Changes to Housing Transfers

We are making some changes to the way we manage requests to move - housing transfers.

Origin’s transfer list has operated based on a combination of priority banding and the time of application. While this has allowed us to address a range of housing needs, we have identified that an early alignment with PfP will enable a more targeted approach and help us better respond to situations where residents are in urgent need of a move.

The alignment with PfP means that from now on, we will be focusing our Management Transfer list on Customers  ho require an urgent move due to factors such as serious health concerns, safety issues, or other exceptional circumstances. This change is designed to ensure those with the most critical needs are prioritised and can receive the support they need as quickly as possible. 

From now on, you will only qualify to move if you fall into the following categories: 

1.    Priority Management Transfer 

A Priority Management Transfer will be considered only where the problem cannot be resolved by normal housing management action under the tenancy conditions. This includes things like:

•    Court cases where the perpetrator is released to a nearby address, over which Origin has no control. As a result of the perpetrator living nearby, the victim is caused further distress, and the evidence has been supplied. 

•    Fleeing domestic abuse and the Customer needs to move away from the current area where they live, and evidence has been supplied from the local Police or equivalent.

•    Disposal – if we have approved the disposal of the Customer’s home and need to move them out to facilitate this under our Asset Strategy.

•    Urgent Medical Reasons – a catastrophic medical event that would make the Customer’s current home unsafe and/or not practical i.e. amputation, significant loss of mobility, a Customer may not be able to be discharged from hospital, and/or there is a serious health and safety risk for them to remain in their current address.

•    Adaptations – where a Customer needs urgent adaptations, but the property is not suitable for this to proceed.

2. A Managed Move 

This is for circumstances which are not adequately reflected within local Councils’ allocations processes and should be considered only where the problem cannot be resolved by normal housing management action under the tenancy conditions.  

Examples of possible cases where a Managed Move might be appropriate: 
•    Downsizing - Customer is under occupying their home and/or is in financial difficulties because of the size of the property due to rent and utility costs. We would make an offer based on housing needs.

•    Victim of anti-social behaviour where the matter can only be resolved with a managed move with Police evidence and support.

•    Overcrowding – the Customer’s family is severely overcrowded and in need of additional three bedrooms . In instances of a need of an additional two bedrooms, the case will need to be supported by external supporting evidence and agreed by a Senior Manager. 

Other exceptional circumstances might be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Origin will still manage your application until we fully integrate with PfP.

 
For households currently on the Origin transfer list your case will be reviewed over the coming months to assess your current need and eligibility to remain on the list against these new criteria. We will contact you separately about this between now and February 2026.   If you have made a recent request to move which is pending approval, your application will be assessed under these revised criteria. 

Other ways you can move home

Register with your local council 

Each local authority operates a housing register, prioritising applicants based on their housing need. While demand for social housing continues to exceed the number of available homes, local councils often have access to a wider range of housing options for those in need.

If they run a choice-based lettings system in your area and you qualify to join the housing register you may be able to ‘bid’ for available homes.  

You may also want to consider a mutual exchange. This is when you swap homes with another social housing tenant. You can register for free with:
•    Home Swapper
•    House Exchange 

How it works:

1. Register and give details about your current home and the type of home you want.
2. We’ll check and approve the information.
3. You can then start looking for someone to swap with.

We understand this update may raise questions, and we want to reassure you this is a positive step towards providing a more effective service. 

By focusing on urgent cases, we aim to streamline the process and ensure Customers who are facing pressing challenges can be assisted without delay. 

For those who do not meet the urgent criteria, we will still be able to support you through our housing options advice, and we are always here to help if your situation changes or you need additional assistance. 
If you have any questions, please contact us on 0300 323 0325 or email enquiries@originhousing.org.uk