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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Council House

145 replies

allthegoodnameshadgone · 22/04/2018 18:44

Do people think I'm unreasonable for the following? Just read another thread and now I'm wondering about peoples views.

I live in a HA house and have for a few years. I get the right to buy soon and I will.

I don't claim any benefits and was a single parent when I moved in.

I work full time. I have a nice car through my work.

Rent where I live is the same for private or HA.

I've spend a lot of money doing this house up with no help from HA.

Do people think I should hand my keys back and if so why?

OP posts:
IlikemyTeahot · 22/04/2018 18:46

No why would you...Id buy it after waiting that long

ALemonyPea · 22/04/2018 18:46

There are a lot of people on MN who thing HA houses should be those who resemble Victorian age poverty stricken people. Ignore them.

As long as you’re not raking in millions and paying pennies in rent, you’re fine.

Walkingdeadfangirl · 22/04/2018 18:47

Why would you and your keys in? Buy it and be proud.

Original poster
allthegoodnameshadgone · 22/04/2018 18:48

Just reading threads on here and I just get the vibe if you can afford to private rent then you should.

People seem to be against buying the house as they think if you could afford to buy you should buy a different house and give the HA one back.

OP posts:
ButchyRestingFace · 22/04/2018 18:48

I'd do it whilst I could. They're removed right to buy in Scotland.

Presumably you will get a substantial discount through RTB that you would not get through an open market purchase?

theovenshot · 22/04/2018 18:50

I don't think there is anything wrong with you living in social housing as this is your home, you got it when you were in need and now you have different circumstances I don't see why you should have to move.

However I do believe that you shouldn't be able to buy it. Social housing is for people in need, anyone in the financial position to buy a house is certainly not in need. Why should you be in any better financial position to buy a house (better financially due to lower market cost) than any other hard working person who has had to fritter away money in private rent paying someone else's mortgage for them??

Imagine if when you needed your house they had all been bought?
Be a bit of a crappy situation for you.

Anyway, just my view!

Jaylabelle · 22/04/2018 18:50

I do disagree with the right to buy scheme as it is currently diminishing the supply of council homes for those who need them - if they had a one-for-one replacement I would be fine with it.

But I would never blame someone like yourself for taking advantage of it. I'd do the same if I was in your position.

Original poster
allthegoodnameshadgone · 22/04/2018 18:50

Not that much of a discount but prob enough to cover most of the rent over the time I've been here. Prices are low here at the min so on that hand it might equate to more of a discount based on that

OP posts:
gamerwidow · 22/04/2018 18:55

Do not give your keys up unless you have an equally secure tenancy to move to or you can afford (and want to) buy. Private renting leaves you so vulnerable, tenants have few rights and what they do have are poorly enforced. I wouldn't begrudge anyone the right to have a secure roof over their heads.

Homemenu1 · 22/04/2018 18:56

I think that it’s a shame that noy everyone is offered the same opportunity.
But grab it with both hands

gamerwidow · 22/04/2018 18:56

I don't like right to buy because it takes much needed social housing out of circulation. I don't blame individuals who take advantage of it though.

formerbabe · 22/04/2018 19:00

I totally disagree with the right to buy scheme on principle.

IncyWincyGrownUp · 22/04/2018 19:01

Right to buy is the reason social housing is in crisis.

So do it, by all means, but you’re a bit of a dick for taking yet another affordable home off the market.

Amanduh · 22/04/2018 19:03

I don't think you’re unreasonable. I do think the entire existence of RTB is absolutely stupid and unfair.

Bluntness100 · 22/04/2018 19:04

I don't blame you for buying it at all, but I think the scheme is wrong as they are not replacing these homes as quickly as they sell them. I think folks should be given a tenancy which is regularly reviewed for need and I think the government is putting in legislation to ensure it, because too many councils were still either giving life time tenancies or not reviewing.

If they replaced the social housing stock I'd be all for it, but as they aren't, then it just means less homes for those who really need them. The fault is with the scheme. Not you.

Original poster
allthegoodnameshadgone · 22/04/2018 19:04

I expected to get flamed here.

The discount I'd get would be far less than I have spent. There wasn't any flooring in any rooms. All walls and ceilings needed strippers, sanding and half re plastering and painting.

Garden was hilly uneven grass with crazy paving half in half out of the grass. Both back and front.

OP posts:
Mc180768 · 22/04/2018 19:06

Do not hand your keys back. Buy the property. You've worked hard and you bloody deserve it.

That right there is the beauty of social housing.

MrsDylanBlue · 22/04/2018 19:06

I also do not agree with RTB.

I think it contributes massively to the housing shortage.

I also don’t think you should ger tenancy for life.

But you do have the right to so YANBU to but it.

Greenyogagirl · 22/04/2018 19:06

I think you should give the keys back as there’s a shortage of council houses etc however in your shoes I’d buy it!

grasspigeons · 22/04/2018 19:06

i don't disagree with the right to buy scheme.

I do feel the government has made a pigs ear or what happens with the money raised. There was so much that could be done to mitigate the effect of someone buying their council or housing association house. They are wilfully not doing that and that is the scandal.

I also think that there should be more rent regulations and security of tenure in the private sector. I don't know much about it, but Germany seems better for private renters.

Shitshitshitty · 22/04/2018 19:08

I don't blame you, but I don't think it should be an option for people.

I think back in the day there was much more social housing available and now that it's so in demand and people (inc my sister) are homeless with children waiting for housing then I don't think it should be allowed.

Having said that my Gran lived in a council house for 50 years. She could have bought her £150k house for 20k! But she didn't because she was too scared to have a mortgage. She liked the security of council housing.

Bombardier25966 · 22/04/2018 19:09

That right there is the beauty of social housing.

That people can buy it at cut cost and reduce the stock available to others?

Shitshitshitty · 22/04/2018 19:09

PS. I live in a council house. I've lived here 12 years and have the right to buy but never will. I'm like my gran. I like the benefits HA housing gives.

Skarossinkplunger · 22/04/2018 19:10

Honestly? I think that local authority housing is for those in need and if you can afford to rent privately you are not in need.

truma · 22/04/2018 19:10

I don't agree with right to buy as social housing is intended for those most in need/ vulnerable in our society but I understand why people do it.

I agree if you can afford to buy privately then do so. Free up this property for someone who really needs it, like you did once.

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