Buying a Council house

mike0961

My mother is nearly 70 and due to buy her Council house soon.

Does it have to be in her name, or can it be in mine (her son) as I will be paying for it?

If it has to be in hers, I am bothered that she may have to sell the house in future in the event of needing residential care?

Any advice?

Thanks

chugalug

Could you give a bit more information please. Do you still live with your mother? Does anyone else live in the property? How will she buy the property? With a mortgage? Repayment or interest only? Cash? With or without family help? Is your mother the sole tenant? Thanks.

Ted_Hutchinson

More details here about Right to buy information but I'm sure the discount applicable can only be applied to the tenant of the property and any sale within three years would mean the discount having to be returned to the council.

By that time the rules for setting residential care home charges against former property might mean any transference of the ownership of that property would get you into trouble. See the factsheets here

Age concern factsheets

in particular

Age Concern Treatment of the former home as capital for people in care homes - FS38 and Transfer of assets and paying for care in a care home - FS40

thaylock

1. Mike, You are no doubt purchasing the house at a knock down price, don't begrudge having to use some funds for residential care.

2. I purchased my mothers house approx 14 years ago, from what I recall the house has to be purchased in her name but you can also apply for childrens names to be added to the application & property deeds, this is what I did.

3. After the period of time where if you sell the house you have to pay the council a percentage of the purchase price, you can change the property deeds so it is in your name only.