aster housing / council housing

Lucyx

Anyone with experience of how council housing and aster housing work?  I was offered an aster house via my council and I've got to decide.  It's as simple as this.  It's better than where I am but I foresee some issues in the area.  In the short term I'd be better off but long term I imagine I'd be seen as suitably housed and will have lost all my points.  Before anyone jumps on me and says to be grateful I've been offered, I really am, but I have a choice and once I choose I either get it or someone else does.  There are a couple of things that might be issues that's all, they might not as well, but I'm worried that if I ended up hating it, I will not be able to move on as I will be told I'm suitably housed.  Is that how it works?  thanks    

t0rt0ise

You can usually put in for a transfer, or you can look for an exchange. But of course if your place is not attractive to anyone you won't find someone to exchange with.

Lucyx

Thanks t0rt0ise, maybe I'm thinking too far ahead all the time.  The place is lovely and that's not an issue.  It's just different people have different preferences and concerns.  I'm just not sure whether to wait for a home that I can see me living out my life in as moving might not be easy.

diggingdude

its hard for anyone to advise without an idea what the problems are.

NewShadow

As above, we don't know what your specific concerns are - feel free to share if you would like specific opinions on how realistic they might be - but going with what you've said. 

If it were me, I'd be thinking: "What if I wait for the perfect house then 6 months down the line the neighbours from hell move in downstairs...?" 

Lucyx

Thanks.  The point I was really trying to make is, if this were a privately rented house I'd go for it. I'd go for it because I have a get out and can rent another. It's a lovely house. But I've never been offered a council or aster property before and I know it's different with them. You are expected to be suitably housed once you take a property? I'm guessing now, I don't know. I'm really just wondering what happens if someone regrets their choice (for whatever reason, as long as it's a reasonable one), what are the options? I know what the options are with private renting, but not with council or aster. Ultimately I imagine people are looking for a forever home with the council. This house I'm offered is not that for me, I'm grateful, I just want to be clear on my options. It would, in the short term, be good for me. Less so long term, and I think the choice I'm expected to make is do I want to be in the house long term. I know there will be some that would say if you're desperate you'll take it. Trust me I am desperate to move, but that's the danger too, I'm in danger of taking something that isn't suitable for my needs long term and down the line I could be asking to move again but I won't have the points I have now. The environment where the house is could change also, I've looked at planning applications. That's only one thing. And yes tell me if I'm over thinking or if my feeling that I'd be stuck somewhere is unfounded.

Sachs

Can you explain what might not be suitable long term? For example are you planning children and there's limited space? Or are you perhaps older and are worried about stairs?

Lucyx

Sachs, the point is if its not suitable how hard would it be to move, in general terms.
Specific details are personal and not for a public forum
  

Sachs

We'll the answer changes substantially depending on the reason it's not suitable.
Let's assume though you simply fancy a change. My understanding is they are under no obligation because, as you say, you have suitable housing you just fancy a change. You can however do an exchange with someone who wants your property if you want theirs.
Astor may move you as a gesture of goodwill but it's entirely in their gift and would likely be based on their business needs.

There's quite a comprehensive guide on the Aster website.

Lucyx

Thanks.  It wouldn't just be because I fancy a change.  All I want is for the property to be suitable, but there are factors that you don't always know at the beginning.  There's a lot of pressure to decide (like in one day) yet it's a big decision.

supermum135

I'm after advice  please.
I rent a council house and got a knock on the door this morning  from a home owner behind us who wants to build houses on his property but needs part of our garden for a through road can the council sell him part of my garden without my permission?