AIBU to not take this housing association property ?

[Somma]

Hello !

I’ve been mmmm and ahhhing. I just don’t know what to do.

After 5 years, myself and DS have been offered a housing association property. Transport links are perfect, it’s a redeveloped building. However, it is expensive but can be manageable.

However, the crime rate in the area is very high, just last week they were three stabbings in the area, there’s a lot of drug and violence crime. I’m extremely concerned about this- especially for DS who has needs and is very vulnerable.

Even though the place is very nice, not everything that glistens is gold and I do not want to be swayed by how the place looks vs not taking into the safety elements into account.

I’m going to have a look to see the area of the property to get a feel from it.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m so grateful to be offered a place but I just want to be sure I’m doing the right thing.

What do you all think ?

I can’t think of anywhere in inner south London that’s that bad? Rather that than say, Tottenham.
Are you happy to say where, I’m guessing Brixton/Kennington/elephant and castle

So yes, YABU to not take the flat. I would absolutely take it in your situation, can't imagine being homeless and waiting another 5 years!

Yes last. Your correct, it is one of the places you’ve mentioned.

@Somma
I've lived in/near those places:

Brixton: vibrant, busy, bustling, good transport - loved it there

E&C: vibrant, changing rapidly, more shops and cafes, excellent transport

Kennington: more chilled, beautiful houses and squares, community feel, transport weaker

Somma, I’m there. There is a lot less crime than there was 20 + years ago. I love it there - close to the centre, easy to get home.

1.2k is very expensive for a HA property isnt it?! That's practically market rent for a flat here (NE London).

I'd still take it. Assuming you're not in a gang and if you are, you have no problem with any of the local gangs in Brixton (I assume!) then I'm sure you'll be reet.

It’s ridiculously expensive PolPotNoodle.

She even said that it goes up every year 😱.

I’m going to speak to my advisor to confirm. If I will be left struggling month after month, then living in a not so safe area with a balcony (which is a risk to DS) ain’t worth the price.

I would take it. Its not fair to turn down a perfectly good flat and to continue living with your sister.
Youre really unlikely to be offered a london flat in a posh crime free area, so you take the precautions most people have to take, secure your home etc. Lock the door to the balcony and just use it as a window

Hey,

Just to give an update. I’ve spoken to a benefit advisor and he said I will only be left with 21.00 once my rent has been paid.

I am still reeling at the thought of paying £1200+ / month for a FLAT!!!! What sort of job do you have, OP, that you can afford that on one salary? I thought housing benefit was capped now (disclaimer - i havent really looked at benefits for ages, luckily i can just about manage without)

Is the £21 per month? Thats completely ridiculous.

funny I didn’t want to drip feed and don’t want to give too much information. But I’m currently a student and receiving Student Loan. The woman took into account my student loan which concluded that I’ll be able to afford it. I did tell her “well- I’m only getting Student loan for a year, what about after... it may take me a long while to find a job”. She said “ well.... we are talking about this year not next year”.

Yes but how much universal credit are you entitled to without housing costs? Is that £21 a month universal credit after housing costs or do you get zero universal credit without any housing costs?

are you going to be able to find a cheaper property in london, or are you thinking of just not taking one at all and staying with your sister?

Oh sorry. I’ll get £246.00 a week in UC.

Bran I’m in the top band due to my DS needs and been coming up as 10 on the bidding list .

If it was financially viable, I would take this property but the benefit advisor was strongly advising me to reconsider.

Well after housing costs, yes. I will roughly get that figure a week.

I feel for you, it’s such a difficult position.
It looks like it’s not even financially viable, so I don’t think it’s fair for you to even be offered a property that you can barely afford. Ugh, rent in some parts of this country are insane!
for you.

What i mean somma, is are properties in the area not all equally expensive?

Bran New builds are expensive- depending on area. But the majority of new builds are. Most council/ housing association flats are between £120-180 a week. That’s in London anyway.

Schu it is really hard. I spoke to two benefit advisors just in case and they both said he exact same figures and told me honestly that I would struggle.

So you would be benefit capped? So need to pay shortfall out of your standard and child elements of UC?

You need to look for existing stock where rent is cheaper.

shortfall out of your standard and child elements of UC?

Yes and from my Student Loan. When that’s finish for the year. I can not work at all and claim 475.00 in UC... this is not an option for me as I want to work ... or I work full time but my yearly salary in the first year wouldn’t be great so we would be struggling.

Yes this property is not affordable for you. How many more years of degree do you have?

Well

I’m on my final year. Do you think my Student loan will be enough ?

*in

What the heck??! You get nearly £250 in benefits a week?!? Is this actually real????