In midst of breakup whilst pregnant, unsure of housing options

[lilliangelina]

Hi all, NC for this. I am 5 months pregnant with first child and feeling like me and DP are on verge of breaking up, long story and would rather not go into detail. I currently live with him however his house is in the process of being sold. He's looking at the market and viewing houses we could live in together but depending on the price he will likely buy something himself and we would then try to buy and mortgage a smaller property together to rent out (he earns more and has more savings than me). However it feels like this probably isn't going to be the plan now and I need somewhere to go. Should I try and get on housing association list or private rent. I have some savings but when I finish work after Xmas I will be on mat allowance as do not qualify for SMP. I could move in with my parents but I would like to have something sorted before Xmas as I do not want to burden them with myself and a newborn. Any advice appreciated as I just don't really know where to turn.

Well maybe more details would be needed for people to support you, because if a. You're breaking up because of emotional or physical abuse, then you would go down the women's shelter route and b. If you're just not getting along then I'd suggest talking to him properly about supporting you to live independently for the sake of your unborn child.

If you can go to your parents, it's unlikely you'll get far with going on a housing list, as to be a priority you have to have literally nowhere to go, rather than 'i just don't want to go there'. However I don't know what it's like in your area, so may be worth just putting your name down anyway, as even if it takes years, hey maybe you would appreciate moving out of private renting in the future.

Are you contributing rent right now to your DP? If you are you might be better off moving in with your parents for a few months so you can save up for deposit and a few months' rent. I don't know your income but you'll likely get UC towards rent and living costs if you're living alone, and any reasonable maintenance payments from your partner won't affect this amount. Each area has a different maximum amount you can be paid towards rent and your bedroom allowance with a baby will be two. So search housing allowance for your area and look at the allowance for a two bedroom place.

Why would you buy a place to live in together if you're breaking up? Why would you buy another place you rent out rather than you just living in it? Can he 'gift' you money for a deposit somewhere that is then yours? Would he? As you're not married you're obviously not entitled to anything from him.

You'll be waiting a long time for a council place depending where you are but worth getting on the list. They won't consider your baby a person until it is born though so even smaller chance as a single person with no children - currently.

Obvious answer is to either buy your own place or privately rent then claim housing benefit when your income drops. Dp will have to pay child support when baby is here.

Good luck!

Thanks both. Sorry, yes, obviously not looking to but somewhere together if breaking up that was just the plan originally. That makes sense about the HA points you've mentioned, I also think I have enough savings to not be considered as such but not enough to be able to buy on my own and this will obviously considerably dwindle once I'm on mat leave. He is very considerate and I don't think for one minute he'll leave me high and dry or the baby, however I'd like to have managed myself bar the maintenance payment. Why is life never simple