Downsizing Scheme

If you are a Southampton City Council tenant living in a home that is larger than you need, the Downsizing Scheme may be able to help you move to a smaller, more suitable home. The scheme is voluntary. It is designed to provide practical support and, where eligible, financial assistance to help make moving easier.

The scheme helps tenants move to homes that better meet their needs. It also helps release larger council homes for families who are overcrowded or waiting for family-sized accommodation.

Applying to this scheme does not guarantee that you will be accepted. You will be notified if we have accepted your application for the incentive payment under the Downsizing Scheme.

What is downsizing?

Downsizing means moving from your current council home to a smaller property that is more suitable for your household. This could include moving to:

• A smaller flat
• A house
• Age-designated accommodation
• A home with adaptations
• Housing with care, where this is appropriate for your needs

You will not be required to downsize. The scheme is about supporting tenants who want to move and helping them understand the options available.

Who can apply?

You may be able to apply for the Downsizing Scheme if you are a secure Southampton City Council tenant and you are giving up one or more bedrooms by moving to smaller accommodation.

In addition:

• You must be living in general needs council accommodation
• You must be able to provide vacant possession of your current home when you move
• Your current home must be maintained in a satisfactory condition, subject to a pre-vacation inspection
• You must not be in breach of your tenancy conditions
• Any housing-related debt, rechargeable repairs, or other money owed to us may be deducted from any incentive payment
• If you have an introductory tenancy, you will usually need to complete your probationary period before you can apply

The scheme does not apply to non-secure tenants, such as households living in temporary accommodation. Housing association tenants should contact their own landlord to ask what downsizing options may be available.

What support is available?

We understand that moving home can feel like a big decision, especially if you have lived in your home for a long time. If you are eligible, we can talk to you about your housing options and the support that may be available to help you move, including:

• Help to understand your housing options
• Support to apply to join the Housing Register
• Advice about bidding for suitable properties
• Support with moving arrangements where appropriate
• Advice about benefits or other practical issues linked to moving
• Additional support for tenants who may need reasonable adjustments or extra help

Financial assistance

If your application is approved and you complete an eligible downsizing move, you may be able to receive a one-off incentive payment. Payments are subject to the Downsizing Policy, eligibility criteria, and available scheme funding.

Payment type	Amount	Important information
First bedroom released	£1,000	For eligible tenants moving from a property with two or more bedrooms and giving up at least one bedroom
Each additional bedroom released	£500	Subject to eligibility and scheme rules
Removal costs	Up to £750	You will need to provide a valid receipt if you claim removal costs

Any rent arrears, rechargeable repairs, court costs, or other housing-related debts owed to us may be deducted from the payment. The scheme has a limited budget: payments are not guaranteed and may be paused if the available funding has been fully committed.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for the Downsizing Scheme:

1. Contact the Housing Allocations Team to discuss whether the scheme may be suitable for you
2. Apply to join the Housing Register if you are not already registered
3. Complete a Downsizing Scheme application form (below)
4. We will check your tenancy, current property size, housing need, and eligibility for the scheme
5. If your application is accepted, we will explain what support may be available and how to bid for suitable homes

If you need help to complete an application, please contact us. We can discuss your circumstances and consider what support or reasonable adjustments may be needed.

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application in line with the our Allocations Policy and Downsizing Policy. Then your application will be placed in the appropriate banding, as detailed in the policy.

Properties will be advertised through Homesearch. You will be required to bid or suitable accommodation. If you need support with bidding, this can be provided.

If you are successful in a bid, you will need to decide whether it is right for you. If you accept an offer, you will be expected to end your current tenancy and give vacant possession of your existing home. This means that your home must be returned empty. No household members may remain in the property once you have vacated it.

Any incentive payment will normally be made after you have moved and once the required checks have been completed.

Mutual exchange

Some tenants may choose to move to a smaller home through mutual exchange. Tenants who downsize through mutual exchange are not eligible for an incentive payment under the Downsizing Scheme. However, we may still be able to provide advice or limited support, depending on your circumstances and available capacity.

See mutual exchange.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to move?

No. The scheme is voluntary. We will not require you to downsize if you do not want to move.

Will I definitely receive an incentive payment?

No. Incentive payments depend on:

• Eligibility
• Completion of an approved downsizing move
• Any deductions that may apply
• The availability of scheme funding

Can I choose where I move to?

You can express preferences and bid for suitable properties through the Housing Register. Offers will be made in line with our Allocations Policy and the availability of suitable homes.

What if I need adapted accommodation or housing with care?

Tell us about your needs when you contact us. We may need additional information so that we can assess what type of accommodation is suitable for you.

Contact us

For advice about the Downsizing Scheme, contact the Housing Allocations Team by:

• Email: Housing.Allocations@southampton.gov.uk
• Telephone: 023 8083 3006

You can also visit Gateway at the Civic Centre for further advice.

Do you need this information in another format?

If you need this information in another language, large print, audio or another format, please contact us and tell us what you need.

Apply for the Downsizing Scheme

If you are to apply, complete the following Downsizing Scheme application form: