To consider moving from a 2 bed house to a 2 bed flat?

[iReallyThinkRoseHadRoomOnThatFloatingDoor]

Currently with housing association as have been for the last 10 years in same house.

Nasty split with coervice ex and whilst ex has left, im in the area she lived in (both females) and her family live.

I applied to move back to the city im from as have no support network here. They gave me maximum points and I've just viewed a 2 bedroom flat. Its lovely and spacious but no garden. My 5 year old loves the garden and I have a dog. It does have a little balcony but not really big enough for him to play on.

I know offers are very limited, I've told them about the dog but they won't take him I to consideration when allocating properties.

He can be a little bit of a Barker when im not there. Im so torn.

I know people do it but I dont feel happy about housing my son in a flat. I also dont want to seem ungrateful as its a lovely flat (not high rise) close to the marina and beach. Im terrible at making decisions.

Size wise im sure the flat is bigger in square feet than the house so im torn!

I don't have a dog but do a a flat. However it's like the bottom half of a house and has private garden. Surely something like that is ok.

If you are being harassed then surely a flat with peace is much better than a house with harassment?

Take advice before rejecting if there's a risk you will prevent any further offers being made.

I think location is more important than a garden, personally.

Although the dog may need to go permanently to your ex, which would be difficult I can see.

How are you going to do 50:50 with a child in school if you are moving far enough away to gain a support network? <misses point entirely>

It could work, especially the beach instead of a garden but it's likely the dog won't be allowed on that for most of the year either so I would only entertain it if you can amicably rehome the dog with your ex. It could always come to you when they go on holiday.

Her family are really banging on the door and threatening you with your mutual child in the house? That's staggering.

I've lived in a flat without a garden with a dog and it while it was doable it was not ideal. We lived opposite the beach which was great for walks and play, but up and down 2 flights of stairs every time she needed to do her business was a pain several times a day in the Winter time. You have a child which makes it more difficult as you can't pop out late at night to take your dog out or in the early hours,while your child is asleep.Whereas with your garden you can let the dog out anytime in between walks can't you.

Wait it out. You will thank yourself later.

Well, op

I had a house with a garden, a 6yo dd and a cat who liked going outdoors 🥺

I swapped to get closer to the city, to a flat. I sound mad, but it was the right choice. Better area, closer to the city centre

I would suggest:
Thick carpet with thick underlay - you'll be tempted to skimp here but don't

Check out parks and playgrounds near by

Is the area safe for daily dog walks?

Will your 5yo understand the no garden, will he cope?

Will he be able to move schools easily?

Will the move help your mental health?

Best of luck xx

Dcat has been on walks and they will resume when its warmer

Just saw this

I think you're making the right choice if its for your boy and dog

Have you tried homeswapper? Xx

The thing I hated about living in a flat was having nowhere to dry washing, pop outside to get the sun of my face with a cuppa. For me it would depend on the size of the balcony. But with a dog and a child I would worry about safety, noise and getting stuff up and down the stairs all the time . I would say no.

Not with a dog.

I can see why you may not want to, but I don’t think it will be seen as a reasonable rejection as they don’t take the dog into account, and a garden isn’t essential for a child. You may not be given another option.

New flat is nearer your support network and away from harassment. Could your ex have the dog full time, at least your little one can still then see the dog. How will you stop the people harassing you from finding out your new address, I think you should be protecting your safety first. Your little one may miss the garden but would have the beach and the garden will be less relevant as he gets older anyway.