Do you have more bedrooms than you need
Are you able to answer yes to the questions:
- have your children moved out, leaving your home too big?
- are your heating bills rising?
- would you like to be closer to family in another area?
- is your home adapted for a disability you no longer need?
- would you like a smaller home?
The under occupier scheme can help you move to a smaller property quickly.
We help with registering and bidding for a new property using the Locata scheme, and we can even do the bidding for you.
We may also help with your move by arranging removals at no cost.
You can benefit from:
- help with registering and bidding for a new property
- help arranging and possibly paying for removals, including all boxes and packing
- after moving, get £1,000 for each bedroom you give up (moving from a 3 bed to a 1 bed gives you £2,000). Any rent arrears will be deducted from this payment
- help with the Seaside and Country Homes Scheme
- choosing the type of home and area you wish to move to within Ealing borough or another housing association property
Moving to a smaller home can reduce your heating bills and housekeeping time.
If you have mobility difficulties, you may move to a more suitable location like a ground floor flat, a flat with a lift, or a bungalow.
We can also help with connecting or moving a community alarm system.
You qualify for the scheme if:
- you are a secure tenant of a 2, 3, or 4 bedroom property and want to move to a smaller property
- no longer need adaptations in your current home
- you take part in a mutual exchange with another Ealing Council tenant registered for a transfer, and has priority for overcrowding
More information
Email the housing initiatives team housinginitiatives@ealing.gov.uk
If your home is already overcrowded
If you need a larger home, you can register for rehousing on Locata, but there will be a long wait time.
Other options available include:
- mutual exchange with another Ealing Council tenant. Speak to your neighbourhood housing office
- signing up to a home swap service and managing the swap independently