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AIBU?

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Original poster

To consider moving from a 2 bed house to a 2 bed flat?

36 replies

iReallyThinkRoseHadRoomOnThatFloatingDoor · 16/12/2025 14:49

Currently with housing association as have been for the last 10 years in same house.

Nasty split with coervice ex and whilst ex has left, im in the area she lived in (both females) and her family live.

I applied to move back to the city im from as have no support network here. They gave me maximum points and I've just viewed a 2 bedroom flat. Its lovely and spacious but no garden. My 5 year old loves the garden and I have a dog. It does have a little balcony but not really big enough for him to play on.

I know offers are very limited, I've told them about the dog but they won't take him I to consideration when allocating properties.

He can be a little bit of a Barker when im not there. Im so torn.

I know people do it but I dont feel happy about housing my son in a flat. I also dont want to seem ungrateful as its a lovely flat (not high rise) close to the marina and beach. Im terrible at making decisions.

Size wise im sure the flat is bigger in square feet than the house so im torn!

OP posts:
unicornflakegirl · 16/12/2025 15:37

I'm in Spain, it's very common for people to have dogs in flats, but if your dog is used to a garden the transition may be difficult.

How far away do you intend to move? Will shared care of the dog still be possible?

TheTowerAtMidnight · 16/12/2025 15:34

Having lived in flats with barking dogs upstairs/next door, please please do not subject your neighbours to that.

BMW6 · 16/12/2025 15:20

I repeat you CANNOT put a dog in a flat. It us simply not fair on the dog or your neighbours.

BTW - are dogs even permitted by the LL??? I will be astounded if they are.

Seagull4a · 16/12/2025 15:18

Will your support network back in your home area extend to doggie daycare? Many many people all over the world have happy dogs in apartments without gardens, and it sounds like the walks will be good along the seafront. I don’t get the dog and garden thing, I have both but my dog is afraid of the garden (colonised by cats) so we have lots of lovely walks instead. However I don’t have a 5 year old child.

Wittyapple · 16/12/2025 15:14

Will the housing association give you other options if you turn this flat down? Where I live, it's rare to be offered a house with a garden (mostly new builds).

PurpleThistle7 · 16/12/2025 15:10

You cannot have a barking dog cooped up in a flat. Your neighbours will definitely complain. Sadly I think this one isn’t for you.

Original poster
iReallyThinkRoseHadRoomOnThatFloatingDoor · 16/12/2025 15:02

Flat is cheaper.

The dog belongs to me and ex and the dog goes to ex when child does which is 50/50 of the time. I work close enough i could come take him for a walk on lunch breaks but yes, the dog and garden thing is my main concern.

OP posts:
Spanador · 16/12/2025 15:01

We moved from a house to a flat with no garden with our dog as we were being made homeless and it was the only place we could get. I would never do it again, it was really hard. There was no letting him out in the garden for a wee, we were going for walks 4/5 times a day no matter what the weather was like. We also never left him home alone as we were worried he would disturb the neighbours, so it meant we either only went to places he could come or one/both of us just wouldn't go. We made it work for a few years because we had no other choice, but it was not fun

Newyearawaits · 16/12/2025 14:58

Lots to consider but as they say 'if in doubt, go without'.
The dog and lack of garden are negatives.
Are there any differences in rent and utility costs etc?

BMW6 · 16/12/2025 14:52

You have a dog so a flat should be out if the question. Or rehome the dog. For the dogs sake.

CandyCaneKisses · 16/12/2025 14:52

I would never downgrade to a flat, especially with a dog and growing child. That won’t be fun for anyone.