Other housing options

Due to the limited amount of social housing available, we strongly suggest you look at other housing choices even if you are on the Homeseekers Register.

Information about the options available to you can be found on this page.

Private renting

If you are on a low income, you could get Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance to help you pay your rent. Please see our benefits pages for more information.

Your savings, as well as your income will be used to work out whether you can get benefit and if so, how much. If you would like to find out if you will be entitled to claim benefit you can use the entitledto benefit calculator.

If you are on a low income, in receipt of Housing Benefit but still need to top up your rent you may be entitled to a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

This payment in some cases can also pay for a deposit on a new property or moving costs (providing you are in receipt of Housing Benefit already and the property you are moving to is to better your financial circumstances).

Another way you may be able to get financial help is through the Essential Living Fund (ELF).

This fund is there to help people remain self-sufficient during financial problems. For further information on both DHP and ELF please visit the extra financial help page.

Mutual exchange

Mutual exchanges allow two or more council or housing association tenants to swap properties. If you are interested in this service please visit www.homeswapper.co.uk or www.houseexchange.org.uk. Please note there may be a charge to register with House Exchange.

You will need to get your landlord's permission before you can complete a mutual exchange.

Affordable Home Ownership Options

Buying a home can feel out of reach — but there are schemes designed to make it more affordable for local residents. If you're struggling to buy on the open market, explore the options below to see what support is available.

Available Schemes

1. Shared Ownership - Buy a share of a home (typically between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the rest. Over time, you can buy more shares, eventually owning the property outright.

2. First Homes Scheme - New-build homes sold at a minimum 30% discount to market value, aimed at first-time buyers and key workers. Local eligibility criteria apply.

3. Rent to Buy - Live in a new-build home at a reduced rent for a fixed period (usually 5 years) while saving for a deposit. At the end, you’ll have the option to buy the property.

Who’s Eligible?

Eligibility varies by scheme, but common criteria include:

  • Being a first-time buyer or unable to buy without support
  • Meeting income limits
  • Having a local connection to the City (in most cases)

Each scheme has specific requirements, so check the details before applying.

How to Apply

Use the links below to explore each scheme in more detail and start your application:

Speak to Local Housing Providers

Many affordable home ownership opportunities are delivered by Registered Providers (RP’s) working in the City. We recommend contacting them directly to:

  • Find out about upcoming developments
  • Get early information on homes releasing soon
  • Understand how to register your interest

The following RP’s are active within the City:

  • Estuary Housing Association – www.estuary.co.uk
  • Chelmer Housing Partnership
  • Guinness
  • Nottinghill Genesis
  • Sage

Aids and adaptations

We provide equipment, support and advice to help you live as independently as possible in your own home. See our equipment service page.

Sheltered housing

We offer different types of sheltered housing, mainly for those over 50 and those over 60 years old.

For more information about the various schemes please visit the South Essex Homes website.

Consideration is also given to:

  • lower age people with specific support or medical needs
  • elderly owner occupiers
  • former residents of Southend Borough

Please note that to be considered for Sheltered Housing you will need to be registered on the Homeseekers Register.

Jobs and training advice

Southend's Jobcentre Plus can offer information and advice about searching for jobs and training schemes that might help you to get back into employment.

You can get support from Jobcentre Plus to help you prepare for, find and stay in work, including:

You may also be able to keep getting some benefits once you start working.

For more information please visit GOV.UK or call the Southend Jobcentre Plus for an appointment on 0845 604 3719.

Money and benefits advice

If you need advice to make sure you are receiving all of the benefits you are entitled to please have a look at how the Council might be able to help you.

If you would like independent advice, please contact Citizens Advice Bureau www.citizensadvice.org.uk

You can also make sure you are claiming all of the benefits you are entitled to using the Benefits Calculator by visiting GOV.UK.

If you need to make a new claim for Job Seekers allowance you can do this on line by visiting GOV.UK.

If you need help applying for benefits online, you can call 0845 604 3719 to make an appointment and Jobcentre Plus staff can arrange to assist you with online applications..

Registering with other councils

You can apply to go on the housing register of any local council in the country. You can apply to as many councils as you wish at the same time.

However each council decides how it prioritises the applications that they receive.

They may give greater priority to people who have a local connection with the area for example:

  • if you work in the area
  • used to live in the area
  • have close relatives in the area.

You will need to contact the council in the area that you wish to move to in order to find out more. To find the contact details for a local council visit GOV.UK.

Housing Associations

There are currently no Housing Associations or Registered Social Landlords in Southend which run an open waiting list.

 View our strategy housing page to find out which Housing Associations are active in Southend, 

Nearly all new social housing lettings are allocated via our Choice Based Lettings system.

 

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