Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Care · Funding
Paying for care and your home
£23,250upper limit
Disregardsspouse & relatives
Deferredpayments
Lettingoption
In short: In England, if you move permanently into a care home, the council's means test can include your home. If your capital including the home is above £23,250, you usually pay for your care in full. Your home is ignored if a spouse or partner, or a relative over 60 or disabled, still lives there, and it's ignored for the first 12 weeks. A deferred payment agreement lets the council lend you the fees, secured on the home, so you don't have to sell during your lifetime. Deliberately giving away assets to avoid fees can be treated as deprivation of assets. Some families let the home to help fund care.
| Situation | Is the home counted? |
|---|---|
| Spouse or partner still lives there | No |
| Relative aged 60+ or disabled lives there | No |
| First 12 weeks of permanent care | No |
| Empty after 12 weeks | Yes |
When the home counts
Frequently asked questions
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Will I have to sell my house to pay for care?
Not necessarily; a deferred payment agreement can help.
Can I give my house to my children?
It may be treated as deprivation of assets.
Can Fraser Bond let the home?
Yes, to help fund care.
Letting a parent's home?
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