would you go back to renting?

laurence_2

I live in an upstairs/downstairs semi and my wife and I are finding it difficult to get up the stairs. Old age

I started to look around for a 2 bedroom bungalow but to be honest those within my price range are not very suitable as regards to location and even steps up to the front door.

I will only have what I can sell my house for, less any fees, moving expenses, etc.

I have seen a suitable bungalow, however it is only for rent.

If I was to sell my house and put the money in the bank and used it exclusively for rent and if the rent never went up, I would have enough for 25 years of rent. I am 66 and my wife is 64.

We have a joint income at present of £16,000 a year so could also save from this to extend the 25 years.

This is only an idea at the moment and my wife is not keen, neither am I but if it is the best alternative what would others do?

What are the pitfalls of going back to renting a house with the intention of staying there for the rest of your life?

Shakethedisease

What are the pitfalls of going back to renting a house with the intention of staying there for the rest of your life?

The most obvious one is that your tenancy won't be a 'life-long' one. If the landlord decides to sell up, or move back in themselves, or even that they no longer wish to rent it out any more. Then you may find yourselves only having 2 months to find another suitable home for your needs.

laurence_2

The most obvious one is that your tenancy won't be a 'life-long' one.

I forgot about that, as the last time we rented it was from the council which was tenant for life. That was a long time ago.

mynameisdave

With regards to the bungalows with steps outside, are any of them otherwise suitable if adapted to have a ramp/gradual slope?

laurence_2

With regards to the bungalows with steps outside, are any of them otherwise suitable if adapted to have a ramp/gradual slope?

http://i53.tinypic.com/295671x.jpg

not this one

nearlynew

You could fit a chair lift on there easy.

carefullycautious

If you have a medical condition dont forget that your local authority will assess/award you points to go on their waiting list for suitable accommodation ie bungalow.

It does not matter that you have a house to sell.

Traceyg

Is there any way that you could have a stair lift fitted in your own house? Some local authorites provide grants towards this. Have a word with your local age concern, they maybe able to offfer you some helpful advice and point you in the right direction.

shegar

laurence wrote: »

I forgot about that, as the last time we rented it was from the council which was tenant for life. That was a long time ago.

Well if you do go into rented bungalow you could go on to the council housing list at the same time just in case your tenancy ends and then if you get notice to quit you will probaly get housed because of your ages and motobility , so you would at least have something to fall back on should the worst happen.....

Jowo_2

I imagine that bungalows owned by social housing landlords are in extremely high demand and that owner-occupiers are classified as one of the lowest priorities for social housing but if you don't ask, you don't get.

My folks found that bungalows were unaffordable when they looked into retirement. Instead, they bought a house that had a downstairs bathroom anticipating mobility problems in the future. Much cheaper than a bungalow.

How about buying a property which has enough facilities downstairs, including space that can be used as a main bedroom and a downstairs bathroom so you can pretty much live in the bottom half?

theartfullodger

I am 66 and my wife is 64.

Might be worth contacting t'Council: They may have housing developments specifically zoned for over 50s, over 60s, over 65s.. and I have heard that in some areas there is some spare capacity...


Also might be worth going back on't housing waiting list: I'm not suggesting you are but "old" sometimes gets you extra priority as "vulnerable" etc etc...Difficulty with stairs might by some councils be classified as something else worthy of help/priority..

On a low-ish income as a renter you may also qualify for some benefits - Council Tax benefit, HB/LHA etc.. worth asking...
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DoItOnlineByCategory/DG_172666

Best of luck!

Artful .. (62.. )