Selling collection to buy a house while on ESA

debs3759

Thanks Grump. It is a lot of small items, and I haven't yet sat down to calculate what they are currently worth, as only this week considered the option. I know the relevant market and where to sell, it's just likely to take a while if I can't sell it as a whole. Not sure yet what I will do.


It looks like the first thing to do will be to contact DWP and get the official opinion in writing.

Parkingfines

Where "up'north are you looking to buy?

debs3759

If it turns out to be a viable option, my first choice would be somewhere in Scotland, preferably not a large town. Until I know whether it is something I can do, it's hard to know exactly where I would go, as it will largely be down to where I can find a suitable property. Land with a mobile home might be more realistic than a house (and cheaper), but this is the first time I mentioned it to anyone, so the idea is still forming.

poppasmurf_bewdley

_shel wrote: »

But they've suddenly turned into an investment if you are selling them to raise funds.

Ridiculous! I had a large model railway which I collected over several years as a hobby. When I moved into a new smaller house, the whole lot had to go, and most items were sold for less than I paid for them.

Were all those items an investment?

macman

If the OP reckons the collection is worth £40K, it would be interesting to know their value at the time of making the ESA claim.

theartfullodger

Be honest and declare ALL your assets to the benefits authorities. TODAY!

Are you on income based or contribution based ESA?

I'm sure you would wish to take the right steps to avoid later having to repay benefits unlawfully claimed, IF that's how it turns out. There's no time limit to benefit repayments - they take it from pension if necessary

Best wish to all decent MSE members.

debs3759

I'm not going to list every £5 or £10 item I own and have in my collection. I have never in all my years been told that if you are unable to work you are not allowed to build a collection of something you enjoy! I thought this forum had experts, not armchair critics!

Comms69

debs3759 wrote: »

I'm not going to list every £5 or £10 item I own and have in my collection. I have never in all my years been told that if you are unable to work you are not allowed to build a collection of something you enjoy! I thought this forum had experts, not armchair critics!

The point is that if you have significant assets - and it sounds like you do - why should I be paying for your lifestyle?

chunkytfg

Myself and I'm sure lots of others am intrigued as to what your collection is?

debs3759

I collect old computer parts. Nothing really valuable, just a lot of stuff to build basic computers and test software I write (my other hobby).