managing expectations

Waiting times vary depending on the type of home needed, the areas selected, and the level of demand for those properties. Some property types, such as larger family homes, bungalows, ground-floor flats, and adapted properties, are in particularly short supply. Applicants requiring these types of homes may experience longer waiting times, even with higher priority. Housing priority reflects need, not speed. It does not guarantee how quickly a suitable home will become available.

Homes with more bedrooms are far less common than smaller properties. Applicants who require three or more bedrooms should expect longer waiting times, especially in popular areas or where additional requirements apply. Requests for properties above the standard bedroom entitlement further reduce the number of suitable homes available. Being flexible about location or property type can increase the chance of being shortlisted.

The length of time an applicant has been on the Housing Register does not, on its own, determine when they will be rehoused. Shortlisting is based on housing priority band, priority date, and suitability for the property advertised. Applicants with similar priority may still experience different waiting times depending on the homes they bid for. Long waiting times do not indicate that an application has been overlooked.

Being awarded a higher band, including medical or welfare priority, does not guarantee that an offer of accommodation will be made. Priority recognises housing need but does not increase the number of available homes. Applicants may still need to wait for a suitable property to become available.

Applicants should only bid on homes they are willing and able to accept. Limiting bids to very small areas, specific property types, or highly sought-after locations can significantly increase waiting times. Bidding regularly and realistically improves the chance of being shortlisted. Applicants using assisted bidding or Autobid should ensure their preferences are accurate and kept up to date.

Trafford Council does not own housing stock and works in partnership with Registered Providers to deliver social and affordable rented homes across the borough. The Council is committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing to meet local need. While new housing continues to be developed, demand for social and affordable rented homes significantly exceeds the number of properties available each year. This means that waiting times can remain long even as new homes are added. The Housing Register is used to ensure that the homes that do become available are allocated fairly and to those in greatest housing need, in line with the Housing Allocations Policy.