Improve your chances of a home
Finding a home is more complex than it was in the days of plentiful council housing, cheap homes to buy and easy mortgages. In many areas there are long waiting lists for a council or housing association place.
Be flexible!
So it's important that you are flexible and think imaginatively about how to increase your chances . . .
Look in different areas
The more areas you consider, the more chance you have. Don't discount somewhere because it had a 'bad' reputation. So much of Manchester has enjoyed multi-million pound investment, or is in line for big improvements – you might be surprised at how things have picked up.
Use the Pinpoint service to look for more homes in the city, and in the rest of Greater Manchester. It includes homes to rent from local councils, housing associations and private landlords. So there’s lots of choice in lots of areas.
Go to: www.pinpoint.org.uk
Try another property type
If you'll only take one type of home, you'll limit your chances. Many multi-storey blocks, for instance, have been radically improved and can be easier to come by. Other flats – some close to the city centre – are available as a cheap homeowning option.
Earn the home you deserve!
Work has many rewards – and access to some of the city's high-quality homes is one of them. If you are a working household, with an income of less than £30,000 a year, you can join workingXtra and get a chance of rented homes reserved exclusively for workers. If you are not working, or training to work, find out how to improve your prospects with the council's Helping Hand advice.
Consider ALL housing options
You may be looking specifically for a council or housing association home. But before you fill in a registration form, or if you’ve been trying to get one for a long time, consider whether that’s really your best option. Even if you think these other options are not for you, check them all out first. You may be pleasantly surprised!
Take a flexible approach to home-seeking to find what’s best for you and your family.