Rehousing options
We're here to support customers with their housing needs, so we’ve put together guidance with information about rehousing options available for you and your family. If you've been contemplating moving but aren't sure what your choices are, we can help!
How do we help?
The demand for social housing in London is far greater than the number of properties we have available. We work with 26 councils across London and Hertfordshire to help provide homeless for people who are homeless and rehouse overcrowded families on the local council's waiting list. We do not offer a general transfer list for tenants looking to move to another Network Homes managed property, so if you wish to move, you should consider approaching your local council or looking into the options below.
What options are there?
The following options are available:
- Housing Moves - a housing mobility scheme, introduced for social tenants by giving them opportunities to move across boroughs. It is a choice base lettings scheme where applicants can bid for available properties in other boroughs. Visit Housing Moves website
- Homeswapper - a Mutual Exchange Scheme where social tenants advertise their properties with the view to carrying out a mutual swap with other tenants. Visit Homeswapper website
- HomefinderUK - mainly provide larger homes outside of London. Visit HomefinderUK website
- Shared ownership schemes - a cross between buying and renting, and aimed mainly at first-time buyers. You own a share and then rent the part you don't own at a reduced rate. Visit SharetoBuy website.
- London Living Rent - As part of the London Living Rent scheme from the Mayor of London, Network Homes offers homes for private rent for middle income earners on assured shorthold tenancies of up to three years. You have the option to buy your home on a shared ownership basis up to five years after the launch of each scheme. Visit our webpage on London Living Rent
- Renting from the private sector - there are twice as many privately rented homes than council or housing association homes, so becoming a tenant of a private landlord and settling into a new home happens much more quickly. If you are thinking of this option, please seek legal advice from your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau.
You can register with your local council so that you can be added to their housing list. Network Homes has a large number of homes in:
- Brent - Visit Brent Council website
- Lambeth - Visit Lambeth Council website
- Westminster - Visit Westminster Council website
- East Herts - Visit East Herts Council website
You can find your local council by clicking on the following link:
Private lettings schemes
- London Living Rent: As part of the London Living Rent scheme from the Mayor of London, we offer homes for private rent for middle income earners on assured shorthold tenancies for up to three years. You have the option to buy your home on a shared ownership basis up to five years after the launch of each scheme. Checkout our London Living Rent homes here: Find a Home
- Smart Rent - SmartRent delivers homes designed specifically for busy urban professionals in secure, well-connected purpose-built developments. Register and checkout our SmartRent homes: Find a Home
- Intermediate Rent - Our Intermediate Rent homes offer you the opportunity to rent a home at a rent that is 20% less than the market rate. We have a range of different types of intermediate rental homes including studios, one, two- and three-bedroom flats and shared apartments. Checkout our Intermediate Rent properties here: Find a Home
Moving out of London
If you’re thinking of moving out of London, many local authorities which have a lower demand for housing will allow you to apply directly to them. You should contact the local authority of your choice for further information, however, please note that almost all local authorities in the South of England or within large major cities face the same demands as London local authorities.
Alternatively, subject to age criteria, you may be eligible to move through the seaside and country home scheme. You can find information on this scheme here: Seaside and Country Homes
Renting from the private sector
Unless you have a high priority on the housing waiting list, private renting is the quickest way to get housing locally. Local letting agents are a good place to start looking. If you have a low income you could apply for housing benefit and local housing allowance to help you pay your rent.
If you have a low income and get housing benefit but you still need to top up your rent, you may be entitled to a discretionary housing payment. This can sometimes also pay for a deposit on a new property or your moving costs, if the move will improve your financial circumstances.
If you’re thinking of private renting, you can seek legal advice from your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau branch. More information on their website.
