Hi everyone, looking for some advice on social housing in West London.
We are currently in a 1-bedroom council flat in Ealing. It is severely overcrowded: 2 adults and 3 kids (the youngest turns 1 in October). We have a 7-year priority date (joined 2017).
The Current Situation: I just spoke to Ealing Council, and they confirmed we are being moved to Band B in Octoberbecause of the overcrowding and the baby's age.
The Dilemma: We found a mutual exchange for a 3-bed house in Bedfont (Hounslow borough).
However, I’m feeling really uneasy about it:
It’s with a Housing Association (Places for People), so I’m worried about losing my Right to Buy (likely only Right to Acquire with a much smaller discount).
We visited the area, and it didn't feel like a good fit for us.. it felt quite insular and, honestly, a bit unwelcoming/hostile compared to the diversity of Ealing.
The house itself wasn't "wow" and didn't feel like a forever home.
My Question: If I stay in Ealing and hit Band B in October with a 2017 date, what are my realistic chances of getting a 3-bed house or maisonette in Ealing? I’ve recently seen 3-bed properties on the bidding list won by people with 2018/2019 dates, which makes me think I’m very close to the top.
Would you take the "bird in the hand" with the Bedfont swap just to get the space now, or would you stick it out a few more months to stay with the council in Ealing?