More than 4,000 families waiting for Oxford social housing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 06:01 · Archive

More than 4,000 families are on Oxford's social housing waiting list, with the council receiving 160 new applications monthly.

More than 4,000 families are waiting for social housing in Oxford as the city faces a growing housing crisis. Of the 4,068 applicants on the housing register, around half need one-bedroom properties, while 43 per cent—roughly 1,761 applicants—require two or three-bedroom homes. The council receives an average of 160 new applications each month.

Linда Smith, cabinet member for housing and communities at Oxford City Council, said the waiting list demonstrated that Oxford is 'in the midst of a housing crisis'. She stated that 'behind every application is a person or family who needs a safe, secure place to call home in a city where the private rental sector is amongst the most expensive in the country'.

The housing shortage is compounded by Oxford's high rental costs. A report by Centre for Cities named Oxford the least affordable city in the UK. Data from the Office for National Statistics shows the average private rent in Oxford reached £1,963 per month as of August 2026, representing about 55 per cent of the median gross annual earnings for full-time workers in the city.

How it is being reported

• More than 4,000 applicants now waiting for Oxford homesThe rising demand is putting renewed pressure on Oxford City Council to deliver more affordable homes.Oxford Mail · 19 Oct, 05:00
• More than 4,000 applicants now waiting for Oxford homesThe rising demand is putting renewed pressure on Oxford City Council to deliver more affordable homes.Oxfordshire Guardian · 19 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Oxford City Council · Linda Smith · Oxford · Centre for Cities · Office for National Statistics

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