What Is the Maximum Points for Housing

In the UK, there is no fixed national maximum for housing register points. Each local authority runs its own Housing Allocation Scheme, which determines how points are awarded and how applications are prioritised. These schemes are based on local housing demand, statutory duties and guidance from national housing legislation. As such, the number of points you can receive will depend entirely on your personal circumstances and your local council's policies.

How Points Are Allocated

Points are typically awarded for a range of housing needs, such as homelessness, overcrowding, poor living conditions, medical issues, caring responsibilities, and time spent on the waiting list. Some councils may also consider factors such as employment in the local area, whether applicants are former members of the armed forces, or if they have been affected by domestic abuse.

Each of these categories will carry different weight, with some councils awarding dozens or even hundreds of points for severe cases. For example, people who are legally homeless may be awarded a high number of points immediately, whereas someone living in overcrowded conditions may accumulate points over time.

Examples of Local Systems

In Northern Ireland, a standardised points system is used that assigns specific values to circumstances like homelessness, sharing facilities, housing disrepair and security of tenure. This system can result in totals ranging well into the hundreds for people in high-need categories.

In England, points-based systems vary. In some London boroughs, successful applicants for three-bedroom properties in recent years have had between 300 and 600 points. Some councils place caps on how many points you can receive in specific categories, such as a maximum of 24 points for sharing facilities or 30 points for employment-related needs.

Elsewhere, local authorities may use a banding system rather than a pure points total. In these cases, applicants are placed in a priority band such as A, B or C depending on the urgency of their needs, and properties are allocated accordingly.

No Single Maximum Point Total

Because of this variation, there is no single maximum number of points you can receive. What matters more is how your point total compares to others bidding for the same types of properties. In competitive boroughs or regions with high demand, properties can go to applicants with several hundred points. In areas with lower demand, much lower totals may still lead to a successful allocation.

The time you have spent on the housing register also plays a role. Some councils apply additional points each year you wait, which can gradually build up a significant total over time even if your situation does not change.

How to Assess Your Chances

If you are applying to a housing register and want to understand your position, it is best to request your council's Housing Allocation Policy. This will explain how points are awarded, what categories are included, and how recent allocations have been made. You can also ask for data on the average number of points held by applicants who successfully bid for properties similar to the one you need.

Remember that in some areas, the housing register includes thousands of applicants, many of whom are assessed under statutory duties such as homelessness. The availability of social housing is also limited, meaning that many households remain on the register for years before receiving an offer.

Conclusion

There is no set maximum for housing register points in the UK because each local authority designs its own system. The best way to understand your standing is to check your council’s allocation scheme, find out how points are awarded, and assess how you compare to others bidding on similar properties. What matters is not your point total in isolation, but how it matches the demand and availability of housing in your area.