Imaginative solutions to paying for new home?

filigree_2

Sorry if this seems a bit off-topic but it does mostly concern housebuying...

I'm getting a divorce and need to rehouse myself and son, but there might not be enough money in the pot to buy us a new home :-[.

I'm researching all options to get us somewhere new to live and would be grateful for any input.

Get a job and get a mortgage - I can't earn a great deal because Rugrat is disabled and I'm his carer.  I could get part-time work and raise a small loan, but it might not be enough to bridge the gap.

Social housing - would I even get a council flat considering I will have a capital sum?  Would they tell me to just push off and buy a house in a cheaper region?

Shared ownership - most schemes seem to demand that I'm a council tenant or on the housing list.  See above - I'm not sure if I can qualify.  Also, most SO schemes insist on first time buyers, not people with another property to sell.  Are there any SO schemes that would accept a post-divorce applicant with a lump sum to spend?

Homebuy - again, only seem to accept council tenants/waiting lists.  Also they don't accept you if you get housing benefit.  I'd have to afford 75% and might not have enough.

Move right of London - possible but not ideal because all our roots are here, and Rugrat wouldn't be able to see his Dad regularly.

Private rental - *shudder* This is the very last option.  I'd consider it as a short term interim measure but it's not really suitable as a permanent home.

Buying a property is still the cheapest way to put a roof over your head.  Bear in mind that while I've got ££££ in the bank, I can't get any state benefits and if I don't spend the money on some form of housing, I will be forced to live off the capital because I certainly can't afford to support myself on salary alone.

Thanks for reading this far - any suggestions welcome  :-/

yonk

You can claim benefits if you have capital from the sale of a house and intend to purchase another house within six months.

DLA isn't means tested - ensure you are getting all the benefits available to you.

Try to find a house where you can rent out rooms?? Tax efficient income and income can count towards a mortgage.

Some private rentals may be suitable for long-term - it's good for long-term landlords to have long-term tenants as it cuts down on risks like voids. And at the moment, some places are chaper to rent than buy, particularly where there is a lot of buy-to-let activity. Just get a good inventory and try to find a reputable agent.