Downsizing

Downsizing is when a council tenant moves to a property with fewer bedrooms than they had before. By doing this, you can save money and even receive money for giving up spare bedrooms.

We can help any council tenant who is living in a home that is too big for them and wants to move somewhere smaller in Islington.

How downsizing can help you and others

You will:

• pay less rent and council tax
• save money on heating bills
• avoid losing housing benefit because of the bedroom tax
• get between £1000 to £2000 per spare bedroom you had before you moved to a home with fewer bedrooms, as well as £750 towards removal costs
• experience a new area or get a fresh start
• free up a home for a family living in a property that's too small.

Help with moving

Whatever your circumstances, we understand moving home can be a difficult experience and you might be nervous. Our friendly downsizing team are here to help you every step of the way. Your downsizing officer can help you with:

• bidding for a new home (council or housing association property) and attending visits to properties
• removals
• closing off and setting up gas, electricity, water
• clearing unwanted furniture and carpets.

Ways to downsize

There are several ways you can move to a different property.

• Apply for a transfer as an 'under-occupier'. You will have a higher priority on the transfer list.
• Mutual exchange is swapping your home with another tenant in a council or housing association property. For more information, visit our Swapping Homes webpage.
• Over 55, with growing support needs can apply for specially-designed accommodation, made up of self-contained properties with shared communal faculties. Most schemes have 24-hour emergency on call system. For more information and to apply, read about our housing options for older people.
• Over 55 looking to move out of London can apply for the Seaside and Country Homes Scheme.

The Homefinder UK scheme advertises affordable homes across whole the UK.

Apply to downsize

To apply for downsizing, you will need to complete a change of circumstances form and return it to rehousing@islington.gov.uk. If you need help completing the form contact us on 020 7527 4140 and choose option 3. 

Or you can email downsizing@islington.gov.uk.

What happens after you apply

Once accepted, you will receive a points award letter with priority bidding points and a dedicated officer to manage the process.

Search for homes

With your points letter you can search for any suitable vacancies on our choice-based letting scheme Home Connections. Find out how to bid on properties.

How long it will take

Some residents prefer to move as soon as possible. If you are flexible on area and type of property, we may be able to offer you somewhere quickly. If you are looking for something it can take long time until a suitable property becomes available. 

Share your current home and help others

You can also consider keeping your current home and helping others with your spare room.

• Become a Foster Carer - Every child deserves a safe, secure, and happy childhood. Islington need individuals and couples to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people by adopting a child or becoming a foster carer. See our adoption and fostering informtion. 
• Islington Shared Lives - Shared Lives is a modern and flexible way for adults and young people aged 16 and over to access care and support. We offer our residents the opportunity to be supported in a family environment and help them to develop skills and meaningful friendships that enable them to live life to the full. Find out about becoming a Shared Lives carer.