Can I apply for a council house with a mortgage?

[PrincessOfBelair]

Sorry not sure this is in the right place.

My partner and I own a house with a mortgage. We are separating. We have 2 young children.

Does anyone know if I can leave the home and apply for a council house? I have nowhere else to go. The house we own will be sold eventually

Thank you

You would be very very low down the council house waiting list as technically your housing needs are already met and you're chosing to make yourself homeless. Even then it would take years.

Also presumably you'll receive money from your house sale?

Council housing should go to those with literally nothing and no prospects at all so they can meet their immediate housing needs.

Like a lot of people, unless there is abuse you could cohabit until the sale goes through and then rehouse yourself

PP is spot on, you can apply but you're very very very unlikely to get anything at all and even if you did, it would be years and years. It's uncomfortable but you're housed and you have options.

You can apply but as PP have said you’ll be low down the list and the lists are y was long.

You’ll get funds from the house sale, any reason why that can’t go through quicker?

Can you afford to pay council rent and a mortgage at the same time even if they did give you somewhere?

I wouldn't presume OP has money from house sale, she may be worried about a partner booting her out and if she's unmarried rights are thin on the ground.

Try benefit calculators and local social housing providers to see if any provision for you OP.

You need to get proper advice, after detailing your exact circumstances.

Re the council house, it's extremely unlikely and it also may depend on the council. They tend to prioritise special needs like children, asylum seekers, physical and mental health issues etc

Important question: is there abuse in the relationship?

I think there's lots to be taken into consideration here. Do you work? Are you married? Are you able to buy another place with your proceeds from the sale? Can you afford to rent in the private sector? Is the property jointly owned?

It's difficult to advise without knowing the answers to the above questions.

I'm pretty sure if you own a house you csnt apply for social housing
But check with your local council/ social housing provider.

It will depend on your area but most (if not all) councils won’t let you apply if you own a house.

My friend is in this situation, she was told she can have help paying rent privately but not actually have a council property

Speak to citizens advice or Shelter

Just in case, if there is domestic abuse involved you absolutely can and should be a high priority.

The Gov can't just keep giving people money all of the time because of break ups.

Sell your house, use the money to pay for private rented, get a job, and get on.

The entitlement is just too much.

What can she do in the meantime though ? House sales take ages !

If she's not married she may well have no financial stake in the house.

What you can do is apply for universal credit and privately rent. Obviously depending on your income. If you are fleeing domestic abuse or you or your children have specific health needs then that will change your priority for council housing.

She will just have to make do and live in the house until it is sold.

The Gov are not a free money tree.

People need to start taking responsibility for their actions.

She says she owns the house with her partner.

My friend is in a similar situation. She has separated from her dh but they still live in the house because they have no equity. Neither can afford to rent and she would struggle to get a mortgage as she doesn’t work. (Due to her health and disabled children’s needs)
She put her self on the council list a year ago she was told it’s a 12 year wait!! If she found herself homeless she would be a priority but even then it would be hotels/air bnbs until a house became available and her disabled children wouldn’t cope with that.

Council houses are not free.

This, every area will be different depending on housing stock or what housing associations the area have, please speak to somebody who knows and can advise you, I would also consider contacting womens aid for support and look at options.

councils can help access private renting as well as council properties. Call your local council and speak to the housing team to see what is available in your area. Some areas don’t have the large waiting lists so it’s always worth speaking to your local team as they will be able to tell you the situation where you live.

No, but the money for rent, and UC money is money not earned. It is money given for free by the Gov.

Council houses are not free, what are you on about ?