You do not need to have a local connection to join Newcastle Homes, but your local connection will affect the priority band that you are awarded. If you do not have a local connection, you will only be awarded Band D - Low Housing Need. You can find out more about priority bands on the priority bands page.

We will consider you to have a local connection, to Newcastle if you or your partner have:

  • Lived in Newcastle for six months in the last year. This does not include those whose only residence in the city is because of time spent living in a hospital or hostel accommodation.
  • Lived in Newcastle for three years in the last five years. This does not include those whose only residence in the city is because of time spent living in a hospital or hostel accommodation.
  • Been employed in non-casual employment or be training in Newcastle.
  • Have close family living in Newcastle, such as a parent or sibling.
  • Relatives or social networks in Newcastle that will provide support or care to needs.
  • Other special circumstances.

Or if the applicant or joint applicant:

  • Are currently serving in the Regular Forces or have previously served in the Regular Forces (the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the regular army or the Royal Air Force).
  • Are the bereaved spouse or civil partner of a person who served in the Regular Forces, and you have recently ceased or will cease to be entitled to reside in Ministry of Defence accommodation following the death of your spouse or civil partner, and whose death was attributable (wholly or partly) to that person's service.
  • Are a serving or former member of the Reserve Armed Forces and you are suffering from a serious injury, illness or disability which is wholly or partly attributable to that service (the Royal Fleet Reserve, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Royal Marines Reserve, the Army Reserve, the Territorial Army, the Royal Air Force Reserve or the Royal Auxiliary Air Force).
  • Are a spouse or civil partner who is required to leave accommodation provided by the Ministry of Defence following a breakdown in your relationship with your Service spouse or civil partner.

You can find out more about services for veterans on this page Veterans.

If there are exceptional circumstances and there is an urgent need for housing, we may disregard the need for a local connection and consider you for a higher priority band.