Finding A Home

First Steps Towards Finding A Home

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Find out if any friends or relatives are prepared to let you stay temporarily
Let friends, family and colleagues know that you are looking for somewhere to live. They may know or hear of suitable accommodation for you
Look in local newspapers; normally they advertise accommodation. Shop windows and supermarket notice boards sometimes advertise privately rented properties
We have links with local landlords and may be able to give you details of private rented accommodation. We also have a list of local letting agents
Contact letting agents and leave a name and contact number even if they don't have any accommodation straight away. You can also register on-line with some agencies and on http://www.rightmove.co.uk/
Register on the housing waiting list - online at http://www.gatewaytohomechoice.org.uk/ to express an interest (make a bid) on social housing available within the local authority areas of Babergh, Braintree , Colchester , Ipswich , Maldon, Mid Suffolk, Suffolk Coastal and Waveney District
If you are threatened with or are homeless, you will be required to have a personal interview here at the Council offices with a housing options officer
HomeBuy. If you wish to buy but cannot afford to raise enough money for a mortgage or wish to rent but cannot afford to pay market rents, then this scheme may help you. It enables you to buy shares worth between 25% and 75% of the property's market value and you pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share. MOAT is the HomeBuy agent for Essex and will assess your eligibility for all the different options available including options for key workers. Contact them at HomeBuy or 0845 359 6161
Once you have found somewhere to live you may be entitled to assistance to help pay for your accommodation. Contact us and we will help and advise you on housing and council tax benefit.