Social Housing - Any point applying as a single male?

FreeBear

HampshireH said: To be frank, one year on the list is nothing.

My lodger has been on the housing list from the day she moved in. Despite health issues bumping her up to tier two, she has yet to secure anything. Social housing across the board is in short supply.

yksi

Why is it the government's job to house people? Or council's? I really don't understand a fit, healthy and able-bodied person thinking social housing is how to become independent.

AdrianC said you are perfectly capable of sorting your own housing out and he is right. It is every adult's job to do life your dang self. To feed yourself, clothe yourself, earn your own money and pay for your own roof. The social housing schemes are best placed to support those UNABLE to. In your case this does not apply, so why exactly are you surprised at not being a priority? Your post was spectacularly tone-deaf.

If you genuinely think you can't afford to rent elsewhere then lower your standards. There is affordable accommodation for a single healthy person in every part of the country. If you're annoyed that you can't afford Soho then stop looking in Soho. If you're annoyed that you can't afford a 2br 2ba then rent a room in a house share.

Looper86

wolfehouse said:

 There are help to buy schemes for those who can’t afford the whole purchase price

Unfortunately as someone earning minimum wage (£16,777 based on £8.72 and working full time) my expected amount of borrowing for a mortgage would only be £60,000, which unfortunately wouldn’t even put me close to a flat / house (I would say my area but I imagine that would rule out the majority of the country).

jak

I live in Dorset, with a disabled child and disabled myself and it took 8 months to get somewhere. That was on the highest band. If you were here you honestly would never get somewhere. Your best bet is to save up for a deposit for a private rented place. Sadly, a single person with no disability is very unlikely to get anywhere. 

Looper86

HampshireH said:

You say private rental is outside of your financial capability. Why is this? A lot of people on minimum wage private rent? Could you be eligible for benefits? Could you get s better paid job?

What are you earning?  And what area are you in?

To be frank, one year on the list is nothing. @AdrianC reply was honest. Single male with no housing need could be waiting 10+ years.

Medical needs do get prioritised as that creates more need.

You are adequately housed. Albeit with your parents.

In my area rent for a 1-bed is around £600, social housing for a 1-bed is around £375 or just over £425 for a 2-bed. Generally there aren’t a lot of 1-beds available, the area mainly has 2-bed terraced houses.

I earn minimum wage, £8.72 in full time employment which works out at £16,777 before deductions (take home is around £1100).

As someone with a medical condition and in full-time employment I can confirm that I qualify for and receive zero support, to my knowledge only conditions recognised by the DWP receive any type of financial aid (PIP, prescription, dental etc).

Yes, I guess to some degree you could say that my living arrangement is “adequate” albeit it not ideal and not where anyone at my age would want to find themselves.

AdrianC

So there y'go. You've still got five hundred quid a month in your pocket after paying rent. Lucky you. Or perhaps share a 2-bed with a friend?

A hell of a lot of households would be delighted to have that much.

Looper86

AdrianC said:

Looper86 said:
I’m unsure what you mean by “you are perfectly capable of sorting your own housing out” so unable to offer additional comment around that statement.

How much do you earn? Minimum wage, full-time, is about £18k/year. Take-home, that's about £1,350/mo.
Where in the country do you live?
How much is monthly rent for a one-bed flat in your area?

As someone working in full time employment on £8.72 (£16,777) take home after all deductions is around £1100 pcm.
Social Housing - 1-Bed: £375-400 depending on property/location
Private Rental - 1-Bed: £600 

Looper86

wannabe_a_saver said:

Maybe you need to look at moving to a cheaper area to gain your independence?  Is it hard with rents and house prices so high but I'm sure your parents never planned to have you live with them forever and it might be nice for them to get their home back too! 

This is an option, looking at general prices things seem more manageable around 50-60 miles further north where housing prices across the board are better situated against the national living wage.

I know that’s a slight dig, (I never planned to be here at my age either...) I am actively looking for somewhere and check both the social register and rightmove frequently in hope of something becoming available that’s within my earnings threshold.

Caz3121

Is it that you want to leave your parents or that you want your own place?
If the former have a look at renting a room in a houseshare
If the latter, maybe look at a plan for the future on upping your income to get into a position that could afford your own place...maybe it will be a 3-5 year plan....you could still be on the list and bid but it is likely you will still be on the waiting list at that point

AdrianC

£16,777 / £8.72 = 1,899 hours = 36.5hrs/week
£8.72 x 37.5hrs x 52 = £17,004 = £1,267/mo
£8.72 x 40hrs x 52 = £18,137.60 = £1,331/mo

Post-tax figure from https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/tax-calculator/