Why can't I move?

DannyboyMidlands

smj43 wrote: »

Suggestions?

Move out of London.

I lived in south London for several years but recently moved to the south coast. For the price of a ROOM in Streatham I now rent a 2 bed flat with sea view and have been able to save a deposit to buy a house. My wage is probably only 10 or 15% lower than when I was in London. My family are in the Midlands.

You can't have everything.

smj43

I understand that I can't afford London and moving out would make life much better. But I can't just leave my job in these uncertain times. I have already tried to get a job up north but haven't had any luck. I just can't see relocation being a viable option.

BitterAndTwisted

Lots of people have to dip into their savings when one partner is off work on maternity leave. Your savings will count when they calculate the affordability of the rent and do the credit-checks.

If the total amount of your savings plus your monthly income equals the 2.5 times the rent, you should be OK. If they're cagey about the LHA make it clear that you're willing and able to pay six month's rent in advance. You can prove that you're able to do that by showing them your statements.

To be honest, I don't understand why you're rushing to find a two-bed. Most babies sleep quite happily in their parents' bedroom until they're about a year old. Why not consider a move when your partner is back at work?

Gwhiz

DannyboyMidlands wrote: »

Move out of London.

I lived in south London for several years but recently moved to the south coast. For the price of a ROOM in Streatham I now rent a 2 bed flat with sea view and have been able to save a deposit to buy a house. My wage is probably only 10 or 15% lower than when I was in London. My family are in the Midlands.

You can't have everything.

Welcome to the coast Danny! I'm in Poole :beer:

serious_saver

smj43 wrote: »

How could I get around a credit check though? They would know I don't earn enough money to afford the rent?

And please guys. A cheaper area is not an option. I can't afford anywhere in London. The EA said I need to earn 2.5 times the rent to be able to afford it. I don't know any 2 bedroom flats in London for £600 per month.

A credit check won't look at you earnings just your credit history. It may be that they will want a reference and that is where you could find a problem.

I'm with some of the other posters. Don't mention the LHA but do mention that you are prepared to pay 6 months up front.

But What ever you do make sure you can afford it before you move. It would be terrible if you spent all that money and then had move after just 6 months.

DannyboyMidlands

smj43 wrote: »

I understand that I can't afford London and moving out would make life much better. But I can't just leave my job in these uncertain times. I have already tried to get a job up north but haven't had any luck. I just can't see relocation being a viable option.

I think it's the only viable option.

DannyboyMidlands

Gwhiz wrote: »

Welcome to the coast Danny! I'm in Poole :beer:

Thanks Gwhiz. I love it and now see London as a rat hole. Frikking windy down here though (Hampshire).

marny_2

smj43 wrote: »

I understand that I can't afford London and moving out would make life much better. But I can't just leave my job in these uncertain times. I have already tried to get a job up north but haven't had any luck. I just can't see relocation being a viable option.

Moving to another part of London isn't exactly what most would call a big relocation move. As I said try other south London boroughs - Croydon, Lewisham, Lambeth. Just widen your search. I used to rent in Wandsworth but wanted to but my own flat so moved out of the borough so I could afford to do so. If I had the money I would have stayed in Wandsworth as it's home but I had to consider what I could realistically afford and I made the right decision to move. Have you been to other areas of London? In fact where I live now is far nicer than where I used to live in Wandsworth and far cheaper...

I assume you also work in Wandsworth - then just look at places that have good transport link there - many, many places in London do.

GAH

OP, Your options are

1. Move to a cheaper area
2. Search for properties via Private landlords
3. Register with all local agents in the hope they may get a property come in that will accept Housing Benefit.


Unfortunately their is a stigma attached to people that are claiming housing benefit, and also you are searching for properties in a competitive rental market where the are plenty of people competing for the same properties.

Gwhiz

DannyboyMidlands wrote: »

Thanks Gwhiz. I love it and now see London as a rat hole. Frikking windy down here though (Hampshire).

Ooh yes..those coastal breezes as we like to call them