Allocations Policy

Sheffield City Council's Housing Allocations Policy sets out how we decide who can join the Housing Register, and how social housing is allocated fairly, transparently, and legally. You can read the policy by clicking here.

This page explains how you can use this website to apply for the Housing Register and bid on properties.

How to apply:

Go to the Create New Housing Application button.

After you have submitted your application, you must provide ID and a reference within 28 days. Your application will not be processed unless you do this.

Processing your application - Once we have received your completed online application, ID and a valid reference, we aim to validate your application within 28 days. You will receive a letter to confirm that you have been accepted onto the Housing Register.

Some people will not be eligible to be accepted onto the Housing Register - more information about this can be found in our Allocations Policy.

What ID should I provide?
You can see what ID you need to provide when you create your application. Go to Continue Saved Housing Application to upload your documents within 28 days after you have submitted your application.

How to make changes to your application:

If you have not submitted your application - go to Continue Saved Housing Applications button.

If you have a current application - go to Update My Housing Application button.

To change your name, date of birth, sex or National Insurance Number - go to Change My Details button.

If you have made changes to your application, you may need to provide ID, we will write to you if this is required.

Band Awards - Prioritising Applications: There are 5 different banding groups. These are:

Band A - Critical

Band B - Urgent

Band C - Extra Consideration

Band D - Waiting Time

Band E - Reduced Preference

Most customers are in Band D. If there are other circumstances which mean you need to move urgently, please contact us to discuss these by approaching your local housing office.

How are properties advertised?
We advertise all available Council and Housing Association properties on this website.

Some properties are advertised to give preference to people in urgent housing need (Bands A-C) this is called preference to 'Housing Register'.

1 out of every 10 properties will be advertised with a preference to 'Waiting Time', which means customers in Band D will be offered them first.

Who can bid?
People over the age of 16 can apply. You will not usually be able to bid until you are 18 years old. If you are not eligible, we will tell you when we process your application.

How do I bid?
If you have a current Housing Register Application, you can bid.

Select the All Available Properties button to see everything you are eligible for.

You can view each advert and add any properties you are interested into Your Bidding Basket.

Then view Your Bidding Basket and decide which properties you would like to Submit Bid(s) for.

You can place 3 bids per advert cycle.

When can I bid?
We run adverts every week and each advert is open for 6 days if properties are available.

Please note that any adverts in December 2025 will be open until 30th December.

What happens after I bid?
We sort all the bids into an order as detailed in our Allocations Policy. We contact successful applicants only. You will be able to check your final bid position on the Your Bids action button.

What happens when I am offered a property?
You can check for offers on the My Offers button. If you are offered a property, you will be invited to view it. You can decide at the viewing if you want to accept or reject the offer. If you want to refuse:

If you have a priority, speak to your awarding officer as your priority can be cancelled if you refuse.

If you do not have a priority, you can receive 3 offers within a 12-month period.

Can I view lettings results?
Yes, at the Previously Advertised Properties button.

How can I contact you if I need more help?
If you need more help that isn't available here or on our help guides, then you can visit our website: Register Bid for Council Home. You can also call us on 0114 293 0000, Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:30pm.