Up to £5000 Cash Payout for Downsizing to a Smaller Home

South Hams District Council have advised that, ‘South Hams residents are in line for a cash payout worth up to £5,000 if they downsize and free up their home for a family that is struggling in cramped conditions. The scheme is open to anyone currently renting a home that is bigger than they currently need through a housing association or social housing registered provider’.

It is hoped that this will help tenants downsize to smaller houses as their families needs change which would in turn help ease the current housing crisis that families in the area are facing. The lack of available larger homes has left many families living in cramped conditions.

SHDC has launched an extra 'High Demand Area' payment of £2,500.  With the total amount of money South Hams residents could receive depending on how many bedrooms are are being released.’

Downsizers will receive:

• A fixed payment of £1,000
• An additional 'High Demand Area' payment of £2,500
• £500 per bedroom released.

For example, if you move from a four-bedroom property to a two-bedroom property you will receive £4,500. The maximum total amount you can receive is capped at £5,000. 

According to the council 25 families in the South Hams are severely overcrowded - that means they need a home with two or more extra bedrooms than they currently have or there are at least two children in the home lacking a bedroom. Further than that, 172 families are currently waiting for a home with an extra bedroom to meet their needs.

Criteria required

The Tenants Incentive Scheme is available to applicants who met the following criteria:

• Are an existing Housing Association tenant on an Assured tenancy, living in the South Hams area and whose Housing Association landlord confirms that the nomination rights for the property being vacated will be given to South Hams District Council
• Are in a family sized house  - 2 bedrooms or larger
• Want to move to a property that is at least 1 bedroom less
• Are registered on Devon Home Choice
• Where the move will not result in overcrowding

The scheme is limited and subject to change. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01803 861234 to find out more and to apply for the available funding.