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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
icallitasplodge · 27/11/2023 23:09

I agree that the only reason you are in the good position of being where you are now is because of the social housing. It’s helped you get in to a healthy financial position. Give others that chance now, there may be a family living in a hotel right now in need of a home you are blocking.

it’s not your fault you got lucky when others didn’t, but to continue taking advantage of a system to help the vulnerable, when you are no longer vulnerable, is selfish.

Ugghh · 27/11/2023 23:09

I’m in a similar position OP and no way will I be going back into private rental. Literally no repairs or maintenance in 12 years, not even an annual gas safety check done.
Then they had the cheek to give me first refusal when they put it up for sale.
Enjoy your home I say !

FreshWinterMorning · 27/11/2023 23:09

GarlicMaybeNot · 27/11/2023 23:03

I think once earn over a certain amount then you shouldn't be in social housing as can afford private

Why? What's the benefit to anyone except mortgage lenders? If we all own the social housing - because it's paid for with our money - and there's plenty of quality housing available, so your kids will be decently housed in their turn, where's the advantage in taking on a massive debt that you will have to service for 25 years?

Exactly what I said! Anyone in social housing with a tenancy for life would be BONKERS to give it up for private let - so someone less fortunate can have their home!

And they would also be bonkers to give it up to buy a house ...... In other words - land themselves with a massive ever-increasing debt for 25-30 years PLUS all the 1000s of £££ worth of repairs and maintenance -PLUS the risk of falling into arrears and losing the bloody house anyway, if you fall into the position of not being able to work. 'Unemployment insurance' is not worth the paper it's written on. I know a few people who have bitter experience of discovering this!

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits
AsACloud · 27/11/2023 23:09

Schooldinner2 · 27/11/2023 22:35

I do think it is wrong that it is not temporary. Now people live 80+ years could be 50+ years holding onto the house.
I wonder what the housing benefit bill would be if more had the reduced council properties.
It annoyed me when years ago they said the pay for the union man and it was say £50k and he was still living in a council property.
Rent round here is about £2k a month which is crazy with the food prices and gas etc

I remember the union story too…was it Bob Crow?
Apparently earning 145k a year & that was back in 2014 & stated he had no moral duty to leave his council property!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2560722/amp/Thousands-wealthy-professionals-living-council-homes-despite-earning-six-figure-salaries-rules-mean-CANT-thrown-out.html

Thousands living in council homes despite earning six-figure salaries

£145k-a-year RMT boss Bob Crow (pictured) said he has 'no moral duty' to leave his council home. Government figures reveal he is just one of thousands in a similar position.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2560722/amp/Thousands-wealthy-professionals-living-council-homes-despite-earning-six-figure-salaries-rules-mean-CANT-thrown-out.html

Boomboom22 · 27/11/2023 23:10

Also need to not ghetto ise areas which happens if you set the need very low, not always but often.
Mitigated by most council estates being partially owned and new social housing being dotted around private new builds.

honeysuckleweeks · 27/11/2023 23:10

why not indeed? 😁

Butterytwigusedforjam · 27/11/2023 23:10

It's the moral course of action. If people in your position were to move out of their homes, you'd be increasing the ghettoisation of housing and communities.

GarlicMaybeNot · 27/11/2023 23:11

FreshWinterMorning · 27/11/2023 23:09

Exactly what I said! Anyone in social housing with a tenancy for life would be BONKERS to give it up for private let - so someone less fortunate can have their home!

And they would also be bonkers to give it up to buy a house ...... In other words - land themselves with a massive ever-increasing debt for 25-30 years PLUS all the 1000s of £££ worth of repairs and maintenance -PLUS the risk of falling into arrears and losing the bloody house anyway, if you fall into the position of not being able to work. 'Unemployment insurance' is not worth the paper it's written on. I know a few people who have bitter experience of discovering this!

Edited
Show quote history

You know another one now!

Butterytwigusedforjam · 27/11/2023 23:12

Boomboom22 · 27/11/2023 23:10

Also need to not ghetto ise areas which happens if you set the need very low, not always but often.
Mitigated by most council estates being partially owned and new social housing being dotted around private new builds.

Here in central London most housing was social or council until the last decade or so and the proportion is still high. It's normal for middle class people to live in social housing.

FreshWinterMorning · 27/11/2023 23:12

GarlicMaybeNot · 27/11/2023 23:11

You know another one now!

Show quote history

Oooh really @GarlicMaybeNot ? Shock

Dogcatmousecat · 27/11/2023 23:12

SocialHousedNHappy · 27/11/2023 22:17

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

Show quote history

Surely anyone who needs a home should only live in social housing if they cannot afford to buy ..no brainer too me 🤷‍♀️

Saschka · 27/11/2023 23:12

It is highly unlikely anyone in social housing would have a family income of more than £80K.

It really isn’t unlikely at all if there are two adults working!

OP says she retrained. If she retrained as a nurse, and moved in her partner who is also a nurse, or a physio, or policeman, or train driver, they could easily have a household income over £80k by the time they are in their 40s (that is top of Band 6 on AFC, which a lot of nurses will achieve by middle age if they stay in the NHS, even on the wards).

Their household income could be over £100k, if either of them do a lot of overtime or get promoted.

FlipsSakeMum · 27/11/2023 23:13

@SocialHousedNHappy
newwings
Social housing estates need families like yours? It's a healthy mix and tbh I think it's great for you, home owning isn't what it's always cracked up to be

Don't feel bad you're not doing anything wrong.

"100% this"

Hmm, why do you think estates need people like you? Are you better than the other people 🤔

I'm not sure if the OP is just on the wind-up or not but I think it's really stupid that anyone was given a lifetime tenancy. I'm glad they are being phased out. There are too many vulnerable people in need of housing. They are the people that need to be prioritised. I understand why people don't want to give up social housing but I can't imagine anyone feels good about it. It's funny you get threads where people claim to be outraged if anyone suggests that social housing rents are below market value.

I know it depends on area a lot.

JenniferBooth · 27/11/2023 23:14

berksandbeyond · 27/11/2023 22:14

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

Show quote history

And a good job too isnt it. Because the alternative would have meant there would have been no one to deliver you all your shit during the lockdowns.

AInightingale · 27/11/2023 23:14

If you like the house and the area, there's no need to buy.

Home ownership means a lot of money on repairs and upgrades which your rent will cover.

FWIW, I think it's actually a better idea to save for your children, save a lot, and give it to them when they need it, when they are young adults and may want to buy themselves.

A generation of people who are elderly now beggared themselves to pay usurious interest rates because 'it's something to pass on' and their houses are being sold to pay for equally expensive care, so what's the point really?

RiderofRohan · 27/11/2023 23:14

Also, OP, how exactly do you keep your savings? Bank savings account? Stocks and shares ISA?

I agree that property ownership is not all it's cracked up to be and if you invest your money wisely, renting makes more sense. However many peoples savings are just being eroded by inflation if kept in a savings account or under the floorboards in their bedroom. In this instance you would probably be better off financially owning a property than renting, as long as you buy at the right time.

keffie12 · 27/11/2023 23:14

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.

My story is different from yours. However, i identify. You have your council home. You're entitled to it, so keep it. Give the others no more thought.

Politely tell them to mind their own business. They probably don't realise it. However, the chances are they are jealous.

I was rehoused from Hidden Homeless 23 years ago into the 3 bed house I'm still in today.

I had fled domestic abuse with 4 children after 16 years. Words can't sum up the hell of the aftermath, 8 moves in 2 and half years, and my children had to spend a brief period in the care system whilst I got everything sorted out.

I had people telling me I was lucky to get rehoused to a 3 bedroom. I looked at them in stunned amazement.

I told them it was also to bring my now adult children home, and they were welcome to our story if they wanted to swop places.

I used to be an owner occupier. It isn't all that it's cracked up to me. My needs changed. Social housing works for me now as it does for you.

Ap24 · 27/11/2023 23:16

The OP has worked hard to better her situation. She could have stayed in low paid work and all of you claiming she's morally corrupt would be happy with her staying in that home then. Some of the people you claim are "less fortunate" could be more fortunate than the OP and had far more opportunities. It isn't just the bank balance, some people have numerous chances and are quite happy to be the victim.

JenniferBooth · 27/11/2023 23:18

berksandbeyond · 27/11/2023 22:22

You would entitled to join the list but in most areas you’d be waiting a very long time. The reason that people are waiting years and are in B&Bs with their children, are because people like OP abuse a system. A bit like benefits generally, social housing should be a hand up not a hand out, and the expectation to ‘block’ a social tenancy / council house for life, even when you don’t need it anymore, is selfish to the core. I hope they introduce means testing 🤞🏻

Show quote history

Last time i checked having children was a choice. As a childfree by choice woman i have actually been told on here that i shouldnt be in social housing (not even a one bedroom flat) because thats what im living in because i dont have living proof that i have had sex without contraception dont have kids

Bloobloo · 27/11/2023 23:19

You have described my situation perfectly! DH earns a decent wage and I bring home £1000 per month from a PT job. I have felt slightly uncomfortable and thought that perhaps we shouldn’t be in social housing but privately renting would cripple us and we are doing what is right for our family. We have a lovely little new build (brand new when we moved in) and our rent is very cheap. We are definitely the odd ones out out of everyone we know who are “homeowners” but neither of us have any desire to own a house. I have seen friends financially crippled from house repairs and DH and I (and kids) are happy and can lead a comfortable lifestyle.

FreshWinterMorning · 27/11/2023 23:19

As @keffie12 said @SocialHousedNHappy most of the naysayers are just jealous - and bitter. And the ones who aren't are ignorant about this subject. Ignore them!

mrsmoppp · 27/11/2023 23:20

I also live in housing association property, I work and so does my husband. It's not all subsidised, this property is actually higher in rent than my private rental I moved from. But the difference is I'm not going to be asked to leave because the landlord wants it back or wants to sell up. It's home security. The fact we work actually went on our favour we passed all the checks and got offered our home. Peoples views are very outdated.
Op enjoy your house 🏠

FreshWinterMorning · 27/11/2023 23:22

Bloobloo · 27/11/2023 23:19

You have described my situation perfectly! DH earns a decent wage and I bring home £1000 per month from a PT job. I have felt slightly uncomfortable and thought that perhaps we shouldn’t be in social housing but privately renting would cripple us and we are doing what is right for our family. We have a lovely little new build (brand new when we moved in) and our rent is very cheap. We are definitely the odd ones out out of everyone we know who are “homeowners” but neither of us have any desire to own a house. I have seen friends financially crippled from house repairs and DH and I (and kids) are happy and can lead a comfortable lifestyle.

Good for you! Smile Flowers

Paul2023 · 27/11/2023 23:24

You have a home for life - a council home. No worrying about being evicted or your rent going up because of a landlord.

What sense would it make to leave that and go into private renting ? None whatsoever of course!

JoanOfAllTrades · 27/11/2023 23:24

In my country, if you’re able to actually get in to social housing, you have to pay one third of your income in rent. Rent is more expensive than a mortgage here.

I do agree though that everyone in the UK should be entitled to live in social housing, and perhaps the government should think about buying properties to rent. It would be much cheaper to buy properties to rent, have quality childcare and education, and encourage people to work/engage in some sort of meaningful occupation then to keep paying a ridiculous amount in unemployment benefits. Unemployment benefits were initially for short term use to help people get over the hump, but it seems that some people use it as an income for life, which is very worrying indeed, and unsustainable as well.