Choosing your preferred housing location

When you apply for housing assistance which includes the option for social housing, you are asked to choose an allocation zone you would prefer to live in. An allocation zone is a group of suburbs or towns where social housing is available. There are 246 allocation zones across NSW.

How to choose an allocation zone

If you are eligible for social housing and are listed on the NSW Housing Register, you can be offered housing in any suburb or town within your selected allocation zone.

In some allocation zones, social housing is managed by community housing providers only. If you select one of these allocation zones, your tenancy will be managed by a participating community housing provider and not managed by Homes NSW.

To assist in choosing your allocation zone, use the allocation zone locator tool.

Allocation zone locator tool

Allocation zones and wait times

Wait times for social housing will vary depending on the allocation zone you wish to live in and the type of property you require.

Some allocation zones are in high demand because there aren’t enough properties available. If you select a high demand zone, you may be asked to provide additional information to determine your need to live in that zone. Or, you may be asked to select another zone with shorter wait times.

For help with expected wait times, use the expected wait times tool.

Expected wait times tool

Changing allocation zone selection

If you are on the general waitlist, you can change your allocation zone at any time until you accept an offer of accommodation. If you wish to change your allocation zone contact your local housing office or complete a change of circumstances form to update your details.