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Original poster

Social Housing Southwark - Quick Question

14 replies

PurpleRayne89 · 10/12/2023 18:58

I live in a room with my 2 year old daughter. We share a room together. I earn ok money, not enough to buy. I’ve applied for two bedroom homes private rented and can only afford 1 bedroom or a bedsit. Long term this isn’t feasible. I hope to earn more money but it’s difficult when spending £950 a month on nursery for 3 days. I’m on the council waiting list with Southwark. I’m in band 3.

I have been ending in bidding position 2 or 3 which has changed last few cycles as I’m usually 127 or so. Whats the chances of me getting a property within the next year or so? If I keep finishing so high up. Would the council eventually move me up within my own band? Do Southwark still do direct offers? If they do, what’s the criteria. My son doesn’t sleep well in the bed with me. He needs his own room, as do I. It’s impacting my at work as I’m always tired and getting sick often due to the lack of sleep and he’s equally as impacted.

any advice is appreciated. Any housing offers from Southwark (anon) would be much appreciated.

thanks 🙏

OP posts:
Original poster
PurpleRayne89 · 10/12/2023 21:24

Bump

OP posts:
Boomboomboomboom · 10/12/2023 21:35

Looking at the allocations policy you'll only be entitled to a one bed until your son is 5 years old. So if you are bidding for 2 beds you might never get to the top of the list, at least not for a good while. Might be better to bid for one beds too.

Boomboomboomboom · 10/12/2023 21:37

A direct offer would only be one bed. The direct offer scheme is complex and I'm not sure your circumstances meet the criteria but you can speak to them.

SBHon · 10/12/2023 21:41

I don’t know how social housing works but could you bid on one beds, give the one bedroom to your child, and you sleep in the living room? Not ideal to make a sofa bed up each night but potentially better than sharing a room if it’s not working for either of you.

mrsmoppp · 10/12/2023 21:44

I live in a different area but I also went from in the 100's to 2nd 3rd give it a couple of weeks and your luck might be in. Fingers crossed for you both

shoutandpout · 10/12/2023 21:58

Hi I am also in Southwark band 3. I have 3 small children in a 1 bed studio flat... I've been on the housing list since 2020 - realistically I need 3bed property and I want to stay in my local area of Southwark so I don't think I will realistically be housed anywhere soon as there is lack of social housing available for the demand. I've done everything from emailing my local mp who was very helpful but said there is little housing stock for the demand and I should look into private renting - private renting is so unstable these days I can't leave my property until I have something secure. Southwark is a sought after borough to live in as it's pretty central to all parts of London. I think if your coming 2nd or 3rd more recently your likely to get somewhere in under six months. How I got my present property I was bidding for a few months but I was living in a hostel after coming out of hospital so that's how I got mine but now I've outgrown it and need somewhere bigger.

shoutandpout · 10/12/2023 22:02

SBHon · 10/12/2023 21:41

I don’t know how social housing works but could you bid on one beds, give the one bedroom to your child, and you sleep in the living room? Not ideal to make a sofa bed up each night but potentially better than sharing a room if it’s not working for either of you.

Some properties on the home search website (especially housing association) say in small print - please don't bid on this property if your an adult with a child and your a 2bed need - or words to that effect. It's really crappy because the council literally says make your living room space into a bedroom to combat overcrowding but not every household in need can do that?!

NightTimeRain · 10/12/2023 22:05

I live in a part of London where you would never be housed so seems you are doing well to come so high

Ilovethewild · 10/12/2023 22:16

Social housing is on its knees op and realistically unless you have been on the waiting list for many years you are unlikely to be offered anything.

it is expected to turn lounges into bedrooms or to share. There are very few social rented properties becoming available every week and many thousands on waiting lists/bidding.

most are offered private rented even after hostels/temporary housing/ refuges including those with medical needs/SEN needs/disabilities etc.

there are bands ahead of you who will always be offered first, but look at hard to let and 1 beds is your best option and keep bidding

Zippedydoodahday · 10/12/2023 22:31

I'm confused. How many kids do you have? It reads as if you have one but you talk about a son and a daughter.

shoutandpout · 10/12/2023 22:33

Zippedydoodahday · 10/12/2023 22:31

I'm confused. How many kids do you have? It reads as if you have one but you talk about a son and a daughter.

I was about to mention that. Confused.com

mrsmoppp · 11/12/2023 07:52

So many people saying it takes years. It all depends on each person's circumstance. I went on the list December last year and was given keys to a new build 31sr march this year. I never thought we would be lucky enough to get anything never mind a new build in the area we did.
If your coming 2/3rd you will hopefully have something soon

Original poster
PurpleRayne89 · 15/12/2023 18:16

Just to update anyone interested or in the same position. I can 4th position for a property. They contacted me today with an offer letter and to view the property Tuesday next week. I’ve been on the register since June 2021 and I’m bank 3.

OP posts:
mrsmoppp · 20/12/2023 15:33

Thats fabulous news

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