Our Allocations Policy helps us determine who can apply for a property on Castle Vale and how we decide who gets a home. It outlines who can apply, what we consider when processing applications, and the types of properties available.
To apply, you must:
Current Pioneer Group tenants can only join the waiting list if they need a different property (e.g., due to overcrowding).
We prioritise applicants based on:
Here’s how we allocate bedrooms:
If you need extra bedrooms for any reason, we’ll consider that when making our offer.
Please note:
We understand you want to know how long you might wait, but, we can’t give an exact time frame. This is because the type of tenancies we offer allow tenants to stay as long as they follow the tenancy rules, which means we can’t predict when a property will become available.
On average, we let fewer than 100 properties each year, and half of these must go to people on the Birmingham City Council waiting list due to our nominations agreement.
To improve your chances, we recommend registering with both us and Birmingham City Council’s waiting list.
If you’re looking for a property sooner, we do offer market rent properties that might be available right away. These are rented at full market prices and are not part of the discounted social rents or the waiting list. You can submit an enquiry for these properties here.
If you’re already a tenant, you might be able to move sooner through a mutual exchange.
We can’t tell you exactly where you are on the waiting list or how long you might have to wait. The order can change, especially if there are emergency situations, like someone needing to move because of a fire or domestic violence.
While we may be able to tell you if you’re in the top quarter of applicants, we don’t give estimates on wait times, as it could lead to disappointment. Remember, it’s important to return your review forms to stay on the list, as failure to do so might result in losing your place.
Please return your completed and signed form, along with your supporting evidence to application@pioneergroup.org.uk.
If you are unable to return your form by email, please post it to The Pioneer Group, 11 High Street, Castle Vale, Birmingham B35 7PR or you can hand deliver your form to our offices during normal office opening hours.
The Government has produced guidance around what ‘decent homes’ look like which can be found here.
The Decent Homes Standards are currently under review by the Government but as part of the current standard, we must ensure that:
We monitor the condition of your home by carrying out condition surveys annually. We also undertake surveys of shared spaces such as hallways. We use this information to decide on improvement works that may be required.
Please contact us 0121 748 8100 if you do not think that your home meets the Decent Homes Standard.
Have questions? Our FAQs have the answers to them
Some useful Guidance Notes for filling in your Application Form
Download our Application Form, fill it out and return it to us
If a tenant passes away, their tenancy may be transferred to someone else through a process called succession. This usually applies to a joint tenant, spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner, though some tenancy agreements may grant additional rights. If no one qualifies, we will assess individual circumstances before making a decision.
If you believe you may be eligible for succession, you’ll need to provide proof of residence and your relationship with the tenant. For more details or to appeal a decision, contact us at 0121 748 8100.
You can request a copy of the Allocations Policy by contacting us directly on 0121 748 8100