Your housing options

Moving away from your parents is a big change in your life and you need to make sure you are ready. The independence can be great but you also have new responsibilies:

To start with:
  • Work out your budget so you know what you can afford
  • Do have enough money for a deposit and the first months rent? If you don't you need to start saving.
  • After you have paid the rent have you worked out how much money you will have left to pay for food, gas, electric, phone, TV licence fee and council tax?
  • Have you checked if you are entitled to any benefits or allowances
  • Decide if you want to live on your own or share with someone.
  • Think about where you want to live and the type of property you want to live in.
  • Decide if you would you be prepared to move away from your friends and family
  • Decide if you are prepared to do your own cleaning and washing
  • Get a good cookbook if you can't cook
  • Find out where to find somewhere to live
  • Can you afford the furniture?

Sort out your finances.

The first move is to draw up a budget. It will help you work out what kind of accommodation you can realistically afford. From this, you'll probably realise that you need to start saving up. There are lots of things you'll need to buy or spend money on when you have your own place. If you are moving to rented accommodation, you'll probably need to pay a deposit and a month's rent in advance. Or you may need to buy furniture or other household goods for your home.

Also, make sure you've found out if you're entitled to any financial help.

What sort of accommodation do you want?

Before deciding what sort of accommodation you want it is often useful to jot down what you would be prepared to accept.

Things to think about:

  • What is the transport in the area like?
  • Can you get to work or college easily?
  • If you don’t have a car how will you get to the shops?
  • Are you prepared to share with other people?
  • Are you prepared to share with the landlord?
  • Do you need to live in a particular area?
  • Do you need unfurnished or furnished accommodation?
  • Is the area safe?
  • Is the property available for a short or long time?
  • How much can you afford to pay?

What are your Housing Options?

It can be difficult for young people to find somewhere to live. In North Yorkshire there is much less housing available than in Darlington, Teesside or York. In addition your choice of housing may be much more limited if you live in a small village rather than a market town.

Many private landlords are reluctant to let to younger people, especially if you will be claiming housing benefit. Young people often have low incomes and no savings, which can make it very difficult to pay for accommodation. You have to be 18 to get on some housing waiting lists. So you need to be as prepared as you can be.

You need to be realistic about what you can afford and what is available in your area. You may not be able to find exactly what you want where you were brought up and may need to move further away from your present home.

Your main housing options are:

  • Renting from a Council or Housing Association.
  • Board and Lodging.
  • Private Rented Accommodation.
  • Supported Housing.
  • Buying your own home.

 

Rate this Page