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AIBU?

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Original poster

To take council house or private rent?

130 replies

Needsomeadvicepleaze · 19/02/2024 18:56

Recently split up with DH and I have been lucky enough to be offered a council property. It is a new build and it’s absolutely tiny I don’t know I can live there with 3 children. By time I put wardrobes and drawers in the room they will be a small bit of floor space.

The living room is absolutely shocking! It will just be a sofa and TV as there is no space for a coffee table or any little cupboards.
its £600 a month

The private rented property is with a company so I will still have stability. It Has lots of space and a utility and storage something the council property doesn’t.
Its £960 a month but I understand I will receive some housing support.

WWYD?

OP posts:
IDontLoveTheWayYouLie · 19/02/2024 19:10

I know people have been on the housing list for 10+ years (who still haven't been offered anywhere) and would rather have a small house than have to pay the rent they do/risk being asked to leave at any point.

If you know you won't like it and can afford private rent then that seems like the right choice for you but it will sound a bit silly to a lot of people.

Sounds like you were quite lucky to be offered a council place so quickly.

Youcannotbeseriousreally · 19/02/2024 19:09

Needsomeadvicepleaze · 19/02/2024 19:07

Where did you get the assumption that I don’t work? I’m a HR business partner with a good salary. I just don’t have the savings for a deposit yet otherwise I would buy.

Im currently living in an AIRBNB!

Show quote history

I said you need to earn more. Which you do. So I was right.

seriously OP. Read the room.

MindHowYouGoes · 19/02/2024 19:09

Take the council house, save the difference in rent and give it up when you have a deposit saved and can buy. The new build will have lower bills too I imagine

Fionaville · 19/02/2024 19:09

I own my home, but I did private rent for a year. I said afterwards that I'd rather buy a shed to live in, then rent again. I just couldn't stand having a landlord. But that was private rent. I would definitely go with the council house if I was you.

Original poster
Needsomeadvicepleaze · 19/02/2024 19:09

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You’re twisting things to fit your own narrative! Not once did I say I wasn’t grateful. I have 3 children and this house is very very small.

OP posts:
itstooearlytobeawake · 19/02/2024 19:09

Don't take it then, leave it for someone who needs it.

CrappyBatty · 19/02/2024 19:08

Was it the space or the clutter that messed up your MH? If the neighbourhood of the council property is alright I would take it for the security

Comedycook · 19/02/2024 19:08

I'd be biting their arm off for the council house....and looking for innovative storage solutions

Babsexxx · 19/02/2024 19:07

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Original poster
Needsomeadvicepleaze · 19/02/2024 19:07

Youcannotbeseriousreally · 19/02/2024 19:05

So then you need to be earning more and not relying on benefits and for a castle to be gifted to you!!

Jesus the entitlement , this cannot be a real OP. And if it is, well. It’s all here - why the system is broken!

Show quote history

Where did you get the assumption that I don’t work? I’m a HR business partner with a good salary. I just don’t have the savings for a deposit yet otherwise I would buy.

Im currently living in an AIRBNB!

OP posts:
Robbiesraft · 19/02/2024 19:06

Funny. Take the larger private rental. Enjoy the rate rises, the struggle to get stuff fixed and the insecurity. Let another loser take the tiny, secure, new build.

dontcallmelen · 19/02/2024 19:06

Yy all of the above pp, you really cannot underestimate having a secure tenancy, be creative with storage & you could also in the future do a council swap would imagine a lot of people would bite your arm off for a new build especially as energy costs would or should be a fair bit lower.

Babsexxx · 19/02/2024 19:06

Lol are you?! Same but there is no way I’d give up secure housing with the potential to exchange?! Absolute FOOL

Mrsjayy · 19/02/2024 19:06

Needsomeadvicepleaze · 19/02/2024 19:03

I’ve lived in a small new build before and it had a huge impact on my mental health. Felt trapped all the time like I couldn’t escape.

well don't take the council house you are free to make your own mind up where you want to live.

Youcannotbeseriousreally · 19/02/2024 19:05

Needsomeadvicepleaze · 19/02/2024 19:03

I’ve lived in a small new build before and it had a huge impact on my mental health. Felt trapped all the time like I couldn’t escape.

So then you need to be earning more and not relying on benefits and for a castle to be gifted to you!!

Jesus the entitlement , this cannot be a real OP. And if it is, well. It’s all here - why the system is broken!

Original poster
Needsomeadvicepleaze · 19/02/2024 19:05

This reply has been deleted

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Aren’t you a delight! Not ungrateful at all but I’m aware of the stress and chaos that comes with living in small cramped places.

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 19/02/2024 19:04

you might not get much universal credit/housing benefit and you will probably have to fork out more money anyway.

Original poster
Needsomeadvicepleaze · 19/02/2024 19:03

I’ve lived in a small new build before and it had a huge impact on my mental health. Felt trapped all the time like I couldn’t escape.

OP posts:
Autumn1990 · 19/02/2024 19:03

Go for the new council house.
I presume you will be buying some furniture so just buy really carefully. Low cabin beds to maximise storage, storage sofa and footstool etc.
The rent is lower plus the energy bills should be lower as well.

Babsexxx · 19/02/2024 19:03

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Mrsjayy · 19/02/2024 19:02

I mean you can just downsize your furniture ? what is your question it's up to you what you want to do you are not obliged to take this house.

baklavagoddess · 19/02/2024 19:02

The council house is secure housing as long as you pay your rent and see a good tenant it's very unlikely you will ever be asked to leave. You would be crazy to give it up. I private rented with my children over 10 years and had to move 7 times due to landlord giving notice or hiking the rent up it's not stable and it was unsettling for all of us

PiggieWig · 19/02/2024 19:02

Being with a company isn’t really that secure. If the landlord decides to sell, you’ll have to go.

Densol57 · 19/02/2024 19:01

The company could raise the rents much faster than council which is statutory regulated.
You'd be a fool to give up a brand new council house.

K0OLA1D · 19/02/2024 19:00

Teasie123 · 19/02/2024 18:58

If I was you, take the council house. More security and always will fix anything.🤗🤗

They really don't always fix anything. But I'd go for it for the security and not over inflated rental prices alone

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