Step 2 - Choosing a property

Advertising available properties

Properties available for rent and available to purchase through shared ownership are advertised each fortnight. They are advertised in the following ways:

• Via Property Search on this website.
• In our newsletter and posters which can be seen at the Council Offices, Soha, C.A.Bs, Leisure Centres, Libraries, Town Council offices and other locations around the district.

Click here for the list of places to see the Newsletter

The adverts give you details of the landlord, location, size, rent and other features of the property to help you decide which property is right for you.

Where available a photograph of the property or a similar house type is provided and you can access information about the local area and facilities.

The advert also tells you if there are any requirements the applicant must meet, such as age, local connection or type of application. Sometimes the advert will give a preference, for example to families with children. In this case you can still apply for the property providing it is suitable for your household but any families bidding will be considered first.

Direct Offers

In a small number of cases properties will be offered directly to an applicant without it being advertised. This will happen when:

• There is a need to move someone quickly forhealth or safety reasons

• The property matches the specialist needs of a high priority applicant.

Symbols

A range of symbols are used to tell you about the property. Here are some examples:

			The number of bedrooms in the property
			The property advertised is sheltered or extra care sheltered housing
			The minimum or maximum age that an applicant must be to apply for the property (age restriction will be displayed within the icon when viewed on the Property website or the Newsletter)
			The property has a garden
			Off road parking is available at the property
			The property is wheelchair accessible or has been adapted and priority will be given to households assessed as needing these adaptations.

 

A description of each of the icons appears when the mouse pointer hovers over them. There is also a full ist to be found in the property newsletters.

Expressing Your Interest in a Property or 'bidding'

To apply for a property you must tell us that you want to be considered for it. You will only be able to apply for a property that matches your bedroom needs. Click Step 1 - Registration  to find out what size of property you can bid for. You can express your interest by bidding in any of the following ways:

• Online through our website. Log in using your unique housing application number and the date of birth of the main applicant.
• By telephoning our 24hr automated bidding line on 0800 0277 889 and following the instructions.
• By texting (this service will start in 2009)
• By using the computer screen in the Council’s reception. Our staff will be happy to show you how to do this. Soha Housing and some other housing associations are also offering this service.

Available properties are advertised from midnight on a Tuesday to midnight on the Tuesday two weeks later. You can place your bid at any time during the two weeks. The newsletters and posters all show the deadline for bids to be received.

When you bid you will be told your position in the queue at that time. Please remember your position can change if someone else places a bid after yours.

You can bid for up to 3 properties in each two week cycle.  Bids will not be accepted after the deadline. Some properties, especially newly built ones, may be advertised well in advance of them becoming available. If this is the case the advert will say so.

Properties currently available

To find out the details of properties currently available for rent and shaed ownership, both locally and in other parts of Oxfordshire, click Property Search.

Help to use the service

If you or someone you know would like some personal help to use our service please contact Housing Services. Click Contact Us to send us a message or How To Contact Us for our office contact details and opening hours.