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Original poster

Should I accept council property

39 replies

feeelion · 16/12/2022 17:48

I have been offered a council property. Not sure if I should accept. It has a small garden (which I don't mind) on the ground floor, one double bedroom, and a single bedroom (which is very small) and an open plan kitchen. The downside is that it's a 20 minute walk to the nearest bus stop and train station. I have a disabled DC- who I'm
Concerned may be targeted/vulnerable as he goes to school by himself

OP posts:
birdsandthewasps · 16/12/2022 17:49

What’s the alternative

Puzzledstill · 16/12/2022 17:50

What is the property your in now like ?

Londono · 16/12/2022 17:50

Yes and what is your current set-up? How long has it been taken to be offered this property and how long do you expect to wait to be offered another one if you turn it down?

Mrsjayy · 16/12/2022 17:51

Is there an alternative to your situation. How does your son get to school now ? If you don't have a plan b take the house.

Allsnotwell · 16/12/2022 17:52

Accept

You maybe able to swap later on.

Most people are good people - I wouldn’t let the area put you off.

Zax · 16/12/2022 17:53

feeelion · 16/12/2022 17:48

I have been offered a council property. Not sure if I should accept. It has a small garden (which I don't mind) on the ground floor, one double bedroom, and a single bedroom (which is very small) and an open plan kitchen. The downside is that it's a 20 minute walk to the nearest bus stop and train station. I have a disabled DC- who I'm
Concerned may be targeted/vulnerable as he goes to school by himself

Take it, take it and take it! They're like rocking horse sh1t. You can always look to swap if it doesn't work for you.

LubaLuca · 16/12/2022 17:53

I too would like to know if you have other options. A 20 minute walk isn't that big a deal to most people, but can your child with disability manage it to get the bus for school etc?

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 16/12/2022 17:53

So you want to wait for a council property near to the train station?

the chances of it happening are slim. Take it.

Diffuserqueen · 16/12/2022 17:54

I think you need to give more info, are you homeless or is this a swap?

CloseYourEyesAndSee · 16/12/2022 17:54

If you can get a secure tenancy then bite their hands off.

Threadkillacilla · 16/12/2022 17:55

What is your situation now, are you already in a secure tenancy?

WeeOrcadian · 16/12/2022 17:57

All depends on your current situation / setup. Council properties in my city are like gold dust and you'll have opportunity to exchange at some point.

Original poster
feeelion · 16/12/2022 17:57

Sorry. Should have gave more info. We live with family. I don't necessarily want a station nearby. But the nearest bus stop is a 20 minute walk and it's in a closed area - if you see what I mean. So not on the main road ifyswim.

Yes I can still bid and be offered another property (I am at the top of the list).

OP posts:
Original poster
feeelion · 16/12/2022 17:58

I live with my family (2 siblings) and my DC. We have all our own bedrooms.

OP posts:
Threadkillacilla · 16/12/2022 18:00

Take it and swap if you don't like it. There's no guarantee the next offer will be better if the twenty min walk and small garden is the only downside I would accept.

Original poster
feeelion · 16/12/2022 18:03

Another thing that I didn't particularly feel safe. It would just be DC and I and the flat is quite open, easy for someone to burglar or know my movements.

OP posts:
Unikeko · 16/12/2022 18:03

Are you sure you can refuse the property? At my local council if you refuse what is offered they assume you aren't in need and they won't offer you anything more - even if you have gold banding.

Be careful and seek advice before you say no.

Londono · 16/12/2022 18:04

It sounds like you are looking for problems - easy for someone to 'know your movements' - put some curtains up. Anyone could watch any of us in our homes if they want to know our movements.

Original poster
feeelion · 16/12/2022 18:06

Unikeko · 16/12/2022 18:03

Are you sure you can refuse the property? At my local council if you refuse what is offered they assume you aren't in need and they won't offer you anything more - even if you have gold banding.

Be careful and seek advice before you say no.

Yes due to our situation.

OP posts:
LindorDoubleChoc · 16/12/2022 18:06

I would take it. There are areas of the country where people wait a whole lifetime on the council waiting list and never get near the top!

Council housing is rare as hen's teeth now (thanks Thatcher) and I always view people who live in them as incredibly fortunate. I suppose that's what living in London - where a 1.5 bed flat with small garden would cost more than £1500, probably more like £1800, to rent privately - does for you.

LubaLuca · 16/12/2022 18:07

feeelion · 16/12/2022 18:03

Another thing that I didn't particularly feel safe. It would just be DC and I and the flat is quite open, easy for someone to burglar or know my movements.

You're not going to get somewhere burglar-resistant or so secluded nobody could see you coming and going if they wanted to. Remember that most homes have a ground floor, this isn't an unusually risky scenario.

Original poster
feeelion · 16/12/2022 18:07

Londono · 16/12/2022 18:04

It sounds like you are looking for problems - easy for someone to 'know your movements' - put some curtains up. Anyone could watch any of us in our homes if they want to know our movements.

Not so much. I'm more worried about DC than anything. I would be worried to leave him alone in the house.

OP posts:
greenhousegal · 16/12/2022 18:09

What kind of property would you prefer?

LisaJool · 16/12/2022 18:10

If it's closed in its less chance of being burgled as the chances are more eyes are open locally, IYKWIM. Take it OP and then swap at a later stage, lots of people on the list would jump at the chance.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 16/12/2022 18:12

It sounds like you are a bit anxious about moving out on your own with your DC - which is normal, and will make you a bit nervous of any property they offer.

Is the new place within reasonable reach of your family's house?