Social housing waiting times and allocation zones

Waiting times for social housing

Social housing waiting times can be:

• less than 2 years
• 2 to 5 years
• 5 to 10 years
• more than 10 years.

This helps you understand how long you might wait for a property in your chosen area. For more information, see expected waiting times.

Factors that impact waiting times 

The time you wait for social housing depends on:

• How many properties are available and how many are in the allocation zone you chose
• How many other approved applicants need the same type of property
• Whether you’re open to public housing, community housing, or Aboriginal housing (if eligible)
• The number of applicants approved for priority assistance, who are listed above those without a priority need.

Priority applicants 

If you have complex housing needs, you may be interviewed to assess how urgent your situation is. To qualify for priority housing assistance, you must show that you urgently need housing and can’t rent privately, and that you can't find accommodation in the private rental market.

Allocation zones 

Allocation zones are groups of suburbs or towns where social housing is available. You’ll be asked to choose one zone where you’d like to live when you apply. Waiting times can vary a lot between zones, with high-demand areas having longer wait times. For more details on zones, check the allocation zone locator.

Changing your allocation zone 

You can change your allocation zone by completing an online change of circumstances form or requesting a change of circumstances application form from your local housing office.

Your position on the waiting list for the new zone will depend on when you first applied and how your needs compare to others in that zone.