Social Housing

Social housing is allocated on the basis of need. In Gwynedd we use a system which gives points to reflect an applicant’s circumstances and needs. Homes will be offered to the applicant who has the most points for a property that becomes vacant for letting. If your circumstances include one or more of the following then you could be eligible to receive points on your application:

• you have a local connection with Gwynedd
• you have a connection with the community in which they wish to be housed 

• you are on a low income
• you are legally owed a duty by a housing authority
• you need to move to a specific location in order to avoid hardship (for yourself or others).
• you need to move for their health / welfare
• you live in insanitary / overcrowded or otherwise unsatisfactory housing
• you are homeless or threatened with homelessness or are owed a homeless duty by a local authority

To be considered for a social property you must be on the Gwynedd Common Housing Register. If you are not on the register the first step is to contact Gwynedd Housing Options:

• Phone: 01286 685100
• Email: opsiynautai@gwynedd.llyw.cymru

We’ll discuss your needs with you in order to decide on the best way forward. After receiving your details we’ll send an application form to you so that you can register. If you are not eligible to be on the Common Housing Register, we’ll discuss other options that might be available to you. Please note that being on the register does not guarantee anyone a house.

If your name is put on the register, your application will be assessed using the points system. A summary of the points system and allocation process is in this document:

• Information for Applicants
• Application form for Accommodation

In order to ensure that the process of allocating social housing is fair, Gwynedd Council and the housing associations have published a document which gives details of the process. The document, the Common Housing Allocations Policy, is based on statutory requirements and on guidance by the Welsh Government. 

• Common Housing Allocation Policy summary

Click on the following links to the websites or Facebook pages of the housing associations which includes details of the social properties currently available:

• Properties to let by Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd
• Properties to let by Grŵp Cynefin
• Properties to let by North Wales Housing

There are over 7,500 units of social housing located across the county. They range from single person accommodation to family houses. There is also provision for housing particularly suitable for older persons. Click below to see details of their location:

• List of Social Housing stock

If you want to move from your current home you will need to register on the Common Housing Register. However if you are having difficulties with any aspect of your tenancy you should contact, in the first place, your housing association for advice:

• Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd
• Grŵp Cynefin
• North Wales Housing

Some social housing tenants may be eligible to swap their home with another tenant. This is called a tenancy exchange. More information on this is available by contacting your housing association, or visit websites such as Homeswapper or House Swap Wales which are a quick and easy way to find the right home for you. See the leaflets below for more information:

• Want to move home?
• Why not swap homes?