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Original poster

I've won a bid on a council house - what happens next?

80 replies

WaitAMinnow · 07/04/2022 06:38

I'd be so grateful for some advice on this, please do let me know if it's needs to be moved.

I won a bid on a HA property last night. I haven't had an email or notification to say that but my shortlist position is 1.

What happens next? Can someone else be offered it above me or will that only happen if I decline it (I won't - it's perfect for my DD and I).

How quickly do the council get in touch if I have won? Am I allowed to view the property and how long before I potentially get the keys?

I am so excited but nervous. My DD and I escaped DV last year and have been crashing with my parents. I earn ok but FT nursery fees mean that renting a house privately in the area where my support network are is just never going to happen and this house is less than 2 miles from my parents!

OP posts:

Original poster

WaitAMinnow · 07/04/2022 15:46

I have had an email asking for 3 months bank statements and proof of ID!

Hoping this is positive!

OP posts:

ofwarren · 07/04/2022 16:01

@WaitAMinnow

I have had an email asking for 3 months bank statements and proof of ID!

Hoping this is positive!

Certainly sounds like it! How exciting!

Gladioli23 · 07/04/2022 16:01

@PurpleFadesToGreen

Probably a bit cheeky, but if you know the current tenants, maybe ask if they'll let you remove the flooring to store somewhere, then replace it when you get the keys?

If the council will definitely pull it up this sounds like a great idea - if they would let the current tenants "gift" it to you instead as per a post earlier that would be even better.

100problems · 07/04/2022 20:10

OP I have no idea how this process works, but having been at rock bottom myself I wanted to send you all the bloody luck in the world for your new home. Bless you and DD x

RandomMess · 12/04/2022 21:53

Any more news yet?

Original poster

WaitAMinnow · 13/04/2022 07:58

Thanks for the message @RandomMess unfortunately no news yet. A lovely lady who I spoke to who lives in one of the other houses doesn't think I will be successful based on income (too high) but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

It's frustrating as my income is not high enough to rent a house in this area (which I need to be in due to my support network...) but perhaps too high to be considered for affordable housing! I have no real idea what I can do if I'm not successful.

OP posts:

JessCat75 · 13/04/2022 08:16

@WaitAMinnow

Thanks for the message *@RandomMess* unfortunately no news yet. A lovely lady who I spoke to who lives in one of the other houses doesn't think I will be successful based on income (too high) but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

If that were true they wouldn't have accepted you on to the housing register in the first place, I work for a LA, not in the tenancy department but have some knowledge of it, they want to see your bank statements to confirm you can afford to pay the rent so I wouldn't read too much into what your friend has said.

Kitkat151 · 13/04/2022 08:19

When my DD ‘won’ her bid .....4 days later she was invited along with number 2 and number 3 for a viewing.....she was the middle one to view so saw the other 2 people.....which was a bit weird.....apparently they do it like this so that is number 1 declines etc then the viewings are already done for the others..,,.then she had to go through the checks....passport LD check....right to live in U.K. and affordability check....to ensure she could afford the rent.....that took about 1 week....then she was given a moving in date about a month later

Kitkat151 · 13/04/2022 08:20

@WaitAMinnow

They want to know you have ‘enough’ money to pay the rent, that’s all

itsgettingweird · 13/04/2022 08:20

Afaik there is no roof on earnings for HA.

You get placed in a band based on needs.

But I just really wanted to say congratulations on escaping DV and getting a better and sat future for your DD and you.

And to wish you all the luck with your new future.

Original poster

WaitAMinnow · 13/04/2022 08:50

That's all helpful, thank you!

Fingers crossed she perhaps doesn't quite understand what she's talking about! It didn't make sense to me.

OP posts:

UniversalAunt · 13/04/2022 08:50

@WaitAMinnow 🤞 that all goes well for your fresh start.

KosherDill · 13/04/2022 08:56

Hope it works out for you!

Handtwin · 13/04/2022 09:05

Good luck op , I really hope it works out for you and DD :)

Pinklimey · 13/04/2022 09:17

I got invited to see my place, after it had been made clear that I wasn't going to get it, said yes, then was told a young mum with baby had priority, then told she didn't want it. Eventually receivefd a call offering me the place and I got the keys a week later. Quite a palaver!

Good luck. Be aware that the gas will probably be switched off when you first move in for safety, so no heating or hot water until the gas man comes. Pre-covid this was really quick, not sure about now.

Danikm151 · 13/04/2022 11:34

Application to HA and moving in took about a week for me.
They want to check you can afford the rent that’s all.
I viewed the same day I got the keys. Had to pay 4 weeks rent up front.

abigailsnan · 13/04/2022 11:52

Sending you the very best of luck with your bid it sounds as though you will be lucky as they have asked for bank statements so don't listen to neighbours at all,they did this to us when we applied for our bungalow and we where comfortably off due to OHs private pension as well as State Pension so don't worry.
Ask the HA can you sign a disclaimer regarding any flooring the present tenants may have down and is in good condition it will save you a furtune we did this in our flat before we moved here as the person taking over was strapped for cash for flooring,it amazes me how HA skip good flooring and curtains when someone moves out.Sending you good virtual vibes for your move.

Original poster

WaitAMinnow · 13/04/2022 12:00

Thanks all 🤞🏼 I've just called and the lady was quite unhelpful over the phone, she said she couldn't disclose anything re income. They were still assessing applications and I should hear early next week.

OP posts:

TokyoSushi · 13/04/2022 12:05

Oh I so hope that you get it OP, everything crossed!

cantcope88 · 13/04/2022 12:08

@WaitAMinnow I know your eager but ringing them every week will not process your application quicker. Any information regarding income etc will be in the documentation you received once accepted onto the list.

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 13/04/2022 12:11

If you've won the bid why shouldn't you get your hope up?

Keeping everything crossed for you OP!

RightOnTheEdge · 13/04/2022 12:17

When I got my house I was number 3 or something like that I'd completely put it out of my mind so it was a big shock when they rang me a few weeks later and offered it to me.
I was so exited I just accepted it without looking round first. I did go a bit later and nosy at the garden and through the window though.

I don't think it can be true about your wage being too high or you wouldn't have been accepted when you applied and wouldn't have been number 1 on the bidding.

Good luck 🤞🤞

GingerFoxInAT0phat · 13/04/2022 12:29

I came 13th on the house I eventually got! It was adapted so lots of people turned it down but it’s in a nice area with so much potential to extend down the line.

Everything’s taking longer at the moment but if you came first and they’ve asked for I.D etc then I would assume it’s yours!

hybridoaties · 13/04/2022 12:43

Being number 1 doesn't mean you will be offered the property. I would wait until they contact you before you get too excited.

theshadeofgreen · 13/04/2022 14:39

OP I'm so invested in this, it's so clear how much you want it!!

Keeping everything crossed, please keep us updated . Sending good vibes your way!

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