The New Forest District occupies a total of 290 square miles, in the very south west of Hampshire and off the south coast of England.

It is bounded by the expanding conurbation of Southampton to the East, and Christchurch, Poole and Bournemouth to the West. Predominantly rural in character with six key towns, it has a population of approximately 170,000 residents. The main towns, include Lyndhurst and Lymington where the Council offices are based.

The District of the New Forest has approximately 73,300 households (1996). Most homes are owner occupied (83%), well above the national average of 65%. About 7% is privately rented and only around 2% is owned by Housing Associations. The Council owns the remaining 8% of the housing stock.