Hi Lin67. I have rented my home from the City Council for over 25 years. Prior to that I had always owned my own home but divorce took me down the social housing route. Quite frankly, I wouldn’t want to go back to home ownership as I have a secure tenancy so technically this is my “forever home”. I am just short of 70 years abs still enjoying working full time but who knows where my retirement will take me when I finally there!😊

Yes I am. Going to be 60 this year and luckily I do have a good landlord that I rent directly from. However the area isn’t that good and to be honest I would like to move but given the current situation and the cost of rental properties in this area it could be awhile. I do keep my fingers crossed and hope my landlord doesn’t increase the rent to a stupid amount and wants to keep renting the house out.

Quite the opposite, I feel more secure in my Social Housing home.

Like one of the previous posters I was forced into rented accommodation when my marriage broke up

At first I got a privately rented flat and although the flat itself was excellent the area left a lot to be desired.

After a long wait I was lucky enough to be offered my present accommodation by a housing association.

It’s exactly what I need and in my ideal area.

The rent is affordable and I feel reassured that if any repairs need doing they won’t cost me a penny, so no bills lurking around the corner.

I also know that I am able to do a housing transfer should my needs change.

I have friends who have ‘bought’ houses in private retirement complexes and despite paying for these properties have to pay a monthly service charge that is over half the amount I pay in rent, yet they have to also pay for repairs. They also have many restrictions placed on them.

No I see renting as a much better more economic and stress free option.

Hi Lin67,
It looks as though I will have to make this decision very shortly due to a marriage breakdown. It doesn’t look too promising as to whether I can afford to buy a property outright or I have to opt for the rental sector.
I would prefer to own my own home but not too sure whether I will have this option.
Are you facing this decision or are you already living in a rented property?

I sold my home in Suffolk just over a year ago when I was widowed and moved to Cornwall where my daughter and her family live. We are all renting a large property which is big enough for us all to have our own space and is in the middle of beautiful countryside. I like the fact that I don’t need to pay for repairs myself, however, I am finding that I miss being in control of that aspect.

I found myself now having to decide which route I want to take as far as housing is concerned. Mainly because of a relationship breakdown. If I want to own again at the age of 60, affordability would probably take me out of the area that I am in now. My dilemma is, do I go for shared ownership or look for something that is specific to the over 60’s such as rental by social services.

If you can Jo Ann I’d suggest going for the social housing for peace of mind too. I am currently privately renting using up the money I got when the house was sold. Although I work I couldn’t manage the full rent and there isn’t a lot left now. I’m 59 so have to wait another year but hope that the council will help me x

Just another thought. It was also suggested to me that I look at social housing. There is a lack of it where I live and the waiting list is years long. Families also take priority. Personally I would love to see more social housing or at the very least affordable rental property with longer leases.