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Give up my social house - you noisy neighbours

29 replies

Luv2chat2U · 31/08/2025 12:00

Hi Mumsnetters,

In these uncertain times, would you give up a social housing property (house) with a secure tenancy in London to purchase a house? I’d be doing this on my own at a very late stage in life, so it feels a little daunting.

I don’t want to go into too much detail, but to keep it brief: I’ve lived in social housing for many years. Unfortunately, recently new neighbours have moved in who have quickly shown themselves to be very problematic — noisy, chaotic, and lacking social skills or consideration. Since their arrival, I barely know what sleep feels like. I’ve exhausted all options, but based on experience, any route I try will be a long, drawn-out process.

I know it’s often frowned upon when someone in social housing talks about buying a property (as an option), but I want to be upfront. Buying would mean moving further out, higher travel costs, and as mentioned earlier, doing it on my own at a later stage in life — which feels daunting — but it could buy me some peace (and flexibility to move if similar issues occurred ), rather than going through the long, stressful process of complaints. I just want to reduce unnecessary stress and focus on living as peacefully as possible.

I’m torn between the security of my current home and the chance of a fresh start. Has anyone else faced this kind of decision? If you were in my shoes, what would you do?

Should I cut the apron strings?

OP posts:
Luv2chat2U · 02/09/2025 00:18

lechatnoir · 31/08/2025 15:27

Oh god life is too short to be miserable if there is an alternative option. Make the move and create your home elsewhere.

Thank you – I love how you put that so matter of fact!. Honestly, this is exactly where my head’s been at lately. Life’s is precious and I don’t want to faff about anymore
begging for a resolution whilst being miserable.

OP posts:
SunnySideDeepDown · 02/09/2025 01:42

Luv2chat2U · 31/08/2025 13:15

Hi, thanks for your advice.I have a stable job, reasonable income and would be getting a mortgage but not overstretching my budget.😊

Then it sounds like you’re in the perfect position to buy. I would.

sbplanet · 03/09/2025 11:56

Luv2chat2U · 31/08/2025 13:26

Hi, thanks for your advise. It’s really helpful. I guess I’ve always wanted to move from my current Location despite really loving my house. The detached Property is my end goal 🙏

The sooner you start on that road the better. We've been 21 happy years in our current rural semi, but I've always wanted detached - if only so I can be that 'noisy neighbour' (that I think I probably was when much younger!).
So, next year when I get my pension we will be moving. I really am looking forward to somewhere new and yes I am worried about the challenges - of new neighbours and property unknowns. But I think we've been here long enough and now I too often see the things I wish were different, I wish we had a view for example, a bigger kitchen, But mostly detached.
I'm really enjoying (atm, as it's just looking not reality) thinking up wish lists and reminding myself of what positives and negatives to consider. For the first time ever I'm considering looking at a new build, I like the idea of modern and eco-friendly and tech enabled, no Fast Fibre here!
Try a mortgage brokers to maybe find out your budget and have a little browse. :)

OnePinkmushroom · 14/09/2025 22:16

I gave up my social housing HA house due to about 5 sets of a awful abusive neighbour on a cul fe sac I had reported it so many times the ha just didn't seem to care tbh I would definitely leave and buy if I was u my rent also wasn't cheap lots think oh housing association cheap rent nope not at all my rent was £850 a month and this wasn't a city or fantastic area new build house that's it

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