Devon Home Choice: A Deep Dive into Devon’s Choice-Based Lettings System for Social Housing
Finding social housing in Devon can be complex and competitive, but understanding the Devon Home Choice scheme and its detailed workings can help you navigate the process with confidence. Devon Home Choice is the county-wide choice-based lettings system designed to provide fair, transparent, and needs-based allocation of council and housing association homes across Devon.
This article explores every aspect of Devon Home Choice in rich detail—from how housing needs are assessed through a comprehensive banding system, to the practical steps for registering, bidding on homes, and getting selected. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or renewing your application, this guide is your essential companion to securing social housing that fits your needs.
What Is Devon Home Choice and How Does It Work?
Devon Home Choice is a partnership of councils and housing associations across Devon. It offers a platform where eligible people can apply for social housing, then choose and bid on homes they want based on their housing needs and preferences.
Unlike traditional allocations where landlords directly assign homes, Devon Home Choice empowers applicants to express their choice by placing bids—leading to a more transparent and democratic allocation.
The prioritisation of who gets the home is based on a detailed banding system assessing urgency and housing needs, combined with factors like local connection and length of time on the register.
Eligibility Overview: Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Must be aged 16 or over
- Have a local connection to Devon (live, work, have close family)
- Be in housing need: homeless, in unsuitable accommodation, overcrowded, or medically disadvantaged by current housing
- Social, economic, or welfare need as assessed by Devon Home Choice
- Those in supported or temporary accommodation
Applicants can be single, couples, families, or individuals with special needs, but application eligibility is carefully vetted.
The Banding System: Assessing Housing Need in Depth
Devon Home Choice uses five housing bands to categorise applicants based on the severity and type of housing need:
Band A – Emergency/Homeless Priority
- Applicants with urgent housing needs such as homelessness, fleeing violence, or emergency disrepair
- Individuals with critical health-related housing needs with immediate risk if not rehoused
Band B – High Housing Need
- Statutorily homeless accepted by local authority
- Those threatened with homelessness where private renting is unsuitable
- Social needs such as overcrowding, medical/welfare considerations not at emergency level
Band C – Medium Housing Need
- Moderate housing need like lacking one bedroom
- Housing welfare needs assessed as medium
- Work-related need to move beyond 25 miles from home
Band D – Low Housing Need
- Sharing basic facilities and low health need
- No local connection to Devon
- Deliberate worsening of housing circumstances
Band E – No Housing Need
- Applicants who have no current housing need but want to remain on the register
Banding Assessment Process
Applications undergo careful assessment considering housing, health, and social factors. Evidence such as medical reports, tenancy history, or homelessness status influences band assignment. Band start dates mark when priority began, critical for tie-breaks during selection.
Registering With Devon Home Choice: Step-by-Step
- Application: Complete an application online or via paper form, detailing your housing circumstances.
- Evidence Submission: Provide documents proving identity, income, medical conditions, and current housing.
- Assessment: Local authority officers assess your claim based on criteria and assign your application a band.
- Notification: Receive your band status, band start date, and advice on property eligibility.
- Maintain Updates: Any changes in circumstances (like health, family size) must be reported to reassess priority.
Maintaining an up-to-date application is vital for accurately reflecting your housing needs.
How to Bid for Properties: Engaging With Devon Home Choice
Searching Homes
Available properties are advertised on the Devon Home Choice website, smartphone app, and sometimes local council offices. Advertisements specify eligibility, size, location, and specific preferences.
Placing Bids
Applicants can bid for up to three properties per advertising cycle (usually weekly or fortnightly). Bidding is free and non-binding—providing flexibility and opportunities to bid widely.
Bid Restrictions
You must meet the advertised property size and type criteria to bid (e.g., a two-bedroom property requires eligibility for two bedrooms). Bidding on inappropriate properties results in refusal.
Checking Bid Status
Applicants can log in to see their bid positions relative to others in their band and band start date order. This transparency helps manage expectations.
How Are Successful Applicants Selected?
Properties are allocated by:
- Band Priority: Higher band applicants placed before lower bands.
- Band Start Date: Among same band applicants, earlier start dates have priority.
- Local Connection and Preferences: Landlords apply local letting plans giving preference to those with ties to the area.
- Eligibility Checks: Confirmation of current status, rent arrears, or anti-social behaviour records can disqualify applicants.
Successful bidders are usually invited for a viewing before offer. Non-acceptance moves offers to the next eligible bidder.
What Property Sizes Can You Bid For?
Bedroom allocation rules under Devon Home Choice include:
- Married or cohabiting couples share a bedroom
- Individuals aged 16+ each receive a bedroom
- Same-sex adolescents (10-15) share bedrooms
- Children under 10 share bedrooms regardless of sex
- Unpaired children aged 10-15 paired when possible or given separate bedrooms
These rules ensure efficient allocation while respecting privacy and legal housing standards.
Practical Tips to Maximise Your Chances With Devon Home Choice
- Keep your application details current and provide comprehensive evidence when applying to get fair banding.
- Actively check property listings and bid regularly to increase chances.
- Understand and focus bids on properties matching your band and size eligibility.
- Contact local housing officers if your circumstances worsen or if you have questions.
- Be patient—demand often exceeds supply, but persistence helps secure a home.
- Attend all viewings and respond promptly to offers to avoid delay.
Conclusion: Devon Home Choice Empowers Your Social Housing Journey
Devon Home Choice represents a transparent, fair approach to social housing allocation in Devon. The detailed banding system ensures those in greatest need receive priority, while the choice-based mechanism gives applicants control over where they bid.
Understanding the system, from eligibility and banding to bidding and selection, equips you with tools to navigate the housing market effectively.
Securing a home via Devon Home Choice requires patience, preparation, and persistence—but armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to take confident steps toward your ideal social housing solution in Devon.
