Downsize incentive scheme
Larger houses for families are the ones in the shortest supply, as we do not have as many of them in our stock.
If you find you have more bedrooms than you need, our downsizing scheme could help you move to a new home.
To help make it easier for people who are under-occupying houses with 4 or more bedrooms to move to a smaller home, we have introduced a new enhanced scheme.
A cash incentive may be available, depending on the size of the property being released as a result of the move, as well as a practical help package which can be tailored to people’s individual preferences.
The options include -
- arranging and paying for removals
- disconnection and reconnection of white goods
- providing boxes and help with packing
- reconnection of broadband
- arranging for carpets to be professionally lifted and stored ready to be re-fitted at the new home, or fitting new carpets at the new home
- setting up a TV aerial in the new home
- taking down fitted blinds and re-fitting in the new home
- a 2-week, rent-free period whilst you move into the new property
We will be more flexible around the property type and size you can downsize to if it means we get the larger one back. This is dependent on a good supply of the property type you want.
There are many benefits of moving to a smaller home such as -
- cheaper household bills
- less cleaning
- being easier to manage
- moving to a home that’s all on one level, so there are no stairs to negotiate
If you are living in a property that is classed as underoccupied, this can affect the amount you receive in housing benefit and Universal Credit payments as you will have to pay for bedrooms that are not occupied. By moving to a smaller property this could remove the need to pay this tax.
Anyone can apply to downsize, however the downsizing offer only applies to people in houses of 4 or more bedrooms.
If you are interested in downsizing through our established downsizing scheme, we have a dedicated team on hand to help you every step of the way. You do not need a housing application, our team will complete this for you.
To apply for our downsizing scheme contact your Tenancy Officer by calling 01482 300 300 or email Downsizing.Mutexschemes@hullcc.gov.uk.
If accepted, you would be awarded a high priority for a smaller property which meets your needs.