Step 1: Introduction to council housing

Council housing, also known as Social housing, are homes provided by local government or housing associations at lower market rent, which is usually between 50% to 80% below the market rental value. 

The original purpose of council housing was to provide people with the stability of a decent, safe, secure and genuinely affordable home. 

Swindon has a range of properties in the borough, which include bedsits, flats, maisonettes, houses, bungalows and accommodation for those who are 55+ years old. We currently have approximately 10,200 of these types of accommodation, which all vary in numbers of bedroom and size. 

As a tenant, council housing benefits include:

• affordable rent
• a strong and friendly community 
• safe and secure tenancy agreements

If you are thinking of applying for council housing, make sure you read each step as these will guide you on your journey and inform you whether you are eligible for the housing register.

Full details of how we allocate our social housing can be viewed in the housing allocations policy.