Downsizing

Thinking about downsizing?

If your home feels too large, difficult to manage, or no longer right for your needs, downsizing may be worth considering. We can talk through your options and support you.

Moving to a smaller home could help reduce bills, make day-to-day living easier, or give you a home that better suits your lifestyle.

We can help you understand the choices available, including applying through the Somerset housing register, Homefinder Somerset, and looking at homes that may be more suitable for your household.

We can also arrange a home visit to discuss your circumstances and explain what support may be available, including practical or financial help with your move.

If you would like to talk about downsizing, please contact us. We will be happy to help you explore your options.

How the Bedroom Tax may affect you

You may also choose to downsize if you are affected by the under-occupancy charge, also known as the spare room subsidy or Bedroom Tax. This was introduced by the Government in April 2013 and may affect how much housing support you receive.

The Bedroom Tax can affect people of working age. Your housing support, through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit housing costs, may be reduced by:

• 14% if you are assessed as having one spare bedroom
• 25% if you are assessed as having two or more spare bedrooms.

Couples and adults will still be entitled to their own bedroom. However:

• Children under the age of 10 are expected to share a bedroom, regardless of sex
• Children aged 10 to 15 are expected to share with another child of the same sex
• You may be assessed as having a spare bedroom if your child or children do not live with you all the time.

Some households may be allowed an extra bedroom because of their circumstances, for example where someone has a disability, needs overnight care, is a foster carer, or where a household member is temporarily away but normally lives at home.

These rules are a general guide only, and your individual circumstances will be assessed.

If you are concerned about how the Bedroom Tax could affect you, please contact us and we can talk through your circumstances and help you understand your options.dvice.