Applying for Housing
Who can apply for housing?
Although almost anyone can apply to us by filling in a housing application form to join the waiting list, there are a few exceptions where we cannot accept individual applications.
People who wish to exchange can apply via the HOMES scheme (For more information about Transfers and Mutual Exchanges please see the separate page or ask for our leaflet).
For answers on applying for housing please see our FAQs list below:
Where does Optima have properties?
Optima has homes in Birmingham, Dudley, Walsall, Lichfield, Sandwell, Solihull, and a handful of properties outside the West Midlands area. Unfortunately if you wish to live in an area where we do not have any properties we will be unable to help you.
If you wish to apply for housing in any of the area above please follow the links below:
How do I apply to join the waiting list?
Most of our waiting lists are closed except those for bungalows and sheltered housing in central Birmingham. You must be aged over 55 to apply.
The waiting list is now also open for two bedroom apartments in Cleveland Tower and Clydesdale Tower, Holloway Head, Birmingham city centre.
We do review our waiting list on a regular basis, so please visit this site again at a later date to see if the situation has changed or contact your local office.
> back to top
How to apply for sheltered housing for over 55s in central Birmingham
For more information about retirement housing please see our leaflet. To apply, please fill in our application form or call us on 0121 687 3133 to request a form through the post. Before filling in an application form, please read our leaflet Applying for a Home with Optima, which explains the application process in detail.
> back to top
How to apply for bungalows for over 55s in central Birmingham
Please complete our application form if you want to apply for this type of home.
> back to top
What should I do if I am homeless?
If you are homeless or are likely to lose your home within the next 28 days, you should contact your local council straight away. They can offer you housing advice and may also have a legal duty to help you. You can apply to join our waiting list regardless of whether the council can help you.
> back to top
Do you close your waiting lists?
Unfortunately, because of the high demand in some areas and the very slow turnover of properties, it is not always possible to keep our waiting list open.
> back to top