Skip to main content

Important: Please Read!

  • We are currently receiving high volumes of emails meaning our response times are not as quick as we would like. The quickest way to get in touch is to chat with us directly using the chat button at the bottom of this page.

  • House Exchange closed down in July 2026. We will announce a replacement exchange scheme as soon as we can.

  • Do you or someone you know struggle with technology and can’t place bids online? If so email autobid@edinburgh.gov.uk to ask about how we can help you.

  • The Council took the difficult decision to pause advertising its homes to focus on housing families in temporary accommodation. The pause will now stop in October with Council homes being advertised on Key to Choice from Sunday 4th October 2026. 
Read How This May Affect You

Positive progress to tackle housing emergency

Positive progress is being made on tackling Edinburgh’s housing emergency, according to updates considered by the Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Committee on Tuesday 25 August 2026.

Since the Housing Emergency Action Plan was agreed in 2024, 1,473 affordable homes have been completed by the Council and partners, 1,144 sites started and 866 additional suitable temporary accommodation properties purchased. There has also been a significant reduction in the number of families with children living in unsuitable temporary accommodation. In addition the Ask and Act pilot scheme has been launched in Wester Hailes, which aims to prevent people from becoming homeless at the earliest opportunity by working with partners across the public and third sector.

Members also agreed to end the suspension of the Council’s allocations policy, put in place to prioritise people facing homelessness, following progress in reducing the number of void Council homes alongside an increase in the supply of suitable temporary accommodation. This follows the commitment of the Council to invest £1.6bn in affordable housing.

Efforts to increase suitable temporary accommodation include bringing houses back into use, purchasing properties and commissioning new temporary accommodation.

So far, the suspension of the allocations policy has allowed more than 350 households, including 200 families, to be moved out of unsuitable temporary accommodation and directly into a settled tenancy.

You can read our Frequently Asked Questions on the pause of adverts for further information.

Please note we will be unable to respond to any individual enquiries regarding the pause of Council adverts.

EdIndex
Providing a single access point to social housing throughout the City of Edinburgh

It is now easier for you to apply for social housing in Edinburgh and consider your housing options.

APPLY ONLINE
DOWNLOAD PAPER APPLICATION

What is EdIndex?

EdIndex is a partnership between the Council and 18 housing associations/co-operatives in Edinburgh. You only need to complete one application to apply for houses provided by all landlords.

decorative down arrow

How do the landlords let their homes?

16 Landlords let their homes through Key to Choice where applicants note their interest or “bid” on the available homes advertised. 

3 Landlords let their homes through a traditional points system and will contact you directly if a suitable home becomes available.

Our Guide to applying for social housing in Edinburgh provides more information on the process of applying to EdIndex.

There is a high demand for social rented housing in Edinburgh so it can take a long time to be housed through EdIndex. Please read our Guide to waiting times so you can get an idea of how long you may need to wait. 

You can view details of where houses became available and the demand for them using the supply and demand tool. 

If you apply for EdIndex online, you will be required to complete a Housing Options Checker to see if social housing is the best option for you.