Really worried about my mother's home and my brother

Gavin83

Pa_Ja wrote: »

No-one (Or very few) wants a system whereby they're forced to sell their property.

This system already exists (for care home placements anyway) and the proposal is actually more generous than the current policy.

I'm also one of the supposed very few. I see no reason a property shouldn't be sold to pay for a care home placement, the owner clearly doesn't need it anymore.

surveyqueenuk wrote: »

Getting back to the OPs initial questions, this seems to be a solution worth considering. My PILs have recently gifted their house to their two sons to prevent it being sold.

Honestly this option carries more risk than not doing it. I've heard some horror stories regarding the gifting of a house to their children which has resulted in them having to sell it, somewhat ironic given that's the reason they transferred it in the first place.

Malthusian

Primrose wrote: »

A HOUSE, the value of which the powers that be will then use to pay for your care, if you ever need it. Not saying this is right or wrong, but it seems that all funding roads for this issue go round in circles until they end up eventually in the same place.

Yep, you've spotted exactly where I was going.

They all go round in circles until they realise that most people have to sell their house when they move into a new one, unless they have enough spare cash that they can afford two. The government doesn't give you free money when you move cities for work, the government doesn't give you free money when you have another child and need a bigger house, and the government shouldn't give you free money when you become unable to live in your house and have to move into a nursing home.

In my experience Gavin83 and others are not the minority, they are the classic silent majority. Most people who find themselves in this position just get on with it and sell the house. It is mostly politicians and journalists who think that having to sell your old house when you move into a different one is some kind of injustice, because they haven't thought it through.

The Tories' proposal that the same should apply when you do not yet need full-time nursing care, but do need a carer to come round to your house, is sensible in principle, although it was insanity to bring it up now.

Pixie5740

surveyqueenuk wrote: »

Getting back to the OPs initial questions, this seems to be a solution worth considering. My PILs have recently gifted their house to their two sons to prevent it being sold.

I hope they took professional advice first or what your PIL have done was incredibly stupid.

Giving away property to avoid care home fees is considered a deliberate deprivation of assets. The council can still claw back the money. If your PIL continue to live in the property then the property could be subject to POAT if not IHT and when the property is eventually sold their offspring will now face a CGT bill. Estate planning is not something one should attempt to DIY.

justme111

Pa_Ja wrote: »

No-one (Or very few) wants a system whereby they're forced to sell their property.
.

No , there are quite a few of us who acknowledge one has to pay for care if one has means to do so. As alternative is to pay far more taxes.

euronorris

Pixie5740 wrote: »

I hope they took professional advice first or what your PIL have done was incredibly stupid.

Giving away property to avoid care home fees is considered a deliberate deprivation of assets. The council can still claw back the money. If your PIL continue to live in the property then the property could be subject to POAT if not IHT and when the property is eventually sold their offspring will now face a CGT bill. Estate planning is not something one should attempt to DIY.

Thank you. I'm so glad someone else said it.

troubleinparadise

Let's hope for the PILs sake that their children don't divorce, die, go bankrupt or fall out with their parents... that's a huge gift to make, add to that list of hopes they don't need that money themselves, but then their children could look after them in their dotage as thanks for that generous gift.

Mr_Singleton

sarahsays wrote: »

I do feel that parents have the right to provide for their children's future. I don't expect my children to pay for my nursing home fees

So cutting to the chase..... you feel that dumping yourself on the taxpayer is perfectly acceptable?