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Original poster

High joint income and in social housing with no plans to buy. Celebrate or selfish?

780 replies

SocialHousedNHappy · 27/11/2023 21:57

I’ve been wondering about for some time and completely understand the dire and desperate situation that many people and families find themselves in. But… I hate the way that social housing is seen as only for the most desperate, when it was introduced as a housing option for all.

My household brings in a healthy income and we pay less than 10% to our monthly rent. This means we get enjoy a modest lifestyle and put some money aside for adult DC for when they’re older - they can then choose to buy whatever they fancy, car, house deposit, uni, whatever as will be their choice.

I hate that people seem to think that I should give up my secure tenancy and move into private rent. Looking on rightmove, a comparable house would be around 3x what I’m currently paying in rent, and to be honest, I wouldn’t move to private rented ever again. But why do people react as thought I’m doing something wrong, in the same way as they think of benefit cheats? I think the govt should be put under pressure to build more social housing - proper social housing, rather than the current situation where people are pit against each other and blaming each other for what is clearly a government failing.

I don’t want to sound like I’m gloating, because I’m not, but I don’t see why I should feel bad and not celebrate the life and comfort that my social housing has allowed me to enjoy.

I’m genuinely interested to hear if anyone agrees and feels the same.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
TookTheBook · 27/11/2023 22:01

I think you're doing the right thing by your family and why not! You're not breaking any rules. Crack on.

GarlicMaybeNot · 27/11/2023 22:01

Celebrate! I agree with all that you've said. Everyone should have this option, and your giving up a brilliant family home won't fix the systemic problem.

Londonscallingme · 27/11/2023 22:02

I think social housing as a concept is interesting and as you say, most people misunderstand it. I guess I’d be interested to know if you think everyone should have an option to live in social housing like you do? If so, is the logical answer that the government has to provide housing for thd whole population? I know not everyone would want it even if it were an option, but as a point of principal, should the government be responsible for providing every citizen with a home in terms like yours if they want it?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits
GarlicMaybeNot · 27/11/2023 22:03

I don't agree with right to buy ... but if you chose to take advantage of a bad system, I wouldn't blame you for that either.

ursiebar · 27/11/2023 22:04

I don't think you're selfish, just practical. You sound fortunate and I would not move in your situation.

XenoBitch · 27/11/2023 22:05

Celebrate.
You are not doing anything wrong at all. Enjoy your home, and the security it brings.

Quitelikeit · 27/11/2023 22:06

I think it’s all in your head and no one has even said out loud to you what you are implying

I mean who on earth could be bothered to think about such things?!?!

berksandbeyond · 27/11/2023 22:06

Why don’t you save up for your deposit, rather than your childs?

feralunderclass · 27/11/2023 22:07

Don't worry OP, on MN everyone who lives in social housing are doctors, barristers and judges. As a high earner you will fit in nicely 😬

WinteryWonderland · 27/11/2023 22:07

Put yourself and your family first. The Government don't do us any favours. Look after your own I say.

GarlicMaybeNot · 27/11/2023 22:09

I'm not OP, @Londonscallingme, but fwiw I do think everyone should have an option to live in social housing. We should get rid of the scarcity mindset and the every-man-for-himself competitive greed it engenders. I'd like everybody to be OK with paying quite a lot more in taxes (national or local) and there to be ready availability of decent housing, childcare, healthcare, infrastructure, education and libraries, etc.

Other countries manage it, the only reason we haven't is Thatcher's "no such thing as society" and the repulsive depths her successors have plumbed.

Friedtofuandbeans · 27/11/2023 22:09

Do you not feel guilty that there are people in far greater need than you are, but can’t get social housing as there isn’t enough? It wouldn’t sit well with me at all.

berksandbeyond · 27/11/2023 22:10

WinteryWonderland · 27/11/2023 22:07

Put yourself and your family first. The Government don't do us any favours. Look after your own I say.

Well the local authority are quite literally doing her a favour if she is paying 1/3 of market rate apparently!

User890976 · 27/11/2023 22:11

Friedtofuandbeans · 27/11/2023 22:09

Do you not feel guilty that there are people in far greater need than you are, but can’t get social housing as there isn’t enough? It wouldn’t sit well with me at all.

This

nationallampoons · 27/11/2023 22:11

Never give up your tenancy, I won't.

Your priority is your family

JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 27/11/2023 22:12

GarlicMaybeNot · 27/11/2023 22:03

I don't agree with right to buy ... but if you chose to take advantage of a bad system, I wouldn't blame you for that either.

The OP isn't using right to buy, she's just living in rented social housing.

I don't agree with right to buy (I might if funds generated were reinvested in social housing and it actually increased the housing stock) but I do think there should be much more social housing.

obje · 27/11/2023 22:12

I'm genuinely confused by this so please excuse my ignorance - the only reason I'm owning up to it and posting, is that I presume those 'judging' you (if they indeed are) have a similar misconception to me.......

Does everyone in the UK qualify for it (If they wanted it)? Surely there wouldn't be enough state owned property to go around? Therefore, when demand outstrips supply, it should be awarded to those most in need? Which in theory would be those with no alternative, ie couldn't afford any other accommodation? Which in turn suggests it should be means tested?

I genuinely don't mean this as a cheeky dig, I'm interested to know where I've gone wrong in my own thinking? Why am I paying a high rent or extortionate mortgage when I could do this instead??

Original poster
SocialHousedNHappy · 27/11/2023 22:14

GarlicMaybeNot · 27/11/2023 22:09

I'm not OP, @Londonscallingme, but fwiw I do think everyone should have an option to live in social housing. We should get rid of the scarcity mindset and the every-man-for-himself competitive greed it engenders. I'd like everybody to be OK with paying quite a lot more in taxes (national or local) and there to be ready availability of decent housing, childcare, healthcare, infrastructure, education and libraries, etc.

Other countries manage it, the only reason we haven't is Thatcher's "no such thing as society" and the repulsive depths her successors have plumbed.

Agree with this.

OP posts:
berksandbeyond · 27/11/2023 22:14

obje · 27/11/2023 22:12

I'm genuinely confused by this so please excuse my ignorance - the only reason I'm owning up to it and posting, is that I presume those 'judging' you (if they indeed are) have a similar misconception to me.......

Does everyone in the UK qualify for it (If they wanted it)? Surely there wouldn't be enough state owned property to go around? Therefore, when demand outstrips supply, it should be awarded to those most in need? Which in theory would be those with no alternative, ie couldn't afford any other accommodation? Which in turn suggests it should be means tested?

I genuinely don't mean this as a cheeky dig, I'm interested to know where I've gone wrong in my own thinking? Why am I paying a high rent or extortionate mortgage when I could do this instead??

You are correct, but some people don’t seem it that way. Some people don’t think of others, only themselves, and not everyone has ambition in life

SunsetApple · 27/11/2023 22:14

Friedtofuandbeans · 27/11/2023 22:09

Do you not feel guilty that there are people in far greater need than you are, but can’t get social housing as there isn’t enough? It wouldn’t sit well with me at all.

Yes, this

Original poster
SocialHousedNHappy · 27/11/2023 22:17

Quitelikeit · 27/11/2023 22:06

I think it’s all in your head and no one has even said out loud to you what you are implying

I mean who on earth could be bothered to think about such things?!?!

Definitely not in my head. What a bizarre response.

I had several conversations with friends and colleagues who can’t understand why I don’t want to buy a house. I enjoy my life as it is, and see taking on a mortgage as an undesirable and unnecessary (to me) burden

OP posts:
Scottishdreams1991 · 27/11/2023 22:17

Celebrate 🍾

anythinginapinch · 27/11/2023 22:17

Oh dear me OP I'm afraid you're being a bit of a twat here. I'm sure you're perfectly nice. But you're exploiting social housing. And you know it.

distinctpossibility · 27/11/2023 22:18

I think social housing is a great thing and in theory should be available to all. In the current situation where demand outstrips supply I do think it should be reassessed every decade or so to ensure it's going to those who need it but I don't blame you for keeping the tenancy on OP.

People in social housing do always bang on about it not being subsidised - "we pay a market rent" - but you're not paying anything like a market rent - is that because it's a historic agreement?

Original poster
SocialHousedNHappy · 27/11/2023 22:19

berksandbeyond · 27/11/2023 22:10

Well the local authority are quite literally doing her a favour if she is paying 1/3 of market rate apparently!

Show quote history

In the beginning the rent was about 2/3 of market rate, but private rent has increased to a ridiculous level over the last few years.

OP posts: