Prioritising and allocating social housing

Why this is important

There are more people in Victoria who need social housing than there are social housing places. Over 56,000 people are on the Victorian Housing Register, which means they have applied for social housing and meet the eligibility criteria. In 2024–25, Homes Victoria and community housing organisations allocated social housing to 5,110 applicants. 

The Victorian Housing Register, which Homes Victoria administers, aims to provide a single, consistent application process for people seeking to access social housing. Once applicants are assessed as eligible for social housing, placements are prioritised based on need. 

Transparency about how applications are prioritised on the Victorian Housing Register, and how Homes Victoria and community housing organisations subsequently allocate social housing, is important, particularly as people can be on the housing register for several years before being allocated a home.

What we plan to examine

We plan to examine if the prioritisation and allocation of social housing by Homes Victoria and selected community housing organisations is consistent, equitable and streamlined. 

Who we plan to examine

Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (Homes Victoria)

A selection of community housing organisations 

Victorian Housing Registrar