Home under a scatter, would you do it?

[LilacLola]

Hello it’s my First time posting not sure if I’m in the right place here just let me know if this isn’t okay.
I have been house swap hunting for almost 2 year’s. My baby and I currently share a one bedroom upper 4 were in a brilliant street, quiet, newer build, great neighbours I do love it here and have lived here for 7 year’s but due to having a baby I need a bigger home and can’t afford to go private. I have finally found someone who is willing to swap the home it’s self will need a lot of decorating mine is in walk in condition which is something I expected and fine with. It’s a perfect size for us, massive garden and close to my family. The only thing is that up stair’s is a scatter flat meaning all types of people will be in and out of it, I’m a little sceptical the person I’m swapping claims to have no problem’s over the year’s shes lived there but not sure if it’s genuine or due to wanting the swap. I just don’t want to put my child in harm’s way. Would any of you consider moving to the perfect home but with a scatter flat above you? I plan on calling the council for more information tomorrow so any suggestions on what questions I should ask would be appreciated too!

What exactly is a scatter flat?

Never heard of it, but no, if it’s random people coming and going I’d say no.

It is temporary housing for people of all different circumstances like fleeing domestic violence for example, but some can also house sex offender’s temporally until permanent housing is found. I think all council’s have different type’s for different people which will be something I will have to ask tomorrow if they would be housing offenders or prison leavers in this particular one.

Nope

With a baby, I wouldn’t. When I had DC1 we lived next to students. The first lot were fine, the second would stay up playing loud music/gaming etc until 6am and it nearly broke me. I’d hate the uncertainty of not knowing who would be living there from day to day.

not sure what a scatter flat is (sheltered life me 😁) but sounds horrible- I’d wait for something better - you should get a 2 bed house surely with the council?

No chance

It’s not 100% that those type’s would be housed there it just suck’s it had to be that particular flat, it’s a good street a apart from this lot’s of other children there too and everything else a bout it would be perfect for us. I’m just in two mind’s a bout it. @UrsulaIsMyQueen Was there anything you could do? Would/did reporting them have gotten you anywhere or was it just brushed off?

@Zoeywelly I have been told by council and association I have low points and will be waiting year’s. Association have said a swap would be a lot quicker and the Council said the lowest I am for any area is 187 so that would work out at my son being around 9-10 year’s old before we would be rehoused unfortunately😞

In my experience, scatter flats are used for people who have various support needs. I've known offenders, domestic violence victims, drug addicts / alcoholics, people with mental health issues / learning disabilities and care leavers who have used scatter flats.

I know you will be desperate for space but you could be jumping from the frying pan in to the fire with this move. I wouldn't necessarily trust the perspective of the person you're swapping with as they're hardly going to tell you if it's a riot. I wouldn't take that risk with a baby.

Oh no ☹️ I’m so sorry

Don't do it. One thing I've learned is that you can't put a price on peace of mind. And as it's just you and your baby I'd never advise anyone to move into such a situation almost blindly. I'm in a situation where I have 3 kids under 5 in a studio flat which is effectively 1 bed. It can be done until their much older in the meantime I'd say keep where you are and continue to look for other alternatives. Good luck 🤞