Would you take the flat?

[Ally999]

Current situation is that I live with my mum & 4yr old child in a flat that has a lot of disrepair issues (leaks & mould). The flat is on an estate with lots of other flats , and we experience a lot of Asb (people who don’t live here loitering on the stairs smoking / drinking , playing music loudly on their phones, urinating on the communal stairs etc). Often, me and my son have to walk past them to get to our flat which isn’t very nice.

I am on my councils housing register & I bid weekly but I’m virtually of no priority as I’m not homeless or overcrowded. I work but would not be able to afford private rent in my area (2 bed is around £1500 & upwards). As much as I’m grateful for the support my mum provides, I hate living here, and we bump heads a lot.

I have been applying directly for a few housing associations properties, and surprisingly I was shortlisted as number 1 for a 2 bed flat an hour away from where I currently live. I viewed it a few days ago, it needs a lot of work doing and there’s no flooring (which I knew) but it is nice & on a quiet road. The rent is a dream, & The block itself only has 12 flats. I have no issues with the flat itself, and I was essentially told at the viewing that it’s mine if I want it. My main concern is moving just over an hours drive away from my mum & friends who help me with childcare. I’m worried about struggling with work as well.

I would like to know wwyd if you were in my situation? Would you take the flat?
thanks for reading.

Yes, because the environment you're in both inside and out doesn't sound great for bringing up a child in and you cannot stay with your mum forever. Would you be able to find work in the new place easily enough? Your child will be at school soon so I'd try and make it work.

Yes, take it as you are unlikely to get another offer anytime soon. After a year you can look to swap with another social housing tenant in another area if you want to move again.

If I was you, I would move. Being on a nicer estate will make a massive difference to you and your son. If you are butting heads with your mum it's not going to get any better, and you will regret not moving.

Unless you have a job that is unique and you would not possibly want to give it up, take the flat. You won’t want to commute that far indefinitely while balancing caring for a child if you have other options, so long-term, look for closer employment.

Yes, I would. Housing is more important than any one job, I prize secure housing above everything.

Can you afford to go on universal credit til you find a job closer to your new home?

Is it a worse area for opportunities?

Do you think you could get a job closer to your new home? Do you drive and how much social interaction do you have with your friends? Do you have spare money to work on the flat?

Moving to a nice area is great, but without your support unit with your little one it maybe really tough. It’s hard going getting a job that fits around school hours even with wrap around care.

Id think carefully if the future would look lonely and restrictive without company and easy access childcare? Alternatively, you might work from home and not really have much of a relationship with friends therefore it’s not as important.

Good Luck whatever you decide!

What sort of help do your family and friends provide? Would your mum stay with you some of the week? Might she enjoy it to get away from the people living near her now?

Thank you for all of your replies!
to get to work from the new flat would take 45 minutes on the tube , which is just about how long it takes me now. So I’d see how it goes, and maybe look for some wfh jobs in the long term because of school hours.

& yes I do drive as well

Friends will have my son on the days when I have work & he’s not at preschool. Tbh, I don’t ask my friends much unless I’m desperate as they have jobs and children of their own.

my mum does the occasional pick ups for me & will give him dinner, & bath, and entertain him until I get back.

I would move. It will be hard to begin with and you will adjust. Your ds will be at school soon I imagine.

I would move and look for a job closer to the new flat.

Will your need for help from friends and family change when your son starts school?

Another vote for take the flat.
Affordable rent gives you other options for work. And squeezing in with your mum will only get harder as your son gets older.

I think i would move. Would it help to move to a different nursery which would still allow for pick up and drop off with your job?

I would also move. A secure tenancy in a reasonable area, low rent. You spend a lot of time in your home a. Decent childcare can be sorted with a bit of planning.

If you can drive then definitely take it.

Safe and secure housing is so important.

Lone parent here OP.
Check the local school there, if they have breakfast and after school clubs.

Probably a local facebook group you can search to ask a few questions too, local childminders etc

I'd move.

In fact I did exactly that, moved out of London to Oxfordshire when DD15 was 2.

Of course I would. I took the first housing association property that I got offered, it was a third floor flat and a struggle with a baby and pram but beggars can't be choosers. Especially with the current situation, secure housing is a wonderful thing to have.

Definitely take it, a better area is likely to mean better schools and a safer upbringing for your son.

In your situation, yes, I'd jump at it. A chance of a place of your own, you can work on the flat and make it what you need eventually. Especially if the rent is really good; sounds like a fantastic opportunity.

I’d take the flat and build a new network. Quietness and safety and your child’s are more important than convenience.

Yes, because you might not get the chance again. You will have security, you will have to make an effort so that the flat is to your liking, but that would be the same for any property.

OP for real, I would love to know which HA this is, as we're having no luck on the waiting list in London. Would you DM me? No pressure if you are uncomfortable of course.

If I were you, I would take the flat. If you turn it down, you might not get an opportunity.

You won't want your son living in a rough estate as he hits his teenage years.

You can always look for a job closer to your new home. Don't give up on the flat. A secure home is worth it's weight in gold.

Yes take it. It sounds ideal and would give you an opportunity to create a stable environment for you son to grow up in, that must be the priority and even better if its on a tube line.

When I brought out my ex to buy our home I had no idea how I would make it work with a 2yr&6yr old. 12yrs later I'm pleased to say it has all worked out, I'm in a much better job which brings a mix of travel and wfh, my children are in local schools and our home feels like our home.

Absolutely take it