Can you apply for a council house if you already own your own home?

maddeningly

Thank you Billie-s for your informative reply,lots of things to think about now x x

Billie-S

maddeningly wrote: »

It's not that I think renting is a waste of money but I've lived here 12 years, if I move again I want it to be a forever home. Moving my children multiple times fills me with dread

I think everyone feels the same to be honest. Like I said, it would be great if everyone had the opportunity to get a long-term secure tenancy with low rent. Probably seems like an unrealistic goal to many, but they do it in many countries in Europe; hardly anybody buys their property. If people want to buy, then great, but some people don't want to.

Billie-S

maddeningly wrote: »

Thank you Billie-s for your informative reply,lots of things to think about now x x

You're welcome. Sent you a PM by the way.

Building_Surveyor

Rent privately and either sell your existing place or rent it out.

Tbf council waiting lists nowadays are years and secondly you would have to take what property they offer you. If that was in some grotty slum you'd have to take it, with your kids in tow. I'm sure that's not a prospect you'd like to think of.

ConfusedofYorkshire

When I was growing up there were 5 of us in a 2 bed rented house. My parents could never afford to buy a house. 20 years later they got a letter saying their still at the bottom of the list (having moved out of the area long before and the kids grown up).

It depends on the authority. But I doubt the threat of redundancy counts for much.

charlieismydarling

If by some miracle you were eligible for a council house, you would only be entitled to a two bed if you have two children.

People in council houses have not had them handed to them on a plate. !!!!!!.

theartfullodger

Anyone can apply for a council house: (err... actually to go onto the Housing register waiting list, which is usually for any council or local housing association property). However you would need to read (ah, yes, do some research..) that particular council's "Housing allocation policy" (on their website..) to see what their rules are: e.g.
http://www.slough.gov.uk/housing/housing-register.aspx

Who cannot join the housing register

The council has decided that the following applicant(s) or any person included on the application do not qualify for an allocation of housing and cannot join the housing register:

Applicants or members of their household who have not had a fixed address in the borough of Slough for a minimum of five consecutive years

Those who do not have a reasonable preference

Those who have been found guilty of unacceptable behaviour serious enough to make them unsuitable to be a council or housing association tenant at the time of the application

Applicant(s) who have a joint gross household income exceeding £55,000

Applicants or members of their household that have over £20,000 in savings, investments or equity

Applicants who have refused two suitable offers of a secure
(or introductory), assured or one of an assured shorthold tenancy

Applicants, or members of their household, that have any housing
related debt, including rent arrears or mortgage arrears, in respect of their current property or previous accommodation

Transfer tenants (from social housing) who have failed to maintain their homes, have caused damage to their home or have breached the terms of their tenancy

Applicants, or members of their household who own any property or have exercised a council Right to Buy scheme within the past 10 years

Applicants, or members of their household who have been placed into Slough by any other local authority

It is highly unlikely that any council with half-a-brain would give scarce housing to someone already with their own home, or indeed with a property rented to someone else. But some daft council just might.

Cheers!

julie03

If your children are the same sex you would only get another 2 bedroom house/flat. Most councils lists are extremely long, over 10 years waiting list and that's for people who don't own their own house.

mummyroysof3

I wish you could....we can't afford a 4 bed but youngest who is disabled really needs his own room

Joanthebone

I have heard of families in this situation who have a sofa-bed in the living room for the parents, so the children could have the space upstairs.