In December, Housing Options Scotland clients faced a range of challenging issues, from unsuitable homes that could not be adapted to meet their needs, to urgent housing crises that required immediate attention.
With a growing demand for accessible housing, many individuals and families found themselves navigating complex systems. With the help of our brokers, HOS worked to help clients understand their options ensuring that clients were informed and empowered to find the most suitable accommodation.
Diane’s Story –
In December 2024, David contacted us about his mum Diane’s housing situation. Diane had been living in a home that David bought for her years ago. However, due to changes in David’s personal life, he now has to sell the house where his mum is living.
Our broker spoke with David and learned that Diane didn’t have a formal tenancy agreement and wasn’t paying rent. Based on this, the broker recognised that homelessness options might apply in this case, as there was no formal tenancy agreement.
Since Diane is over 55, the broker also considered sheltered housing as an option. Knowing of a sheltered housing development nearby, the broker reached out to the housing association to explore whether this might be a suitable solution for Diane.
Right now, we’re still waiting to hear back from the housing association. Thanks to our broker’s expertise, Diane is aware of all her options and is being guided toward finding the right accommodation.
Rebecca’s Story –
Rebecca and her family contacted us because they were homeowners living in a property that was unsuitable and couldn’t be adapted to meet their needs.
During their initial conversation, it became clear that Rebecca and her family had already begun exploring various housing options. They had started by getting their home valued and applying to local housing associations. As a first step, our broker outlined several potential options, including home ownership, applying to additional housing associations, and considering Mid Market Rent. The broker also reached out to the housing associations where Rebecca had applied to check the status of her applications.
As the family’s situation became more urgent, our broker took proactive steps by contacting all the housing associations to ask various questions about the clients case, to make sure they had the correct priority. Our broker liased with several housing providers, to try and get the best possible outcome for Rebecca and her family.
Through these efforts, our broker learned of an available property that met the family’s needs. Rebecca was keen to view it, and after the viewing, the family decided it was the perfect fit and accepted the offer.
Throughout the process, our broker ensured that all of Rebecca’s applications were kept up to date and communicated the urgency of the family’s situation, ultimately helping them secure a suitable new home.
Finding suitable accommodation for a homeless veteran –
A veteran of the armed forces reached out to us for help with their housing situation, as they had been living in their car after becoming homeless a few years ago.
Our broker first discussed the client’s situation and provided information on all the housing options available to them, including homelessness support, sheltered housing, Mid Market Rent, buying a home, and veterans housing options.
While reviewing the case, the broker discovered that the client had not been given the homelessness priority they were entitled to. This could have caused a long delay in securing housing. The broker is currently looking into the issue to ensure the client’s priority status is as it should be.
Throughout the process, the broker continued to assist the client, exploring all possible housing options. Without the broker’s help, this important issue may have gone unnoticed, further delaying the client’s ability to find suitable housing.
James’ Story –
James’ family faced the challenge of needing to relocate to be closer to a school that could better support James’ educational needs. Their current home, which lacked outdoor space, was also unsuitable for his requirements.
After reaching out to Housing Options Scotland, it became clear that purchasing a home on a benefits income was a feasible option, and the family was eager to explore this path further.
With savings already in place, they were ready to seek mortgage advice. Our broker passed on their details to a financial advisor many of our clients have used in the past, and together they began the journey of securing a mortgage. Thanks to the support of both the broker and the advisor, the family was able to secure an agreement in principle, find a suitable home in the desired location, and move forward with the purchase. They are now in the final stages of completing the transaction.
Without the guidance and expertise of our broker, it’s unlikely the family would have received the crucial financial advice needed to achieve homeownership.