GOOGLE searches for Southampton Homebid have spiked over the past few days, but what it is?

Well, if you're one of the many people searching the web for an answer, look no further than this article.

Hopefully we can answer some of your questions.

What is Homebid?

According to the Southampton City Council website, Homebid is the choice-based lettings partnership between Southampton City Council and partner Housing Associations.

You now might be thinking to yourself, 'what is choice-based lettings partnership?'.

Choice-based lettings allow people to make choices about where they want to live and consider which home is most suitable for them. 

The council works in partnership with a number of Housing Associations who have homes for rent in the city, maximising the number of affordable homes for rent available to people on the Housing Register.

It also means that to apply for affordable rented homes in the city, only one application needs to be made to join the Housing Register.

How do I use Homebid?

Applicants on the Housing Register can use Homebid to view vacant properties and place bids.

They will then be expected to express an interest in and bid for advertised properties which suit their requirements.

The Homebid website and Home Connections mobile app has details of all available properties, and property adverts can also be printed using Homebid.

There is information on alternative housing options in the city available here https://www.homebid.org.uk/ on Southampton Homebid. 

I want to use Homebid, but how long is the wait for social housing in Southampton? 

The wait for social housing in Southampton is often five or more years.

And in addition to a long wait, social housing is not always the right option for everyone.

Social housing does not exist in every area of the city, and not all property types are available.

If you are opting for a specific property type or location, then social housing may not be a solution for you.

Additional information: 

  • If you're a member of the Housing Register, remember to keep your Housing Register up to date with any changes of circumstances.

You need to tell the Allocations team at the council of any changes to your household or housing situation.

Failure to do so will result in your application being cancelled and, in some cases, exclusion from the Housing Register.