The housing crisis in the United Kingdom has been worsening for years, but recent events have created a perfect storm of issues. The government's plans to sell off social housing, further cuts to the work-for-housing allowance and to welfare benefits, and the country's chronic lack of affordable housing have left many Britains struggling to find somewhere decent to live. The result? Record numbers of homeless people, which increased by 14% between 2010 and 2017. We're not going to sugarcoat it: It's tough out there. However, here are some ways that you can find affordable housing in this difficult time.
The UK housing crisis is a complex issue. In the past few decades, there has been an increase in homelessness, as well as a rise in rough sleepers. These are people who are homeless and sleep on the streets. There was also an increase in home repossessions, which increased by 24% between 2011 and 2016. The main problem? There just isn't enough affordable housing for people who need it.
The housing crisis in the UK has been worsening for years. Recently, with the sell-off of social housing and cuts to benefits, this issue has been exacerbated. The result: record numbers of homeless people (14% increase since 2010). Here are some ways you can find affordable housing in this difficult time.
with a decent salary
Finding affordable housing in the UK can be tough. But it doesn't have to be impossible. We've put together some tips for how to find affordable housing when you're struggling to make ends meet. One way is to look for employment opportunities with a higher salary. If you get a job with a decent salary and start earning more, this will give you more options for housing that previously weren't possible. You might be able to apply for government-subsidized housing or consider rental options where you only need to pay part of your income towards rent. After all, if you are earning more, it’s likely that your budget will also expand, allowing you to spend more on items like transportation and utilities so you can still afford these while saving up for a deposit on an apartment or home of your own.
If you're already living with friends and you're all looking for a new place, consider moving in together. Finding a new place can be a massive hassle, but if you have friends who are going through the same process, it could go a lot more smoothly. Plus, many people prefer to live with roommates rather than alone. What's more, it can help keep your housing costs down so that you don't overstretch your budget.
As people are increasingly becoming more conscious about their carbon footprint, the number of second-hand goods and products is rising. You might not have considered this as an option for finding affordable housing but it's worth exploring. With a quick search on social media, you'll be able to find deals on all sorts of items, including homes! You can filter your results by location and price range.
Another way to find affordable housing is to use crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe. Here you can set up a page that outlines what you need in order to afford a home and ask the public to donate money. This isn't just for individuals with nowhere to go; if you're looking for a new start in life or trying to make some extra cash, this could be the perfect solution. It's worth noting that crowdfunding sites like these are completely legal and many will even offer tax relief on your donations.
If you've been struggling with leaving your current situation due to work commitments or other personal reasons, there are ways for you to find affordable housing without making any changes whatsoever. Shared ownership schemes usually involve buying 50% of house from developers or housing associations, then renting out the remaining 50%. There are also options such as shared equity where buyers buy between 25-75% of the property and pay rent on the remaining percentage they don't own until they get back on their feet financially.
Demand for affordable housing is high, so the best way to find your perfect place is to be creative. You may want to start by looking at Facebook groups and websites like Gumtree for renting or buying a house. You can also try friends of friends, or people on your street.
If you're not able to find a house through those methods, you should consider living in a caravan or mobile home instead. You could find one within driving distance from where you work or study, which will make it easier to get around town and conduct your daily life. And if you think trailer parks are only for lower-income families, think again! Trailer parks have a wide range of mobile homes that cater to anyone who wants them. They're available in sizes and designs that suit everyone's needs.
Finding affordable housing in the UK can be difficult. But there are ways to find affordable housing. Some of these ways include finding a job, getting creative, and looking for affordable housing with friends. The more creative you are, the better your chances of finding affordable housing.