Waiting lists for public housing
Waiting lists for approved applications are priority, high needs or standard. Learn about the lists, the number of approved applications and average waiting times.
Waiting lists types
You’ll go on one of 3 waiting lists if we approve your application.
Priority housing list
If you’re on the priority housing list, it’s because you need urgent help with housing. You provided proof of this when you applied.
You might:
- be homeless
- have serious health issues
- be a person with disability or an older person
- be an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person
- be experiencing domestic violence
- be caring for children who are at risk of abuse or neglect
Your position on the priority waitlist
We added you to the priority list on the date we approved you for priority housing, not the date you applied. You’ll be offered a home when one is available, and it matches your needs.
High needs housing list
If you’re on the high needs housing list, you might have one or more health or wellbeing needs. You provided proof of this when you applied.
Your position on the high needs waitlist
We added you to the high needs list on the date you applied for housing.
You may be offered a home if both apply:
- the home doesn’t match the needs of someone on the priority list (for example, number of bedrooms)
- the home matches your needs.
Standard housing list
If you’re on the standard needs housing list, you meet the basic eligibility criteria for social housing.
Your position on the standard waitlist
We added you to the standard list on the date you applied for housing.
In rare cases, you may be offered a home that doesn’t match the needs of someone on the other lists.
How long you may wait for a home
Wait times for public and community housing vary. People who are most in need will be offered a home first.
You may have to wait years before you are offered a home.
You may wait longer depending on the type of home and bedrooms you need. You may wait less time if you are flexible about the area you can live in and only need one bedroom.
Average waiting time
We publish the waiting lists every 3 months.
The average waiting time is a guide only. It is not the exact time you will wait.
Waiting list numbers and waiting times were last updated on 1 January 2024.
The number of approved applications on the housing waiting list: 3,145.
Waiting list | Approved applications | Average waiting time (days) |
|---|---|---|
Priority housing | 140 | 256 |
High needs housing | 2,029 | 1,207 |
Standard housing | 976 | 1,946 |
Transfer list average waiting time
The number of approved applications on the transfer waiting list: 918
Transfer list | Number of applications | Average waiting time (days) |
|---|---|---|
Priority transfer | 151 | 562 |
High needs transfer | 591 | 1,161 |
Standard transfer | 176 | 1,840 |
Help to find a home sooner
To find a home sooner, check other help to rent a home.
If you are facing homelessness or need help to find a place to stay or a meal, you can get help from homelessness services.