If your council home is too big, you can downsize to a smaller property with fewer bedrooms.
There are lots of benefits of moving to a smaller property, including:
- reducing your rent and Council Tax bills
- saving money on heating bills
- reversing cuts to Universal Credit due to the bedroom tax for working-age adults
- less cleaning and maintenance
You may also be eligible to receive a financial payment for every bedroom that you release back to Camden’s housing service. Housing association tenants should ask their landlord if they offer a similar scheme.
Support to downsize if you’re 60 or over
If you’re aged 60 or over, we have a dedicated team to support you through the downsizing process. This includes:
- advising on your housing options
- helping you to complete the relevant applications
- referring you to other services, if required
- identifying suitable properties
- coming with you to viewings
- arranging quotes for removals and carpets
- processing financial payments
Arrange an appointment with our Under-Occupancy Advisors:
- Amran Ahmed, email amran.ahmed2@camden.gov.uk or call on 020 7974 2432
- Natasha Raymond, email natasha.raymond@camden.gov.uk or call on 020 7974 2431
Apply to join the housing register
You must apply to join the housing register before you can downsize. To help you understand the process we’ve created a step-by-step guide. Find out how to join the housing register.
Apply for a Tenant's Option Fund payment
You may be eligible for a downsizing payment from the Tenant's Option Fund. This offers a lump sum to council tenants who downsize and the money can be used however you like. Find out how to apply for a Tenant's Option Fund payment.