To take council house or private rent?

[Needsomeadvicepleaze]

Recently split up with DH and I have been lucky enough to be offered a council property. It is a new build and it’s absolutely tiny I don’t know I can live there with 3 children. By time I put wardrobes and drawers in the room they will be a small bit of floor space.

The living room is absolutely shocking! It will just be a sofa and TV as there is no space for a coffee table or any little cupboards.
its £600 a month

The private rented property is with a company so I will still have stability. It Has lots of space and a utility and storage something the council property doesn’t.
Its £960 a month but I understand I will receive some housing support.

WWYD?

Op definitely go for the council house. Google and look how many families are being evicted under section 21. Many are spending (years) in temporary accommodation. I'm not sure how you got offered a place so quickly. But don't mess that offer up. You really don't want to end up in long term temporary accommodation. Not all but its common for them to be mouldy /damp . Rats/mice etc . They are not nice . You can always swap with someone.

After a year in the council property you should be able to go on the home swap website and find a larger house. I'm sure you will find a family to swap with you very quickly. Alternatively you may be able to save up for a deposit over time to buy or part buy. Either way the council property is a much more secure option. Obviously it's your decision but I think going for a private rental with a young family in this day and age would be a really bad move.

Thanks everyone I’m going to take it and save as much as I can and hopefully have a deposit in a years time.

Will have to sell all my furniture in storage as it won’t fit so starting all over again.

Take it!! You'd be crazy not to.

Council.

Every time.

Bring furniture in after carefully measuring the rooms and doing layout plans

Have you checked the measurements?

There is absolutely no money in second hand furniture. You'd be far more sensible financially to move in with what you have and then rationalise it.

I would 100% take the council house. Stability & security for you and your children, is priceless.

Nonsense. I live in a block of 8 HA flats, it's very quiet, no anti social behaviour at all, I'm the only one with children, the others are a mix of working professionals, one retired older gentleman and a disabled man on the ground floor.

Grab it
and de crap your life

Council House every time. It's about security of tenure. Think of your kids

@Needsomeadvicepleaze you could always look at exchanging further down the line. I'm not sure of the rules but a family friend moved to a slightly bigger more rural council property.

How many bedrooms in the council house?

There are great small storage ideas at IKEA , buy beds that you can store stuff underneath
coffee tables are unnecessary most of the time, you just have to walk around them

There are plenty of ideas online on how to live in small spaces

Well that’s ur answer then don’t take it pritty simple

Good luck OP. At least you have enough bedrooms. I would rather be tight on space than have lack of money because of a private rent may go up. Not just that the council won't sell up and demand you out.

You go for it. The council place will be fine and where I am a big lock up costs £75 a month so you can store any furniture you want to if you can afford that. Kids adapt to anything, just don't have too much "stuff". Save as much as you can and I know you'll get that deposit. I lived in council flats for a while and now own my own place so it can be done. Good luck for the future x

If you can afford to rent and you know the bigger place is better for you then leave the council house to somebody who doesn't have options x

I kind of feel if you’re weighing them up and could make private rent work then you should do that and leave the council house for someone who wouldn’t have the option? I know most of us wouldn’t think that altruistically but if you can afford to private rent and you’re worried about the size I would rent privately.

Council without a doubt

You be daft to turn down a council house. Can't believe you being so silly and stupid about this. However better to Leave it for someone who appreciates it. Yabu

Just because you are in need doesn't mean you have to accept anything offered and be bloody greatful - she is saying she understands and knows the risk of living in such a tiny space with 4 humans - only room for sofa and tv no room to play, kids sharing etc. Its always going to be down to the individual situation.

I would look at whether if you take the council house you could swap out with a downsizer fairly soon (on basis of once in the system and all that) also how much are the kids going to be with you - are you 50/50 with ex or 100% you? makes a difference

I think there are risks with the company provided private rental - rent rises, maintenance, costs etc (although rent can go up in council places in line with income etc)

Also with council you will need to sort flooring and white goods too. Is there good outside space for playing or is it a 2 up 2 down situation? Is the bathroom a good size with shower - is it well done and substantial or flimsy?

I think you need a pros and cons list to decide

Why don't you go with the council house and save the £300 for the future?

I'd go for the council flat, coming from someone who is currently living in a council flat 1bed with 3 small 👧- making it work and hoping for something better soon.

If you don’t need the council house, don’t take it when someone that absolutely does need it could have it.

if you’re eligible for universal credit they will help you with rental costs (but not mortgage costs)

We moved from a large rented flat to a smaller rented house for the sake of a garden. I miss my bigger space…

@Youcannotbeseriousreally Maybe she can’t earn more? Maybe she hadn’t got qualifications etc to get a high paying up? Also, I don’t know any single mothers who work full time.

OP have you rented privately before? I totally understand you wanting the space but I feel that your MH will suffer far more if you go for the private rental.