feel trapped and need advice

MrJohnP_2

Hi, so here is my situation. I brought my home when it was just me and my son. I got a shared ownership. I have a 3rd valued at around 55k, and I still have 30k to pay. Since then, my family has grown a lot. Now we are a joined family. I have 3 kids who live here fall time and 3 here at alternative weekends and holidays. We have tried to do what we can with the room we have. We put a divider wall in the largest bedroom so 2 boys can sleep on one side and 2 girls on the other. Both pairs are using a bunk bed. The smallest room is for my child, who is autistic and needs their own safe space. Bedroom 3 is mine and my partner's. Our oldest, who comes on alternate weekends, sleeps in the lounge.

I work for a full-time salary of 24k a year. My partner has a small cleaning job, getting roughly £100 per week, as she cares for and supports our autistic child.

Problem. There are no 4/5 bed shared ownership near us to upgrade to.
Problem 2.If we sell the house and go private rent, any money we get from selling the house would have to be used on rent until all the savings are low enough that we can help via universal.
Problem 3 with renting it will cost us nearly an extra 1k a month, hence why we need universal help

So, I feel like we are stuck between a rock and a hard place, with nowhere to go but need to get a larger house as we are outgrowing this house fast. Any help would be amazing as I can't see any way out of this situation.

elsien

Do you need to stay where you are? Have you looked at areas where it might be possible to staircase to a larger place, either with a similar job or transfer from work? 

itsthelittlethings

Have you tried to see if you are entitled to any benefits? Your income is fairly low and you may be surprised what you are entitled to. This might raise your income to a point where you can afford to move.

Or, could you move to a larger house, owning a smaller percentage. Again, with universal credit, they might help with the rent.

If your partner can be classed as a carer they could receive money for this (the regulations around this are complex and I’m not sure if they are working too much). They would also be exempt from job search requirements.

You have paid in to the system so claim if you are eligible. Try the benefits calculator Turn2Us or seek advice from the CAB.

koalakoala

Can you apply for council housing?

elsien

koalakoala said:

Can you apply for council housing?

Not a priority as a homeowner. 

gwynlas

Are there houses of a different design available near you with a number of reception rooms orr an attached garage that could be converted?

Have you spoken to the HA you pay rent to to see if they have any suggestions?