Our Fresh Start Scheme offers tenants up to £15,000 to downsize to a smaller social housing property, if they are under-occupying their current property.
Case study
Rachel (name changed) has just used the scheme to move home. Rachel had been living alone in her 3-bedroom home
after her children moved out, and she did not feel as safe in her home as she used to. When Rachel contacted Barnet Homes, she was helped by our dedicated Fresh Start Officer, who found Rachel a lovely 2-bedroom property in Barnet, all on one-level. Barnet Homes helped Rachel with the cost of the removals, the installation of white goods such as a cooker, and with vouchers for B&Q to help with decorating. Rachel also received £4,000 for downsizing, which she could use however she liked.
Rachel is happy with the property – it is in an area of Barnet that she knows well. She said of the experience: “It was fantastic, and the exchange was very quick. I was not using the other two rooms of my old property, and I knew that another family could make better use of it. Now in this new flat I feel safer and ready for a ‘fresh start’”.
How can I downsize?
This scheme is for social housing tenants in the borough. If you are unsure whether you would be eligible, please contact freshstart@barnethomes.org or call 020 8359 4695.