United Housing Co-operative (UHC) is committed to a fair and accountable housing application and allocation process.

UHC properties are allocated to applicants from the Victorian Housing Register (VHR), who have selected ‘Community/Co-operative Housing’ on the VHR application. To register and submit an application with UHC, you will need to have registered and have an approved Victorian Housing Register application for social housing. To apply for the Victorian Housing Register visit Apply for social housing | Housing.vic.gov.au

Contact the UHC office on 9689 8157 to enquire whether our waiting list is open.

When the UHC waiting list is open, an application pack will be sent.

UHC Application Process:

  1. Applicants to fill out application, attach required documentations and return to UHC.
  2. When an application is received, it is stored in the “Registration of Interest” database to be reviewed by the Tenancy Committee.
  3. If there is information missing from the application, a letter will be sent out outlining the information required to successfully process the application. The application will then be assessed to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria.
  4. The applicant will then be invited to attend the next round of information sessions, normally consisting of two to sessions. Training sessions occur once/twice a year. The information sessions will include an outline of the United Housing Co-operative structure and what your commitment would be if you are housed with UHC.
  5. Applicants who complete the information sessions will be put onto our waiting list and ready to be housed.
  6. When a vacancy becomes available, a review of the Waiting List will be conducted for all eligible applications. Properties are matched with applicants’ needs, suitability and preferences.
  7. Suitable applicants will be invited to an interview with the Tenancy Selection Sub Committee for the vacancy. The Committee would review selection criteria and prioritize applicants using a points system against selection criteria:
    • the greatest housing needs
    • a commitment to Co-operative principles and practices
    • a need to live in the relevant area
    • a desire and willingness to take on the responsibilities of Co-operative membership.
  8. A letter of offer is sent to the successful applicant thereafter. The successful applicant will be provided with the opportunity to view the property prior to accepting the offer. Applicants who decline an offer for housing on more than 2 occasions will lose their place on the waiting list, unless good reason is provided.
  9. A letter is sent to the other unsuccessful interviewees informing that they have been unsuccessful for the current vacancy and they will continue to remain on the waiting list until another suitable vacancy becomes available.

For more information, please see the UHC brochure (revised May 2025).

If you are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, or experiencing family violence, please call 1800 825 955 – 24 hour, statewide, toll free number, to speak with a housing and support worker. This number will direct your call to a service closest to you, or if the call is outside business hours, it will be directed to Salvation Army Crisis Services.

You can also contact one of the services listed in the Getting help – DFFH Services page.

For other Affordable Housing options visit Affordable Housing | Homes Victoria

APARTMENT TYPES

The Village consists of 49 apartments, including a range of one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments built over two and three levels around a central courtyard.  The Village is purpose built and offers a range of facilities for older women to live independently while enjoying the benefits of community living. There are communal areas that include community gardens and its own Multi-Purpose Community Facility that is primarily available to tenant members for community engagement activities and tenant meetings.  Access to upstairs apartments is via one of four staircases, with one lift available near the carpark.

ELIGIBILITY

The Village is primarily targeted at women over the age of 55 years and can include:

One Bedroom

  • Single women – Women over the age of 55 years
  • Couple – Women over the age of 55 years with partner (any gender).

Two bedrooms

  • Two Independent women
  • Women over the age of 55 years and full-time live-in carer (VHR approved with independent income / rent paying)
  • Women over the age of 55 years with child or grandchild.
  • Two independent women over the age of 55 years family/friend on independent income.
  • Two bedroom approved Couple under the VHR with proof of medical requirements.
  • Single Parent with 1 to 2 children

Two Bedrooms DDA Apartments (2 x fully accessible apartments)

  • VHR approved with special accommodation requirements and medical evidence.

UHC allocation is 75% to Priority Access Housing applicants and 25% to Register of Interest applicants from the Victorian Housing Register.

Applicants need to meet Homes Victoria income and eligibility requirements.

Current Social Housing Income and Asset limits (from 15 May 2025):

  • Maximum Income limit for Single Register of Interest applicant is $60,164 per year ($1,157 per week); $91,988 per year ($1,769 per week) for couple; or $124,072 per year ($2,386 per week) for single parent with one or two dependents. The asset limit for Register of Interest is $58,183.
  • Maximum Income limit for Single Priority Access Housing applicant is $40,872 per year ($786 per week) or $69,836 per year ($1,343 per week) for couple; or $71,604 per year ($1,377 per week) for single parent with one or two dependents. The Priority Access housing asset limit is $22,998.
  • The asset limit goes up to $193,942 for households who need major or full disability modifications. 

For more information on social housing income eligibility please visit: Social housing eligibility | Housing.vic.gov.au

In general, to be considered for this property applicants must:

  • Have an approved VHR allocation.
  • Currently live in Victoria and meet the DFFH income and asset limits.
  • Not own or part own a house, unit or flat (including land).
  • Have Australian citizenship or permanent residency status.
  • Have a desire to live in a Co-operative/Community based housing.
  • Have a desire and ability to live in a medium density property.

 APPLICATIONS

Allocations full – we are currently not accepting application for the Summerhill Village.

TENANT MEMBER REQUIREMENTS OF THE VILLAGE

  • Meet tenancy responsibilities, pay rent and look after property.
  • Attend Village Residents meetings and participate in the election for the Committee.
  • Adhere to the Village Model Rules.
  • Contribute to the Village community and its well-being and be respectful of other tenant members.
  • Read Village communications and respond to UHC staff communications promptly.
  • Meet UHC minimum member participation requirements

 INFORMATION AND TRAINING SESSIONS

  • Applicant will be invited to attend an Information and Training Session to learn more about Co-operatives and the proposed operation of the Village.
  • Attendance at one Information & Training Session is compulsory for people who wish to be considered for the Village.
  • Session is to be held at United Housing Co-operative office.
  • Invitation to the training sessions will be sent to successful applicants.

For further information please contact our office on 03 9689 8157.

Updated 16 March 2026

If you are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, or experiencing family violence, please call 1800 825 955 – 24 hour, statewide, toll free number, to speak with a housing and support worker. This number will direct your call to a service closest to you, or if the call is outside business hours, it will be directed to Salvation Army Crisis Services.

You can also contact one of the services listed in the Getting help – DFFH Services page.

For other Affordable Housing options visit Affordable Housing | Homes Victoria

United Housing Co-operative (UHC) is committed to maintaining rents at an affordable and realistic level to minimise financial hardship and aims to balance the setting of fair and equitable rents with the financial viability of the Co-operative and maintaining high standards in all its operations.

See our Rent Policy on how rent is calculated.

If you are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, or experiencing family violence, please call 1800 825 955 – 24 hour, statewide, toll free number, to speak with a housing and support worker. This number will direct your call to a service closest to you, or if the call is outside business hours, it will be directed to Salvation Army Crisis Services.

You can also contact one of the services listed in the Getting help – DFFH Services page.

For other Affordable Housing options visit Affordable Housing | Homes Victoria

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