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Council housing - would I be eligible?

9 replies

Housingpanic · 31/03/2012 12:41

Sorry for the long post, just want to give a bit of background.

I am in a bit of a mess financially, I've got (unsecured) debts which due to a major life changing situation I can no longer pay. I've been dealing with CCCS and have got agreements in place for paying a nominal amount back to them each month until my situation changes (although this is likely to be years rather than months).

I am a homeowner with a mortgage, so far I have managed to stay up to date with my mortgage however I'm really struggling. I have looked to see how much similar properties are selling for, and they are pretty much exactly what I paid as they were new build when I bought a few years ago so can compare exactly with my property. I could sell, but would literally just repay the mortgage and wouldn't have any equity to repay my debts so situation with them wouldn't change.

If I sold, obviously with the debt problems I couldn't buy another property. Rent in the area is higher than my monthly mortgage repayments, and I am not eligible for housing benefit, so would be worse off by doing this.

My question is, would I be able to apply for a council / housing association property while still owning my own home? I would happily put it on the market, but couldn't sell without somewhere else to move to, or would I not be considered while I've still got my name on the deeds? I know a few people who have got houses locally, who have waited a few months rather than years, so I know the waiting list locally isn't too long.

OP posts:
AceOfBase · 31/03/2012 13:12

Anyone can apply for social housing but you wouldn't be likely to get anything. Waiting lists are literally years long and are given based on need. Homeless families with children are always first as are people with disabilities and the vulnerable. If you own a house no matter how much debt you have you will not be considered as in need. My husband and i had to make ourselves homeless (we lived with his parents at the time) to then be put in homeless accommodation (a bandb and then a grotty bedsit and then a temporary house) before we got a permanent address. This was with a baby and one on the way and it took over a year before we had a proper home.

TheMonster · 31/03/2012 13:15

By selling your home you would be making yourself intentionally homeless and would be unlikely to be offered a council home.

Housingpanic · 31/03/2012 13:44

Thankyou for the responses. Are there any better options anyone can suggest? Would I have to let my house be repossessed to be considered unintentionally homeless? Really didn't want to do that!

OP posts:
TheMonster · 31/03/2012 13:55

Not paying your mortgage when you are financially able to would still class as being intentionally homeless.
Your best bet might be to contact Shelter for advice. They are really helpful and know everything.

mumblechum1 · 31/03/2012 14:52

Have you thought about letting your house to pay the mortgage and then renting a bedsit or something for yourself?

Housingpanic · 01/04/2012 00:15

Unfortunately it's me, dh and DS so a bedsit wouldn't suffice, we live in a small 2 bed so can't really downsize any further! Thanks Eeyore I'll give shelter a try, and see what they suggest.

OP posts:
wannabestressfree · 01/04/2012 00:21

Are you sure you wouldn't be able to get housing benefit?

mumblechum1 · 01/04/2012 08:04

Sorry OP, it sounded as though you were single.

Good luck.

floatyjosmum · 03/04/2012 19:05

dont whatever you do stop paying the mortgage,, housing would consider this to be same as eviction for not paying rent which would mean that youd made yourselves homeless.

I know for the LA where i am if youre in the bottom band youre looking at a 5 year wait so its not the route for everyone

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