Downsizing your home - your questions answered
What is downsizing?
Downsizing is a voluntary scheme which means moving from a property that has spare bedroom(s) you no longer use, to a smaller property that is more manageable for you.
Who can apply for the downsizing scheme?
If you are a Hounslow Council tenant and have one or more spare bedrooms you can apply to downsize. There are a number of benefits and incentives that you will be entitled.
If you are a Housing Association tenant – we can still provide help and support that to enable you to move.
How can I apply?
There are many ways which you can apply;
Phone: 020 8583 4452
Email: downsizing@hounslow.gov.uk
Complete our online application
A dedicated housing officer is available to assist you with your application and answer any further questions you may have. If your application is progressed, we will support you through the downsizing process and with the move into your new home.
How quickly can I downsize?
Depending on your housing need this can be arranged within weeks or it can take up to three months and in some cases a little longer. However, we will prioritise all applications and work to identify suitable homes that applicants require as quickly as possible.
What happens to the home that I release?
Our main objective is to help households to make a move from a large home that they no longer need to a home that is more manageable for them. This in turn will release a large property to accommodate a family on the council’s waiting list.
How much financial assistance will I get?
If you are a council tenant, you will receive a cash incentive payment of £1,000. If you are a Housing Association tenant, you will not receive a cash incentive but you will receive help and support to downsize. We will arrange for the payment to be made within 28 days after you return the keys for your old property.
What help and support will I receive?
- Redecoration of your new home in a colour of your choice
- Help with arranging removals, or up to £300 cash payment for you to arrange this yourself
- Reconnection of appliances in your new home
- Handyman help with fitting curtain rails, blinds, bathroom accessories, setting up your flat-packed furniture and other small agreed tasks that help to make your new property a home
If you are giving up two or more bedrooms - you will also qualify for the supply and fitting of carpet for two rooms of your choice!
How many offers of accommodation will I get?
We recognise that you will want to downsize to the right accommodation that is best for you. We will therefore provide you up to three suitable offers. We will accompany you to help you make a choice if you need it.
I have rent arrears. Can I still downsize?
If you are experiencing problems in managing your finances, and you have rent arrears, we can support you. We can arrange for you to receive money advice that can sometimes lead to identifying benefits that you may be eligible for to help pay off your debt.
What about my tenancy agreement?
If you are a council tenant and irrespective of the bedroom size property that you move to –your tenancy arrangements will not be affected. If you downsize to a housing association property – the housing association will explain the type of tenancy agreement on offer to you.
If you are a housing association tenant and would like to downsize to another housing association, the housing association that you move to will explain the type of tenancy agreement on offer to you.
If you have succeeded your tenancy or awarded a discretionary tenancy please contact us and we will advise you on the arrangements applicable to you.
What type of properties are available for downsizing?
When you apply, we will discuss with you the types of homes that you could downsize to. The council and local housing associations own a range of properties across the borough, including flats, maisonettes, houses and homes on new developments. Some properties have private or communal gardens.
Can I move to other areas outside Hounslow?
The council only owns properties within the Hounslow Borough and therefore cannot offer alternative secure tenancy accommodation. However, we can assist you if you are willing to consider private rented accommodation.
I am 60 years old and want to move into sheltered accommodation – can you help?
If you are over 60 years of age and would like to move into sheltered accommodation where you can receive support, we can assist in applying for this kind of accommodation.
I am ready to retire – can you help?
You may want to consider the ‘Seaside and Country Homes Scheme’. If you are interested in this option, please let us know and we can provide more information and help you to make an application.
I want to move and buy my own home – can you help?
If you want to find out more about homeownership and other similar initiatives including buybacks, please contact the homeownership team:
Tel: 0208 583 3721
Email: home.ownership@hounslow.gov.uk
What happens if I change my mind about moving?
You are entitled to change your mind at any stage. Just let us know. Remember this is a voluntary scheme and you do not need to move unless you want to
