Any help for disabled people with mortgages or renovations?

[Deleted User]

I have a disability that means I am unable to do much in the way of DIY. Even basic stuff like painting or simple plumbing. However I am able to hold down a full time desk job.

As such it is really hard for me to find a house. Everything I can afford is a wreck in need of major renovations, ranging from things like new windows and insulation upgrades, to decorating.

Is there any support for this? If I was young and healthy I'd buy one and do it up, but that's not an option, and with prices the way we are there won't be cash to pay other people to do it left after paying the mortgage.

comeandgo

You say we, what about your partner, can they not take over the jobs you would have done?
edit, I now think the we is a predictable text error.

tacpot12

I'm not aware of any help that is available. I've looked from someone else with a mental health problem who can't get work done, even though they have most of the money to do the work (which is to renovate a property they already own). 

You might be better off considering buying a leasehold flat. They are generally in much better condition because the freeholder is responsible for maintaining the building fabric, and the leaseholders are only responsible for the DIY inside the property, which is typically much lighter in nature.

You have to be a bit careful about service charges and ground rent, but you would be building up some equity in a property and you would have much greater security of tenure. 

[Deleted User]

Thanks tacpot. Unfortunately leasehold flats are difficult too. They tend to go to buy-to-let, and the massive service charges reduce what we can borrow.

mrcol1000

In the same position. My house has been adapted over the years. Need to move nearer family but face moving into something that its going to be a struggle to live in. Also there is very little that even meets that criteria in my budget that does not need work. It appears your are not expected to be a house owner if you are disabled. 

I have found this website. I haven't really looked into it much but they do have a guide but little in properties

https://www.branchproperties.co.uk/ 

Cyclamen

 My husband and I are both disabled.  

Some things you may be able to apply for a disabled facilities grant to do.. this is for things you need due to disability needs.. eg adapted wet room, ramps, widened doors etc.. it takes a while and an OT will decide what is necessary have a look at your council adult care page.

Do you have friends, family, collegaues who would muck in.. 

Some areas have lo-cost handymen... often social housing but worth checking council site and ageuk (who may also do a discount for disabled folk)

Otherwise for us its slow and steady .. our bedroom is being painted one wall at a time at the moment... yes i kow that sounds frustrating and slow.. but we have one blue wall and the others will happen in time.. they will be white so skirting, ceiling can all be same colour less care needed.. 

otherwise we save up .. slow and steady .. 

you could try checking the turn2us hub for grants to apply for.  

good luck.. i love the security of owning our on home but its also a worry if anything major needs doing

MouldyOldDough

You need to find a friendly DIY odd jobber - ask around - try to find a local handy person service (local council based)

[Deleted User]

Thanks everyone. I'm in the difficult position of not being disabled enough to get much help, but still bad enough that I can't work full time and do somewhere up.

Seems like being willing to do extensive renovations is pretty much mandatory for first time buyers now.

missile

My son was able to get on property ladder with a part own/ part rental property. A few years later, he sold that to buy outright. You might find something similar?

[Deleted User]

missile said:

My son was able to get on property ladder with a part own/ part rental property. A few years later, he sold that to buy outright. You might find something similar?

I've seen those by they look risky. You need to get the other owner's permission to sell and I know someone whose owner is refusing to accept anyone who makes an offer.

theoretica

I don't know if you would be eligible or find it useful, but there is the HOLD scheme https://www.ownyourhome.gov.uk/scheme/hold/