Some families face a 100+ year wait for social housing

The UK is facing a worsening housing crisis, with some families now facing waits of over 100 years for a family-sized social home.

Recent research by the National Housing Federation (NHF) in partnership with Crisis and Shelter has revealed that the number of families on waiting lists has increased by 37% since 2015.

In many parts of the country, the struggle for affordable housing has reached a new level of urgency.

Long waiting times across the UK

The situation is particularly bad in London, where waiting times for social housing in certain areas are more than a century.

Local authorities such as Westminster, Enfield, and Merton are among the hardest hit, with waiting lists that stretch beyond 100 years.

Outside the capital, other areas like Mansfield and Slough have waiting times approaching 75 years.

This means that for many families, getting access to affordable housing could take generations.

For those already living in overcrowded or unsuitable conditions, these waiting times are not just statistics - they represent years of hardship. People who need social housing the most, including those facing financial struggles, disabilities, or other vulnerabilities, are being left in limbo.

Why is the crisis happening?

A lack of investment in new homes and maintenance of existing ones has created a situation where demand far outweighs supply. While the government has pledged to take action, the long-term underinvestment has created a deep-rooted issue that cannot be solved quickly.

What is the government doing?

In response to the crisis, the government has announced plans to inject £2bn into social housing. This funding is part of a broader effort to deliver the biggest boost in social and affordable housing construction in a generation. Additionally, the government has committed to investing in homelessness services and bringing forward reforms to the Right to Buy scheme, which is intended to protect the stock of existing social housing.

But many believe that these efforts do not go far enough.

Housing charities argue that more needs to be done to increase the supply of social housing, ensure it is accessible to those who need it most and provide adequate support to vulnerable tenants.

What this means for you

If you are struggling to find affordable housing or are currently on a social housing waiting list, here are a few steps you can take:

Check other housing schemes

While waiting for social housing, you might be eligible for other housing support, such as local authority temporary accommodation or housing benefit. It’s worth contacting your local council to explore all your options.

Seek advice on housing rights

Organisations such as Shelter and Crisis offer free, expert advice on housing rights and can help you understand what support is available.

Consider private renting

Although private rentals can be expensive, there are often schemes in place to support people in housing need.

Have a look at programmes like local rent deposit, bond or guarantee schemes. Run by local councils and charities, these schemes can help with deposits and rent in advance through grants or interest-free loans.  

If you get universal credit or housing benefit, your local council might also be able to offer a discretionary housing payment to help with rent.

Crisis Help to Rent database helps people facing homelessness find and keep private tenancies.

Advocate for change

Join or support local campaigns that push for increased investment in social housing. The more pressure on government and local authorities, the more likely they are to take meaningful action.

Other help

Use our free benefits calculator to make sure you’re not missing out on any financial support that could help you.