I'm asking for a friend who isn't happy where she lives.
She lives in a HA house and has the right to buy. There isn't a significant discount but the house price is lower than it would be if a private house was on the market. She has neighbours who are not awful but who are difficult in that they have kids who are always looking over, front or back depending where she is-the kids are let to do what they want and are up to allsorts on the park and streets, and have some behaviour problems. Lots of swearing, fighting, etc. She has boys herself and is nervous about them also becoming like that, so keeps them in or sends them to clubs/takes them to the park herself. However that is harder as they get older-they're 12. One side have parties and loads of people round, they are ok people but it is noisy and intrusive and every weekend. Another neighbour also overlooks them due to changing their garden. Basically she feels it isn't private and quiet, she struggles with her MH so this is difficult.
She wants to try and exchange for another HA from an estate (not rough but bad reputation) to a village. She has been doing this for two years. I said she should buy and then in time move somewhere nicer. She is unsure as she isn't very happy there. She could get support to move to a larger house due to health problems but this could take some time-well over a year.
She's a single mum with three kids and works in a minimum paid job.
What would you suggest she does? She cannot sell for 5 years after, which is a long time, but she will be paying rent anyway and I think the chance of someone wanting to swap from a village to a large council estate are small. If she buys she will have more options then.
Appreciate all suggestions.