Downsizing and rehousing support

If you are a council tenant and living in a property with more rooms than you need, we can help you downsize to a smaller more suitable home.

Benefits of downsizing include:

• A financial incentive package for eligible tenants
• Lower household running costs
• Reduced time spent on housework and gardening
• Change of area within the Epping Forest district
• Find a property more suitable for your needs
• Move to a sheltered environment for people aged 60+

Downsizing incentive

Demand for council homes is extremely high. In freeing up homes through our downsizing incentive scheme, properties can become available to families in need of larger accommodation.

Tenants wanting to transfer to smaller accommodation will be placed on the housing register in Band A, the highest priority banding. Qualifying tenants are given the option of being considered for a property with one spare bedroom.

If you are 60+ and would like the support of a scheme manager, you may wish to consider sheltered housing. Qualifying tenants wishing to downsize into sheltered accommodation will receive a £1,000 sheltered accommodation incentive.

Incentives

• £500 for removal costs
• £500 for decoration costs
• £1,000 for each bedroom released, or £500 if moving from a 3-bed to a 2-bed with a 1-bed need, up to a maximum payment of £4,000
• £1,000 bonus for moving to sheltered accommodation

Incentive schedule for under-occupiers wishing to downsize

Size of property tenant is vacating	Size of property tenant would ordinarily need under scheme	Size of property tenant wants to move to and qualifies for	Incentive(s)
1 bedroom any	1-bedroom	1-bedroom sheltered	£1,000 (sheltered bonus)
2-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	1-bedroom	1-bedroom flat / bungalow*	£1,000
3-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	1-bedroom	1-bedroom flat / bungalow*	£2,000
3-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	1-bedroom	2-bedroom flat	£500 + 1 spare bedroom
3-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	2-bedroom	2-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	£1,000
4-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	1-bedroom	1-bedroom flat / bungalow*	£3,000
4-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	1-bedroom	2-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	£2,000 + 1 spare bedroom
4-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	2-bedroom	2-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	£2,000
4-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	2-bedroom	3-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	£1,000 + 1 spare bedroom
4-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	3-bedroom	3-bedroom flat / house / bungalow*	£1,000
Any (including 1 bed) except sheltered	1-bedroom	1-bedroom sheltered	£1,000 per room + £1,000 (sheltered bonus)

* You will only be eligible for a bungalow if you are 50+ or have mobility needs.

** If you owe arrears of rent, the arrears will be deducted from any incentive payment. The scheme includes internal Epping Forest District Council mutual exchanges.

Rehousing help and support

To make your move less stressful, our rehousing support officer can help you sort out all the arrangements, such as:

• Joining the housing register
• Changing your doctor
• Informing other organisations about your change of address
• Helping you book removals

Find out more about the downsizing incentive scheme, email rehousing@eppingforestdc.gov.uk.