How matching works
When the bidding cycle closes, we offer the property to the person who’s in the top position based on:
- banding priority
- eligibility
- length of time on the register
You can see your live bid position while the property is open for bidding. This position may move up or down as other people place bids.
First Come First Served
Sometimes a property doesn't get any eligible bids through the normal cycle. If this happens, it may be listed again as First Come First Served.
These properties are:
- offered to the first eligible person who places a bid
- often smaller homes like studio flats or one-bedroom properties
- often age banded or medically adapted properties, such as aged 55+
The listing will always make it clear if a property is First Come First Served.
If you bid for a new build home, we may carry out a financial assessment.
You can place a bid on a First Come First Served home in addition to your usual three weekly bids.
Refusing offers
In most cases, the person in first position when bidding closes will be offered the property.
If you refuse an offer, it still counts. Repeated refusals may lead to consequences:
- Band A to C – You have one offer only and your priority may be removed if you refuse this offer
- Band D – If you refuse three offers, we may move you to Band E
- Band E – If you refuse three offers, we may disqualify you from the Housing Register
In both cases, we’ll write to you and ask why you refused the properties.
It’s important to make realistic bids only bid on homes you would seriously consider accepting.
Set up a bank account
If you’re bidding regularly, this is a good time to set up a bank account (our preferred rent payment method is Direct Debit). We'll ask you to confirm this when we contact you with a property offer.