Council flat

beckstas-money

Hi,

Not sure if this is the correct space to ask:

My partner and I live in a 2 bed council flat with my son who is 11 years old and I am pregnant with baby girl due within a couple of weeks.

We were in the process of applying for RTB and was just awaiting to hear back from the surveyors report.

What is the likely hood of being given a larger council property based on the fact my son is 11 years old and would eventually have to share a room with younger sister in a couple of years.

In addition to this my partner has 2 children from previous relationship so when they stay over (usually school holidays), it really is quite tight.

Thanks

Slithery

So which is it?


Do you want RTB on your current property or do you want moving to a larger council property. You can't have both.

ripplyuk

Usually, a new baby won’t be counted until they are about 2yo. They expect baby to sleep in your room. Then they’ll put you on the list for a bigger property but you could be waiting a long time.

Any visiting kids aren’t counted at all. It’s only if they live with you full-time.

[Deleted User]

Really you need to ask your local housing department. Policies differ from one area to another. But it does seem nowadays as if what we would have considered overcrowding no longer is officially.

Doing RTB on a place you consider too small (and a flat which can be hit by large repair costs) might not be the best thing for you. I assume your council has the usual clause that doesn't allow you to sell within five years without paying the discount back?

theartfullodger

Nothing to stop you purchasing a 5 bed property instead of taking the R2B bung. Problem solved!

davidmcn

Availability of larger council properties will depend on local waiting lists, so depends where you are. Not sure why you're considering buying your current place if you think it's too small?

babyblade41

It depends on area I presume .. My grandson lives with his Dad and step mum, they have 3 other children . 2 girls and 2 boys.. Boys aged 14 and 10, girls aged 8 and 4

They have been living in a 2 bed flat for nearly 3 years and only this week have been granted a 3 bedroom house so all still sharing.

The area they live social housing is squeezed to its limits. The step Mum has been living in the flat for 11 years and my Grandson moved in 3 years ago

They are all happy bunnies this week and so excited .. hopefully I will see them in their new home at the weekend

pickledonionspaceraider

Utilizing the RTB is going to end up with you cornered for years to come


When you purchase through RTB, you cannot sell for five years (or you lose your discount) and, after that, If you sell within ten years, you have to offer it back to the council/ HA at market rate


That would mean you are stuck where you are for at least five years


I honestly don't understand why you would apply for RTB in the current circumstances as long term, the property isn't suitable


Some councils do award extra bedrooms for part time parents (mine do) for your step children

Exchanging will be the best way forwards IMO, there are always pple wanting to downsize - and then you carry with you the RTB at the new, longer term accomodation