Help with finding a property / housing lists etc

fluffymovie

Hello all

I am looking for some advice for my dad. Bit of a long, sorry tale but wonder if anyone might be able to advise me?

My dad is 64 and on Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit. He currently owns his own home in Lancashire which he owns outright but isn't very valuable. He has no savings left and is living on his PCGC but, I have recently discovered, he is also in debt with Provident Lenders who charge a really high rate of interest, but I digress!

My brother who works full time as a coach driver, is looking to move in with his new girlfriend (whole other story!) and move out of my Dad's home. He doesn't give my dad any money for rent / food / bills / ctax or anything like that!

My mum is in a care home in Kent which is where my Dad moved from to Lancashire, and I live in Berkshire and work full time.

I am trying to help him with his money etc but it is really hard being so far away. I feel responsible as he has really got himself into a mess finance wise and I feel that I need to step in.

I would like him to move closer to me and he is thinking that this isn't a bad idea but the equity he will realise from the house will be about £60,000 and property prices in my area and the surrounds are way above that so I was thinking about finding him somewhere to rent. Obviously, he won't have the money to pay for rent until he has the capital from the sale and he won't have anywhere to live if he has sold his house and not been able to pay a deposit! Sadly, I don't have a room that he could stay in at my house and we have no other family who would be able to accommodate him, even short term.

As he is on Pension Credit, he would get his rent paid up to the LHA rate and I would help out with any other income but I am really stuck on how to get him onto a housing list or if that is even possible when he will have some capital.

The Council I work for have said that they won't accept him onto their housing list until he moves down here and is renting and although that is an option, I am really keen for him to find affordable housing before he makes the move.

Can anyone advise me on how to get onto Council lists if you currently own your own home?

Many thanks to those who have stuck with my long rambling tale and I would welcome any advice?

Oldernotwiser

Could he use the capital from the sale of his house to extend yours or for the pair of you to buy something larger? Have you looked at part rent/part buy schemes in your area?

fluffymovie

Hello ONW, usually see you on benefits!

I hadn't thought about extending our house. That might be an option but not sure my husband would agree! We are talking about starting our own family imminently and we have his 2 children from previous relationship every week so that never occured to me.

In order to get a shared ownership property, does he have to be on a housing list do you know?

squinty

fluffymovie wrote: »

Can anyone advise me on how to get onto Council lists if you currently own your own home?

?

There is no general rule - some councils operate open lists and will consider any applicant regardless of their circumstances - others have closed lists and would exlcude owners.

You need to check your own local council. However be aware that some councils with open waiting lists will allow someone to apply - but there is no prospect!

If your dad is able to apply, encourage him to consider all areas and all property types - this and not to limit his chances.

Also ask if the council operate a common waiting list (ie shared with RSL's) - if not also apply to the the RSL's directly.