Who can apply and
how It works
We welcome applications from those in need of secure, affordable housing in Salisbury and Wilton. This section explains who is eligible for our different types of accommodation and how the application process is managed.
Applicants must be retired, over 60 years old (except for Sarah Hayter’s Almshouses which are for women only, aged 50 or over, who are members of the Church of England).
You must live in the Salisbury area, or have lived in the area for five years in your lifetime. Applications for people outside the area who have never lived in the area are considered by the Trustees, but there must be a good reason for wanting to be in Salisbury.
You must be in need of our sheltered accommodation and would benefit from the support of a Warden.
There must also be a financial need for housing – total capital worth should not exceed £150,000 (£180,000 for the Very Sheltered sites) although this limit is subject to change.
You must be capable of living independently, though with the assistance of family and carers if necessary.
Applicants must be residents of the Parish of Little Langford or the Parish of Wilton and the surrounding parishes, or employees or former employees of Wilton Estate.
Applicants must be in financial need.
Applicants must be residents of the Salisbury area and in financial need.
Preference is given to young families or single parents.
Application forms can be sent by post or email on request. Alternatively, you can visit our offices to pick up a copy.
All applicants, if eligible, are invited to meet with two Trustees and the Clerk to the Trustees to discuss their needs.
When a vacancy occurs, we consider those applicants in the greatest need and their suitability for the accommodation available. This means that some people will have a longer wait than others and that new applicants may sometimes be housed sooner than existing applicants.
When offered an almshouse, you will be invited to view it before making a decision on whether to accept it.
N.B. An applicant will not be appointed to the perceived detriment of any existing residents.
It is difficult to say how long it will take to get an almshouse as we never know when a vacancy will
occur.
When a vacancy occurs all applicants are considered for that vacancy. Appointments are made on need and suitability of the applicant for each vacancy, not the duration of time on the Applicants List.
We will contact you should a suitable vacancy occur so that you can arrange to view it.
Please note Residents are NOT tenants but qualified beneficiaries of the Charities and do not hold any legal interest in their accommodation.
Prices vary depending on site. Almshouses provide occupation under a licence, not a tenancy, and residents pay a fixed contribution, not rent, towards the upkeep and maintenance of their dwellings, heating and hot water and the support provided by the warden and the call centre.
The costs for 2025 are:
Maintenance contribution: £87.00 – £135.00 (eligible for Housing Benefit)
Heating and hot water contribution: £15.60 – £ 18.40
Support contribution: £7.00
IN ADDITION all Residents pay their own:
Council Tax (Band A)
Telephone
Electricity for cooking, lighting and appliances used (except at Steve Biddle House)
Prices vary depending on site. The costs for 2025 are:
Maintenance contribution: £169.60 to £179.65 (eligible for Housing Benefit)
Support charge: £20.00
Meal Contribution: £70.00
Electricity contribution: £10.50 to £13.75
Heat and Hot Water charge: £15.60
IN ADDITION all Residents pay their own:
Council Tax (Band A)
Telephone
Electricity for cooking and lighting and appliances used (except at Steve Biddle House)
Almshouses are unfurnished. Residents are responsible for their own furniture, white goods, carpets
and curtains.
Residents are not generally permitted to have washing machines in their almshouses. There are laundry facilities available at each almshouse site.
Applicants may bring an existing pet to an almshouse where the accommodation is suitable for pets.
The principal duty of the Warden is to ensure the wellbeing of all the Residents, offering assistance and advice as required. Wardens at all sites except Robert Stokes Almshouse and Steve Biddle House work Monday to Friday. A Relief Warden responds to emergency calls from Residents at the sheltered sites at weekends and public holidays.
All visitors can use the Visitors Room for overnight stays (for which there is a small charge). The Visitors Room can be booked through your Warden.
Visitors are not allowed to stay overnight in any almshouse. In exceptional circumstances prior permission can be given by the Clerk. Pets are not permitted in the Visitors Rooms.
Not all the sites have parking, particularly those in the city centre. Where possible we have sheds
where residents can store and charge mobility scooters.