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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would you accept this council house?

378 replies

Ashkey234 · 19/07/2017 18:12

I'm currently renting a house for £360 per month from a housing association.
Not in the best location.
I bidded on a house (through council ) it's only 7 years old,much better location and massive garden ,£380 per month.
I went for viewing today and I was the only person who turned up.
Anyway if I get offered it,do I take it?
It's going to mean new carpets,decorating.
Luckily the council have just painted all ceilings and all walls white but I would want to put my own stamp on things.
What would you do?
It's great rent price and still leaves us with a lot of spare money in the month for other things.
Is it worth moving for better location ?
Its bigger too.
I'm in two minds

OP posts:
OlennasWimple · 19/07/2017 19:55

OP - have a look at this website which will notify all the various companies about your change of address on your behalf (it's free). If you do this and then also set up a Royal Mail re-direct service for six months, you should have pretty much everything covered without having to phone a gazillion times

lucas161212 · 19/07/2017 19:55

If you would have loads of cash left over why are you getting a council house?

peterkin · 19/07/2017 19:56

Yes, I do actually. People who know how to play the system, we all know them. Hmm

Pardon me if I'm resourceful and lucky enough to be able to find affordable, secure rental accommodation. I work fucking hard in paid employment as well as at home, and do plenty at the school (as a parent) as well. I've even been known to pick up litter off the street. Just because I have a good education and the 'right' accent doesn't mean I'm 'playing' the system. I'm simply using the system.

coddiwomple · 19/07/2017 19:59

Do you KNOW any council tenants?

sorry, what I should have said was I know many teachers, policemen, nurses, doctors, firemen, all working for essential services who are struggling (South East London), and NONE is entitled to social housing, council house or similar.

This is what I meant by the current system clearly not being fair, when people who need them the most don't have access to the properties at reduced rates.

Anyway, I didn't read that the OP was forced to move, but just that she decided to bid on a house. Nothing horrendous so far.

Troels · 19/07/2017 20:03

Sounds like an awful lot of envy going on here.
Not all areas allocate council housing to only homeless or benifit recipients.
OP may well work hard long hours and got lucky enough to be offered a secure tenancy. If she has plenty left after paying rent that is her look out

Original poster
Ashkey234 · 19/07/2017 20:06

I live in the north east so it is pretty cheap.
I work and we don't claim housing benefit or anything.
Sorry if I offended anyone.
I've decided to go with it if I'm offered it and do it bit by bit.
As long as it's nice and clean.
I don't really have any family (adults) to turn too and I find it hard to know what to do for the best with things at times.
Out of the frying pan into the fire

OP posts:
FreudianSlurp · 19/07/2017 20:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mogonfoxnight · 19/07/2017 20:08

OP I can't see in any of your posts any reason not to move. It is very stressful moving but once it is done it is done. After a short period you will feel settled. Plus the feeling of walking on your very own brand new carpets, when you get them done, which no one else's grub has been on, will be wonderful. Plus until then there may be cheaper options to see you by, such as varnishing floors or lino or something. Plus once it is done, having somewhere you feel comfortable will help with anxiety. I hope it all goes well!

Original poster
Ashkey234 · 19/07/2017 20:08

In my area,we have the option to bid on properties just out of choice.
People who are in desperate need/homeless get priority obviously but there's a small (maybe 30) properties for the rest of us in band 3.
I've been part of the choice based lettings for 7 years now and have been unsuccessful on other properties before.

OP posts:
Original poster
Ashkey234 · 19/07/2017 20:09

The choice based lettings here is available to everyone ..it could take years to get a viewing but your still allowed to join the register.

OP posts:
FreudianSlurp · 19/07/2017 20:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FluffyWhiteTowels · 19/07/2017 20:15

Well done OP. Good for you.

Break it down into bite size things to do each day. You'll soon get through your list.

Look in charity shops for rugs and stuff

coddiwomple · 19/07/2017 20:16

but all of those people are entitled to social housing under the key worker scheme

they may be, and they should, but I promise you that the ones I know (and their colleagues etc.. ) have absolutely nothing and have to find their own housing the same way than I do. When you know the local price, and their average salary, lets just say it's a ridiculous struggle.

Because of shifts, they also really struggle for their partner -male or female to work full time and deal with childcare, to afford a place to live.

Maybe they are not asking properly, maybe there's noting available. Their situation is very real. My rant is based on facts. I do also know people on the highest tax rate (bare one) who live in council houses, paying council prices. That's a fact too.

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 19/07/2017 20:20

Break it down into the musts and the like to haves...

Reverse decision as someone said earlier. ...so you've decided against it....how would you feel...imagine saying no to it? What I'd you feel-disappointed? Relief?

Would also address perfectionism as part of your therapy. ..perfectionism rarely has any upsides. ..speaking as someone who was previously a perfectionist v

FreudianSlurp · 19/07/2017 20:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 19/07/2017 20:24

I am really glad to hear you are going to take it. You can do this. One step at a time.

requestingsunshine · 19/07/2017 20:25

I've moved 4 times in 5 years. Each time costing a fortune in agency fees and paying Double that in rent. I am not entitled to a council house though because I work full time earning £12000. I have 4 children. We never have spare money left over.

I'd bite my right arm to be offered a secure rent in a house painted white. With or without carpets.

Take the house.

MavisFlumpTheFairy · 19/07/2017 20:30

Good luck in your new home op!
It's a great opportunity Flowers

picklemepopcorn · 19/07/2017 20:34

So, you definitely want it. Stop wondering about that. What you need to do now is plan how to do it. You've had some good advice.

Redirect the post- buys you time for all the boring bits.

Leave the walls until you have done everything else. You can get individuality from curtains and blinds and soft furnishings.

Basic carpets, it's not that expensive, but you need it in there first.

Toooldtobearsed · 19/07/2017 20:52

Stop, take a deep breath, and go for it!

It can seem overwhelming, so buy a notebook and start making lists.

First list, who you need to tell - from HA to TV package. When you have told them, put a big tick 😊Just one at a time, and the feeling of achievement is wonderful!

Second list, what needs to be done on new house. This is a wonderful, life long adventure! Priioritise what really needs to ge done quickly, the save up and enjoy seeing your home evolve. Buy cheap, cheap caroets to get started, then replace when you can afford.

Look forward and imagine how it will feel to be settled in there in a years time 😉

Good luck, hope you are offered it, and ENJOY!

tackytriceratops · 19/07/2017 21:00

I'm a bit cross with some of the people on this thread.

I was given a council house as a young teacher (in the NE actually) and then later I bought my own house.

Ive suffered medical conditions and anxiety and I know how tough it can be.

The op just needs a sounding board.

Op - if it's up here and in a nicer area do just go for it. Work out a plan of action for sorting out things (bills etc)

I know it's tough but I think you will regret not going for it!

AtHomeDadGlos · 19/07/2017 21:16

No offence, but you sound bloody ungrateful. I hope the council take the decision out of your hands and offer it to someone else.

A lovely property for only £20 a month more (and you have plenty of money left over - maybe you should renting in the private sector.

bubblesbubbles · 19/07/2017 21:21

I hope you do get offered it op, and you manage to overcome the anxiety and get the house. Smile. And that the move is less stressful then you imagine.

SunnySkiesSleepsintheMorning · 19/07/2017 21:21

The OP has said she had anxiety and find these things really hard, no need to continue to stick the boot in. Hmm

tearsinmyeyes · 19/07/2017 21:24

Don't take it.
Way too much hassle involved.