Social housing in Gateshead

Gateshead Council has over 19,000 homes in Gateshead. However, Gateshead has more people seeking council housing than there are homes available.

Due to high demand, joining the register does not guarantee quick housing and you might wait a long time for your preferred area or type. For this reason, we always encourage people to consider other housing options.

All housing applications are assigned a level of need, and those in the highest housing need are given the highest priority.

To join the housing register you need to apply for Gateshead Home Choice.

Gateshead Home Choice is the choice-based lettings service provided by Gateshead Council, allowing residents to apply for and bid on available social housing properties in the area. The platform advertises homes from the council and registered housing providers, offering a range of options, including flats, houses, bungalows, and sheltered accommodation.  

Homelessness

If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless soon, support is available. Office hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 8.45am to 4.30pm: call 0191 433 3174. In emergencies outside of office hours call 0191 477 0844 or 0800 953 7112.

If you are working with other agencies, they can contact us on your behalf. This includes Jobcentres, prisons, hospitals, and the armed forces.

Organisations that offer housing support

Oasis Community Housing (opens new window)

Citizens Advice (opens new window)

Shelter (opens new window)

Centrepoint (young people aged 16-25) (opens new window)

Mutual exchange

If you're a Gateshead Council tenant, you can swap homes with another council or social-housing tenant. This is called a 'mutual exchange'. It often offers more options than bidding on the housing register, and it can be a quicker way to move home. Register for a mutual exchange at House Exchange (opens new window)