Island HomeFinder

How Island HomeFinder (IHF) works

  1. Before you can apply for social housing on the Island, you need to register for Island HomeFinder (IHF).
  2. Once your application is active, you can apply for properties of your choice provided you meet the criteria that is listed for each.
  3. The weekly bidding cycle for properties is from Wednesday to Tuesday, and properties are allocated by the housing associations to those individuals with the greatest housing need.

To remain fair, our system places you into one of five bands according to your specific housing need. For more information on bands, see Section 12 of the Island HomeFinder allocation policy (PDF, 126KB).

Who can apply for IHF

You can apply to join IHF provided you meet the qualifying person criteria that is set out in Section 4 of the policy.

Evidence of your eligibility to join the scheme must be uploaded as part of your online application for it to be complete. Or your supporting information can be sent to housing@iow.gov.uk. Title the email 'proof of eligibility' plus your reference number.

How to apply for IHF

You can register to join IHF online.

If you require a paper copy of the application form or any further assistance, then contact our choice-based lettings team through the contact information provided.

We may contact you for additional information after you have completed your application. We cannot activate your application until you have provided all the information required.

Existing social housing tenants

You can also register for and use IHF if you are an existing social housing tenant, provided you meet the criteria.

Register for HomeSwapper to find and apply for a mutual exchange of your current property into another social housing property.

Other housing options

Other housing options you may consider are:

  • Extra care (also known as Independent Island Living) provides housing options for older people (55 years old and over) and people (45 years old and over) with care and support needs
  • private rented accommodation available can be found on websites such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and in the Isle of Wight County Press classifieds. Rental properties can also be found through local lettings agents, such as Merriebank Lettings and Pittis 
  • national and local affordable home ownership schemes from GOV.UK

Office hours

Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm

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