• Homesearch Frequently Asked Questions

Homesearch Frequently Asked Questions

Information and answers to frequently asked questions relating to Homesearch and the process of bidding for a Council House.

Questions


How do I apply to join the Housing Register with Broxtowe?

You must complete a housing application form online at www.broxtowe-home-search.org.uk (Opens a New Window) and provide as much relevant information about your circumstances as possible. The information you provide helps the Council to assess your application.

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How do I know if I have been accepted onto the Housing Register?

You will receive a letter confirming that you have been accepted onto the Housing Register and this is usually within five working days from accepting you onto the register. This will tell you the Band you have been placed in and the date your Housing Application was registered. 

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Will I be asked for further information?

You may be asked to supply further information and asked to complete a personal budget form to help with affordability calculations. It is important to supply this information as soon as possible as this may affect your priority on the waiting list. Please note that this information can be submitted by email to homesearch@broxtowe.gov.uk

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How do I qualify?

Your housing application will be assessed in accordance with the Housing Allocations Policy of the Council you have applied to and will be placed into a band in accordance with your housing need. 

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Can I still apply if I own my own home?

If you declare that you have a financial interest in a property a full review will be completed to establish if you qualify and this is on an individual basis. Homeowners over the age of 60 will be exempt and will be accepted onto the Housing Register and placed into Band 4.

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Do I need to renew my application each year?

Once a year you will receive a letter asking you if you wish to remain on the Council list. If you fail to respond and complete your renewal within 28 days your application will be closed.

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What do I do if my circumstances change?

It is very important that you tell us of any changes in your circumstances so that we can amend your application.  We will advise you of any changes made to your application. You can edit your application when you log in and there is a section which asks you to view or edit your Housing Application form.

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Can I be refused from the Housing Register?

If you are not eligible and do not qualify under the Allocations Policy, you will be refused to join the Housing Register.

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How often are properties advertised?

All properties are advertised on a weekly cycle starting on Thursday and they close on the following Tuesday at midnight.

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How do I place a bid on a property?

The letter that you will receive will provide you with details of how to access your Homesearch Account. It will explain how you can search for properties and how to bid for properties. If you do not have access to the internet, please contact the Lettings team to assist you. You are only eligible to bid for three properties in each advertising cycle.

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Will I know how many other people are interested in the same property?

Yes, when you bid for a property you will be told where you are in the queue.  This is likely to change frequently right until the shortlist closes. When you bid for a property this does not automatically guarantee you an offer of a property.

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What happens if I have been successful in bidding for a property?

If you are successful in bidding for a property you will be contacted by the housing provider and you will receive a provisional offer letter. All offers are provisional until the necessary checks have been carried out.  

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How long will it take until I am offered a property?

The Council cannot confirm timescales as this varies on the stock available.

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When can I view the property?

Once the property is safe to view or ready to let you will be contacted to arrange a viewing.

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Do I need to pay rent in advance?

You will need to make a rent payment upon sign up and this will be discussed at the offer stage.

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What should I do if I have a query?

Email homesearch@broxtowe.gov.uk and provide as much information as possible. If you are already have a Housing Application please ensure you provide your unique Reference Number.  

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Contact
Lettings
tel: 0115 917 3347