Giving up a secure tenancy to go private. Aibu to be terrified / nervous

[HereForAdvice2019]

So I'm in a HA new build. I moved here when they were finished. I gave up a large 2 bed flat due to location and the block I was in.
When I moved it was just me and ds. I never in a million years expected to meet someone. Fall in love, have a baby and a dsd. I never expected it as I was bad. With depression and anxiety had got out of an EA relationship etc.

Atm dd is in our room. Ds room is small has bunks for when dsd here but ita not practical due to their ages.

Were on the housing register but it's a 7 to 10 year wait. Despite being classed as over crowded. I appreciate that and have no issues.

However dp. Is on the verge of having dsd live with us. The thing stopping courts is she won't have her own room.

And to top it off. We're expecting again.

I don't expect the council to house us because my circumstances changed.
And we could just about manage with private renting. But it scares me. I have a 7 Yr fixed tenancy here. I've always had a secure tenancy
When I was 18 I had a private place. Admitted no through an agent.. And they sold it without us knowing and gave me 2 weeks notice on 23rd Dec to move out.
So I'll always have a fear.
Were viewing a house next week 1.mile up Rd. It's lovely but I'm scared. The moving date is 4 days after our wedding too
I'm stressed lol and need people's experiences

If you’ve got a shelter hub near you it’s worth visiting them to discuss your options and what, if any, obligations the council might have to help house you.

I don't think I would, unless the area was rough.
I'd hope for a swap, private renting is shit, the uncertainty of your landlord selling, never allowed decorate, private rents fluctuate.
I'd get a sofa bed, while searching out an older couple who may want to downsize especially with bedroom tax.

Unless your new place is a private rent from a secure housing association, I wouldn't risk it. Private renting from a regular landlord is so risky especially in these times..

Is your rent cheaper at your current place? Could you afford the deposit on a shared ownership home at all? The uncertainty with so many little ones relying on me would make me sick so I'd much rather struggle for space short term to be in a better situation long term.

What choice do you have under the circumstances? Indeed, the LA doesn't have to house you. You were given security for when you were vulnerable. You are now in a committed relationship and need more space. You'll be leaving your flat for someone also vulnerable, it seems very reasonable.

Being a tenant is scary but you can be choosy too. Don't go for a landlords who is working abroad for instance (and likely to come back any time), go for a landlord who either become so inheriting the property from parents (making sure it is not joint ownership) or someone who has moved with their partner some time ago. Some questions you can't asked but you can gather the situation meeting with them or asking the agent.

Have you tried a mutual exchange? I’d do that before thinking about private.

@HereForAdvice2019

Oooh, no I would not be giving up a secure tenancy. I would be looking at a transfer or a direct exchange.

Social housing is like gold-dust in most parts of the UK, and as there is a 7-10 year wait where you are, your kids will be at uni by the time you get an offer.

Really, think about what you're doing. Social housing is such a rare commodity!