Bidding
Where homes are advertised
Available homes are advertised:
- on our website
- in local centres
- in our Property Newsletter
Who can bid for properties
You can bid if:
- you are on the housing register
- you meet the criteria for the property
What properties you can bid for
Each advert shows the household size best suited to the property.
This is based on the property household criteria table.
Some adverts may also include other restrictions.
Why you may not be able to bid on houses
You can only be offered a house if you have a child aged 16 or under living with you, and you receive child benefit for them.
If you do not have children, you may be offered:
- a flat
- an apartment
- a maisonette
If you are in band 5, you cannot bid for houses for the first 26 weeks after registering.
How to express interest in a property
You can place a bid:
- online through our service
- by calling 0121 368 1166 (option 1, then option 3)
What this means:
Expressing interest is the same as placing a bid for a property.
How to bid on the website
If you are registered and logged in:
- Select‘Bid for property’
- View the list of properties you can apply for
- Select a property reference number to see more details
- Tick the‘interested’ box
- Choose your first, second and third choice (up to three)
- Select‘update choices’
If your bid is successful, we will contact you.
Why you may not see properties online
You must:
- be registered for the online service
- be logged in
Properties are also not available to bid on Tuesdays.
How many bids you can make
You can make up to three bids each week.
Only bid for properties you are eligible for.
When you place a bid, you will see your current position in the shortlist.
What this means:
Your position may change during the week as other people place or withdraw bids.
Do you have to bid for three properties
No. Only bid for properties you are genuinely interested in.
If you refuse three offers of accommodation, your membership will be cancelled.
You will not be able to apply again for 12 months.
What can I do while waiting for a property
Signing a Tenancy Agreement is a big commitment please see out useful videos that can help prepare you for becoming a Sandwell Council tenant