Young single mum still living with parents

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Im seeking advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation. Ive got a 5 month old baby and currently living with my mum, the house is massively overcrowded and more recently I’ve been sleeping on a sofa bed in the living room.

While I was pregnant I applied for social housing and more than a year later I’m no where close to getting my own place.

I have also been exploring private renting, my maternity will finish soon and then I’ll probably have to claim UC and would be entitled to around £600 in housing allowance however I cannot find anything other than house shares at that price, the thought of house sharing really scares me.

I’m looking for any advice, as the whole situation is really taking it’s toll on me.

Thank you in advance 🙂

could you move out of the area to somewhere a bit cheaper to rent? It's not ideal I know.

When I was in your situation I signed up to all the app alerts and emails for when a new property in my budget came on the market so I was the first to find out. Sometimes you have to rush in and grab it as soon as it comes on.

Maybe you have to look for a smaller property e.g. 1 bed flat or something as that would be cheaper.

alternately maybe think about sharing with one other single parent or adult?

A friend has been living in over crowded accommodation for over 13 years and although she now has her bidding number she still never gets anything as others have more points. So don’t assume it’ll b any time soon.

I would be very very surprised if an HMO would accept a baby. Sorry…
have you considered expanding your search area?

Unfortunately some waiting lists are very long, I know a family of 6 in a one bed flat who have been waiting 5 years to be moved.

Can you go back to work after maternity leave and increase your housing budget?
You'll also get help towards childcare...
I'd say definitely an avenue worth exploring.

But obviously this all depends on the type of job you have (as in pay).

Hey, I’m in a similar situation where I’m struggling to find housing with a young child. I currently live in my ex husbands house and have to leave soon. I work but my wage can’t afford private rental but I’m not in a desperate enough situation to get anywhere with social housing. I’m looking in to rent to buy options where you have a secure tenancy for a few years whilst saving a deposit to buy. But I’m not sure I can afford this either, but I’m working towards it. Another option is to house share with another mum, if your kids are similar age, means they get the sibling experience too.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2009/sep/26/single-parent-flatshare