Housing options

Our aim is to help you explore the wide range of housing options available to you. Not everyone is eligible to apply for social housing in the Lewes district or in Eastbourne. We do not have enough houses for all of the applicants on our waiting list, so it is important we help you make the best housing choice based on your own personal circumstances.

Each council has separate council housing stock and has separate waiting lists for their properties.

It is important to note that:

You can only apply for social housing in the Lewes district if you are currently a Lewes district resident or have a local connection. 

You can only apply for social housing in Eastbourne if you are currently a resident in Eastbourne or have a connection to the local area

Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Councils also have access to privately rented housing managed by Homes First and these are available, subject to affordability, regardless of your local connection to either Authority.

Introducing Homes First Lettings

Homes First Lettings is the new choice-based lettings website for both Lewes District and Eastbourne Borough Council. It replaces Homemove. If you are an existing Homemove customer, you do not need to re-apply. We have written to you with details on how to login and bid.

Homes First Lettings will also advertise the privately rented properties available through Eastbourne Housing Investment Company Limited, Aspiration Homes and Lewes Housing Investment Company Limited.

There are no bidding requirements for these properties. Applicants who are successful will be offered an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. Check the Homes First Lettings website for the available properties. If you want to be considered for any of these properties you will need to complete an application form.