Taking a house you don’t really want?

[Balloonblower8]

I live in an awful area with violence, anti social behaviour and bad neighbours. It’s not where I want to raise my children as it’s got worse since we moved here 4 years ago. The local schools have gone downhill too and are rated some of the worse in the U.K.

I have the option to take another house half an hour away with better opportunities, it isn’t perfect and it’s fairly small, but it will mean an easy escape from this dreadful place.
If you were me would you take the house for these reasons? Have you been in this position and moved somewhere you didn’t really want just for a happier life?

It seems like an opportunity to escape the area you are in now. What are the reasons for staying?

What does "take" mean? Are you renting?

Yes renting from HA sorry I forgot to add
I have no reasons to stay here I have been desperately looking to move for quite some time but as it’s a rubbish area no one wants the house

But forget about your current house - presumably the new one is better? Why would you choose to stay?

I don’t understand the question. Why is it a question. You’re in a shit area and want to move. The council is going to house you in a better area. So what’s the question?

I'd definitely move. Location location location and all that! Definitely would choose a better location over nicer house in bad area

Of course you should take this opportunity. Another one may never come.

Yes, it's baffling 🤷🏻‍♀️

Take it to escape from the area, then in time apply to swap again if you want to.

I’d move my kids away from a shit area in a heartbeat.

It sounds like there’d be more advantages than cons to accepting the new house. Think I’d rather be in a better, safer area, so I would definitely consider it.

I am in HA after I was made homeless by criminal ex. It’s not what I would have chosen, the rent still isn’t cheap and I am thinking of seeing if I could possibly buy a really cheap flat just so I have some choice, don’t have to pay rent etc. I totally get what it’s like living somewhere rough and with poor schools.

Saying the new house would be an easy escape from a dreadful place is a strong enough statement to make me think you should go for it.

Yes I’m confused to as to what the problem is.

Why are you even asking?

Everyone has this decision, even if they are owners. Bigger house in worse location, or smaller one in a better location. What is more important to you?

Moving would be a no brainier for me.

Is this an attempt to start a bunfight about social housing and benefits etc?

Surely it’s a non-issue, you take the house.

Yes absolutely in a heartbeat.

Escape from the area. Then you can always think about further house swaps in time?

I don't know much about HA house swaps but I do know i see a fair number of posts on social media where people are looking for a swap but will list areas they aren't prepared to move to, and it sounds like you are in that type of area at the moment?.

Move, don't hesitate just because the house is a bit smaller etc, be positive and get out of what sounds like a hellhole.

I assume the house itself isn't as big/nice?
These are the things to consider:
How much time will you spend actually in the house? Are you homebodies or do you get out and about a fair bit?
Is it big enough so you won't be short of space/cluttered/lack privacy?
How long does it take to get offers from your HA? Is something better a possibility?
Would the new house be better potential for an exchange down the line?
What are the comparative costs, CT, utilities, travel?
What do the neighbours seem like? Even the nicest area is only as pleasant as the people you live closest to.

Perhaps you should list the pros and cons here OP, because it seems none of us can guess at the cons?

Can you clarify Is it the idea and cost and the challenge of the move? Or is it the loss of physical space?

If it is the move then that is a nice off and people can advise their experiences. Likewise with space challenges there are lots of clever cheap space saving ideas.

I would take the house.

I understand you may have been hoping for a place you felt actually positive about rather than just "better than awful", and nothing wrong with that, but it sounds like this might be the best they can offer. Children grow up quickly and I would take the move now so they can grow up somewhere better, rather than hanging on (for years?) waiting for an offer that might never materialize.

Yes, take the house. You can make a small house look nice and declutter so you have enough space. Get your children into better schools, get rid of the stress of living in a rough place. Then when you are ready you can see if there's a chance to move to a bigger house in a similar area.

Putting the areas aside, how do the properties compare?

I have to say OP , if the other area is better I'd move , unless the property was totally unsuitable. Good luck OP.

It’s only half an hour away. Yes I will definitely take it. Your peace of mind and mental health would be much better. Trust me. I am suffering here with antisocial behaviour. I wish I had your choice