Moving House - For Better Disabled Facilities

peterg1965

Anyone have any good advice?

My wife and I have 3 children and live in a detached house. Our eldest son (14) is physically disabled and we are getting to the point where we need a house better suited to his needs, ie downstairs facilities (bungalow or dormer).

We will probably not qualify for any state assistance (ie means tested adaptations to our current house - it is probably not suited anyway) and we are therefore left with the only option of moving. However the cost of moving into a similar size and priced property (£350K-£400K) will potentially be £20K + with estate agents fees, stamp duty, solicitors etc. This takes a fair chunk of our equity.

Is there any way round the stamp duty thing - dispensations for disabled? Is there anywhere else to look for assistance? It seems that we may be financially penalised for earning too much!

Pete

cattie

Not sure if either of these sites will be of any interest or help to you, but both are said to market properties already adapted for disabled. Although a long shot, it may be worth a look to see if it is possible to find something that near enough suits your present needs, thus saving you the trouble & expense of having to have a new house fully adapted.

http://www.thelittlehousecompany.co.uk/

http://www.mobilityfriendlyhomes.co.uk/

jenniferpa

I would say - are you sure your present house could not be adapted? If you would end up spending 20k or more on moving, you could make quite a lot of modifications for that money. If you're concerned about the resale issue, you might want to think whether any mods. could be incorporated in such a way that they could be presented as a granny flat. Just a suggestion. Don't forget that any modifications made to enable a disabled person to function are free of VAT. Also, you could be elible for council tax reduction.

If you do decide to move, make certain that bathrooms etc really are disabled accessible. I was amazed when I was looking for property for my mother how many places had doors wide enough for a wheelchair, etc. but NOT roll-in showers. It really makes you wonder.

Jennifer

Edited to add:

Re-reading your post it appears that in order to make any modifications you would have to sell your house in order to realise equity from it. Do not assume that you would not be eligible for state assistance. Although these grants are means tested, some local authorities also offer low interest loans for this sort of work.

peterg1965

Thanks for the tips. I already claim the Council Tax reduction, it just seems a shane that the HMRC dont have a scheme that means you do not have to pay Stamp Duty in these sorts of circumstances, it wouldnt cost that much in the big scheme of things. We are very happy in our current house but are only considering the move because of our son's condition.

Its a crazy, topsy-turvy system that penalises those that earn more money, I pay a fortune in tax and NI and the system ignores people in situations like mine. Hey ho.......

jenniferpa

I knew I'd seen something about this. I don't know ehen it's coming into effect, but according to Hodis, means testing will be stopped with regard to children and DFGs

http://www.hodis.org.uk/picsite/intro.html

I hope that link works

Jennifer

Ack. You'll need to select the "homes fit for children" link on the left side.

Here's more details
http://www.cel.co.uk/foundations/policy_pages/disability_issues.htm

This new rule came into effect on December 31st 2005

peterg1965

Jennifer, you are a star! thanks very much for the link.