Embarrassed about housing

molerat

Surely selling up would be intentionally homeless ?

[Deleted User]

Green_garnet wrote: »

Thank you for kind replies. I am over 60 and have State Pension and small works pension. I did not think of Shelter but will telephone them - I really hoped to buy a small flat but have done my sums and it would be impossible. I saw one almost perfect but just not affordable - nearly though.

If I rent privately it would be expensive and take away my 'life' savings. I may have to do this but, most of all, more than anything else, there would be insecurity - but secure tenancy in Council flat.

I would be safe with my elderly relative but don't want to disrupt their benefits or get them in any trouble.

Sofa with relative or friend could noy be more stressful than present situation. Worried in case, even with doctor's letter, the Council take me off their list.

Green garnet

The Private Rental Tenancies introduced in Scotland are fairly secure in that the landlord needs a ground to start the eviction process.

Davesnave

Lover_of_Lycra wrote: »

The Private Rental Tenancies introduced in Scotland are fairly secure in that the landlord needs a ground to start the eviction process.

Thank you, I forgot this was Scotland, and unlike many posters, the OP stated that in their first post.

The basic advice still applies, though.

Murphybear

There are some really lovely rentals for over 60s around the country.

We live in one in a very desirable area. The rent includes use of huge communal areas, all communal cleaning, all maintenance, guest suite for friends /relatives (ours costs £10 per night for twin bed ), communal gardens, plus what I love, unlimited use of professional Miele washers/driers

Any problems, no matter how small, are fixed very quickly.

Plus after the first 12 months you get a secure tenancy so unless you don’t pay the rent can stay there for life. Once you have got your AT you can go and stay in the guest suites of any of the other properties, really cheap holiday!

Plus of course you get to meet people and make new friends.

Apologies if this sounds like a sales pitch

sal_III

Can you ask the council for estimate of how long the wait list is? Some areas of the country it's practically forever for non-priority cases like yours.

You mentioned there was a property that you could almost afford, have you tried making an actual offer at what you can afford, doesn't have to offer asking price. Don't you have family/friends that can lend you a the small difference, potentially with a charge on the property to secure their funds?

Can't you afford houseshare/lodging in the private market on your income? Even it means you will chip away at your savings, what are you saving them for if you are already retired?

bouicca21

The ex and I went on the council housing list in 1976. Not been offered a place yet ...


Being on the list is easy. Without priority status you won't get any further.



What sort of budget do you have?

letsbetfair

If you'll have some spare money after selling the house, have you considered shared ownership (buying a fairly small share) with a housing association? This would give security of tenure, and some over-60s developments are quite nice. You would still be paying rent and these may not be a good investment, but if you're looking for somewhere for the rest of your life this may not be an issue. The rules of schemes do differ quite a bit - so do read the smallprint.

Green_garnet

Thank you for all these wise words. Roughly, after all selling expenses, I might have a total of about £65,000 - would not even buy a studio flat once further legal and other expenses are paid.

I am pleased some areas have good affordable housing options. I have tried and I am eligible for nothing affordable. GP was wonderful but can do no more.

I am really very stressed and depressed - stuck between a rock and a hard place. I telephoned Shelter, as advised here, and they also think I should speak to the Council before I sell as I could end up in a worse place - even though I'm not in a good place just now. I will write to the Council again and see what they say - I have a refrence number confirming I am on the list and I'll quote that.

I suppose the worst is that I could rent privately until my savings and house sale money have all gone. I need peace to live. If I stay here I'll become more unwell. My health is getting worse, I struggle to sleep and wake up wth terrible palpitations.

You are amazing people on this site and I can't thank you all enough.

Green garnet

MovingForwards

Whereabouts are you looking to live or buy?
How much money would you have if you didn't settle all the debts?

There's plenty of properties up here for under your post-debt budget.

As someone has suggested a shared ownership property may also be suitable, as would one for retired people.

Give us a bit more info and we can offer good suggestions.

markin

You will never get a council home when you have money for 6+ years of rent.


What is actually the problem with you home, Is it something £2K on sound proofing the bedroom wall help with?