Embarrassed about housing

Green_garnet

There has been a bit of a development and I am pleased to be cautiously hopeful. I received word from the Council (following my recent letter) and, as expected, there is no guarantee that I will be offered a flat and there is not a suitable one available at present.


I am definitely being considered and it gives me some hope. Maybe a kneejerk reaction but, on hearing this, I contacted a local, well regarded, Estate Agent, and they sent someone to value my flat today. The value (subject to a Home Report) is more than I thought possible and will be suitable for someone who would like to downsize. The earlier provisional offer did not come to fruition and, given how stressed I was, it is probably a blessing in disguise. For me going through an Estate Agent is the better option than selling privately.

When I am ready they will send someone to formally put my flat up for sale. I won't be able to buy something in the area I would like but, as you all suggested, there are other options - and maybe even the Council.


All the replies are very much appreciated, including the difficult to take but very valuable long reply from Stingey in Post 28 and the subsequent very kind and generous offer of help.


It is strange how stress and depression can cause such distress and havoc. I have not slept well or properly for months and, as a result of a better day today and a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, hope to sleep better tonight.



I will post again if there is any news. Thank you all so much.


Green garnet.

Skiddaw1

Oh that does sound much more positive! Really pleased things are looking more hopeful Green Garnet, and will keep all crossed that you're soon able to move on.

choille

That does sound more hopeful re the value of your home and the Council.

Best of luck with it all.

Stress is often at it's worst when things are so up in the air. It can be just making strides - such as writing to the Council, posting on here that can help as it means that you are being proactive. Just hard sometimes to see the wood for the trees.

eamon

You have been given lots of poor/inadequate advice.


You are not the first person that finds life and home ownership is getting too much and sadly not the last. You don't need that worry & hassle. I suspect that what you are after and need is a retirement (over 50. 60 whatever) flat that you rent. You are over 60 and could fund the rent from the sale proceeds until your state pension kicks in with extra funds and also opens the doors to other benefits.


There are many Housing Associations with retirement flats all searchable on the Net. Some will even help you to sell yours and move.


Below is just one that I found, well worth a phone call to find out more. They won't judge you and will be delighted to help.



https://www.bield.co.uk/

Green_garnet

Thank you all. I have looked at the link eamon gave for Bield and the fllats look luxurious - really lovely. I wonder if you need special health or other criteria/priorities to go on their waiting lists. Maybe the rents and Council Tax are very high although, if my flat sells, I would be all right for a good length of time.

I am going to telephone to enquire and ask for information.

Green garnet

sheramber

eamon wrote: »

You have been given lots of poor/inadequate advice.


You are not the first person that finds life and home ownership is getting too much and sadly not the last. You don't need that worry & hassle. I suspect that what you are after and need is a retirement (over 50. 60 whatever) flat that you rent. You are over 60 and could fund the rent from the sale proceeds until your state pension kicks in with extra funds and also opens the doors to other benefits.

The OP has stated he is in receipt of state pension and other pension.

Davesnave

eamon wrote: »

You have been given lots of poor/inadequate advice.

When people write off others' replies in a sweeping manner, without elaboration, it may appear rude and detract from their post.


Everyone who's posted wants to help. Your post is useful too.:)

eamon

Apologies are in order for being rude last night.



I'm pleased that the OP is going to start making phone calls and asking all the questions that need answering. Selling your home and moving into more suitable rented accomodation is a huge step and not to be taken lightly. But from somebody that is a little younger than the OP it seems perfectly logical and something that I will probably do as well.



Why sit on/in a asset that is making you miserable when there is an alternative? Crazy!


So to the OP get it done and get yourself back to enjoying your life.

Davesnave

eamon wrote: »

Why sit on/in a asset that is making you miserable when there is an alternative? Crazy!.

I agree; for many older people moving into housing association and similar property, rather than hanging-on in an owned but increasingly burdensome property makes good sense. The problem is taking the decision and following through, even when the logical reasons are well understood.

In his late 80s, my Dad eventually found himself at the top of a housing list and being offered a housing trust flat, five minutes walk from where I lived. As his only child, I felt the pressure keenly when he decided instead to stay where he was, 9 miles away. I respected his decision, but it was one which negatively impacted my quality of life, and that of my family, in subsequent years.

Green_garnet

Bield don't have flats anywhere really close to where I would like. The best news is that they do have lovely small apartments and will send me an application form for their waiting list. They say I am eligible to apply. Because there is no health priority, after waiting my turn, I would get one - that's great. They are in a beautiful setting close to public transport.

There will be considerable compromises but what a privilege to be considered for such beautiful affordable accommodation.

I am wary but want to trust the Council and will wait and see if something comes up. You can't have everything and I'd be lucky to get a nice Council flat or be considered, after waiting on their list, for the beauthful small Bield retirement apartment.

I'll post any update. Still feel quite shattered but grateful at the same time.

Green garnet