Existing council tenants

You can register for a transfer at www.locata.org.uk/ealing. Like many other London boroughs, Ealing has a severe shortage of homes. This means that even for existing council tenants who would like to move, only a small number of people are likely to be assisted by the council. The following schemes are provided as alternative rehousing options for our existing tenants:

Affordable homes in Ealing

There are a number of different affordable ways to buy or rent a new home of your own. One of these options could be just right for you.

Homes are available on a part-buy, part-rent basis with options to increase the share of the property you own. Homes for rent are also available at approximately 20% lower rent than comparable private sector rented properties in the area.

Housing Options is a service that can help you find a home that is suitable for your budget, household size and location preference. There are many attractive developments in the borough that include affordable homes and a range of different sized flats and houses.

To find out more about the options and receive regular information about homes in areas that you want to live in, please visit the Home for Londoners portal or call 020 8825 7381.

Out of London scheme 

Moving out of London can be a great way to make a fresh start in other parts of the country.

Homefinder UK is a housing mobility scheme that allows Ealing Council tenants and agreed homeless applicants in temporary accommodation to move from one part of the UK to another. This may be to access employment, to provide care or to be closer to friends and family, or because households may have more or fewer bedrooms than are currently needed.

People joining the scheme are likely to be allocated accommodation more quickly than they would in London.

Before joining this scheme it is important that you are sure you want to move out of London. If you decide you want to come back to Ealing later on, it is unlikely the council will be able to help you.

Who can apply?

You can apply for the scheme if you are:

  • an accepted homeless household living in temporary accommodation
  • an Ealing Council tenant 

What areas are available?

You can look at the properties available by going to the Homefinderuk website. These will change each week. 

What are the benefits of the scheme?

  • Local information provided so you can make an informed decision.
  • Possibility of reduced waiting time in obtaining permanent self-contained accommodation.  
  • Council tenants moving to a home with less bedrooms than they have now will receive an assistance payment of £1000 for each bedroom given up.

For more details contact the Out of London officer on 020 8825 7381. 

Who cannot move under this scheme?

You are unlikely to be accepted if:

  • You have been evicted for nuisance or any other issue relating to your tenancy (including temporary/permanent/private housing)
  • You have a history of rent arrears
  • There is action being taken against you because of anti-social behaviour.

Who do I contact for more information?

Contact the out of London officer on 020 8825 7381 or the allocations team on 020 8825 7274 or email housinginitiatives@ealing.gov.uk.

Mutual exchange (HOMESWAP)

This is a self-help scheme to assist council tenants in finding another council or housing association tenant anywhere in Ealing or other parts of the country. to swap homes. To register, visit the Home Swapper website or contact your neighbourhood housing officer on 020 8825 5387.

If you have found a tenant that you want to exchange homes with, you can apply for a mutual exchange online

Seaside and country homes

This scheme is for older people with no children living with them, who would like to live near the sea or in the countryside.

At least one member of the household should be aged 55 or above. The scheme's landlords manage bungalows and flats along the southwest coast from Cornwall through the countryside from Shropshire to Cambridgeshire over to Norfolk and Lincolnshire in the east. One of the key advantages of this scheme is that most of the properties have two bedrooms.

Please contact the allocations team on 020 8825 7686 for details on how to register.

Read more on London.gov.uk/seaside

Homefinder UK

Homefinder UK is a housing mobility scheme that allows Ealing Council tenants and agreed homeless applicants in temporary accommodation to move from one part of the UK to another. This may be to access employment, to provide care or be closer to friends and family, or because households may have more or fewer bedrooms than are currently needed.

Every week Homefinder UK makes available a variety of properties at more affordable rents all across the UK.

To find out more or register your interest, please go to homefinderuk.org or contact the allocations team on 020 8825 7274/7381.

Housing Moves

The Mayor’s Housing Moves mobility scheme is changing.

From 1 July 2022, the scheme will refocus and eligibility will be limited to:

  • Victims/survivors of domestic abuse who are current social tenants, or are moving on from safe accommodation
  • Former rough sleepers.

Existing applicants, other than those in the above two groups, will no longer be able to bid for properties. At this point, their Housing Moves accounts will close.

For further information please call 020 8825 7381.